C2639 HCPCS code: Brachytherapy source, non-stranded, iodine-125, per source
C2639 is the HCPCS Level II code for brachytherapy source, non-stranded, iodine-125, per source. In 2024 Medicare paid an average of $27.13 per service for C2639 across 11,693 services. Its Medicare coverage code is D (Special coverage instructions apply): Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met. The NCCI unit limit is 150 per day on outpatient hospital claims. Medicare volume fell 33% from 2022 to 2024 (17,442 to 11,693 services). In 2024, about 21 clinicians billed Medicare for C2639 for 142 beneficiaries; Maryland, Arizona, Georgia accounted for 75% of services.
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | C codes — Outpatient PPS (hospital outpatient temporary codes) |
| Coverage code | D — Special coverage instructions apply |
| Pricing indicator | 53 |
| BETOS category | I4B |
| Added | 2007-07-01 |
| Last action effective | 2007-07-01 |
Who bills C2639 (2024)
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Clinicians billing (by place of service) | 21 |
| Medicare beneficiaries | 142 |
| States with claims | 5 |
| Share of services in top 3 states (Maryland, Arizona, Georgia) | 75% |
Counts only. Supplier and clinician names, contact lists and state-by-state detail are in Caduvo.
Medicare utilization for C2639, 2022–2024
| Year | Services | Beneficiaries | Avg. allowed | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 17,442 | 208 | $34.49 | $27.53 |
| 2023 | 12,662 | 155 | $34.25 | $27.29 |
| 2024 | 11,693 | 142 | $34.04 | $27.13 |
States with the most C2639 services (2024)
| State | Services | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 3,157 | $27.40 |
| Arizona | 2,729 | $27.40 |
| Georgia | 2,225 | $26.92 |
| Florida | 1,387 | $26.08 |
| Delaware | 1,248 | $27.40 |
NCCI unit limits (MUE)
| Claim type | Max units per day | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| outpatient hospital claims | 150 | Clinical: Data |
| practitioner claims | 150 | Clinical: Data |
What changed for C2639
- 2007-07-01: C2639 added to HCPCS Level II
- Next scheduled CMS quarterly update (HCPCS and DMEPOS fee schedule): 2027-01-01
Frequently asked questions
What is HCPCS code C2639?
C2639 is the HCPCS Level II code for brachytherapy source, non-stranded, iodine-125, per source. Short descriptor: "Brachytx, non-stranded,i-125".
How much does Medicare pay for C2639?
In 2024, the average Medicare payment was $27.13 per service (average allowed $34.04).
Does Medicare cover C2639?
Coverage code D — Special coverage instructions apply. Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met.
How many units of C2639 can be billed per day?
150 on outpatient hospital claims; 150 on practitioner claims (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related C26 codes
- C2613 — Lung biopsy plug with delivery system
- C2614 — Probe, percutaneous lumbar discectomy
- C2615 — Sealant, pulmonary, liquid
- C2616 — Brachytherapy source, non-stranded, yttrium-90, per source
- C2617 — Stent, non-coronary, temporary, without delivery system
- C2618 — Probe/needle, cryoablation
- C2619 — Pacemaker, dual chamber, non rate-responsive (implantable)
- C2620 — Pacemaker, single chamber, non rate-responsive (implantable)
- C2621 — Pacemaker, other than single or dual chamber (implantable)
- C2622 — Prosthesis, penile, non-inflatable
- C2623 — Catheter, transluminal angioplasty, drug-coated, non-laser
- C2624 — Implantable wireless pulmonary artery pressure sensor with delivery catheter, including all system components
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Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under C2639
- Watch C2639 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for C2639
Sources: CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2025; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule; CMS NCCI MUE tables; CMS Medicare utilization (physician and DME supplier files); CMS Medicare Coverage Database articles. Fees are Medicare allowables, not commercial rates. Not billing or legal advice.