C7503 HCPCS code: Open biopsy or excision of deep cervical node(s) with intraoperative identification (e.g., mapping) of sentinel lymph node(s) including injection of non-radioactive dye when performed
C7503 is the HCPCS Level II code for open biopsy or excision of deep cervical node(s) with intraoperative identification (e.g., mapping) of sentinel lymph node(s) including injection of non-radioactive dye when performed. In 2024 Medicare paid an average of $1,497.01 per service for C7503 across 24 services. Its Medicare coverage code is C (Carrier judgment): Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case. The NCCI unit limit is 1 per day on outpatient hospital claims. In 2024, about 4 clinicians billed Medicare for C7503 for 24 beneficiaries.
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | C codes — Outpatient PPS (hospital outpatient temporary codes) |
| Coverage code | C — Carrier judgment |
| Pricing indicator | 11 — Priced using national relative value units (Physician Fee Schedule) |
| BETOS category | P5E |
| Added | 2023-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2023-01-01 |
Who bills C7503 (2024)
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Clinicians billing (by place of service) | 4 |
| Medicare beneficiaries | 24 |
| States with claims | 1 |
Counts only. Supplier and clinician names, contact lists and state-by-state detail are in Caduvo.
Medicare utilization for C7503, 2024–2024
| Year | Services | Beneficiaries | Avg. allowed | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 24 | 24 | $1,878.90 | $1,497.01 |
States with the most C7503 services (2024)
| State | Services | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 23 | $1,481.50 |
NCCI unit limits (MUE)
| Claim type | Max units per day | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| outpatient hospital claims | 1 | Code Descriptor / CPT Instruction |
| practitioner claims | 1 | Code Descriptor / CPT Instruction |
What changed for C7503
- 2023-01-01: C7503 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 C7503?
C7503 is the HCPCS Level II code for open biopsy or excision of deep cervical node(s) with intraoperative identification (e.g., mapping) of sentinel lymph node(s) including injection of non-radioactive dye when performed. Short descriptor: "Open exc cerv node(s) w/ id".
How much does Medicare pay for C7503?
In 2024, the average Medicare payment was $1,497.01 per service (average allowed $1,878.90).
Does Medicare cover C7503?
Coverage code C — Carrier judgment. Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case.
How many units of C7503 can be billed per day?
1 on outpatient hospital claims; 1 on practitioner claims (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related C75 codes
- C7500 — Debridement, bone including epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, muscle and/or fascia, if performed, first 20 sq cm or less with manual preparation and insertion of deep (e.g., subfacial) drug-delivery device(s)
- C7501 — Percutaneous breast biopsies using stereotactic guidance, with placement of breast localization device(s) (e.g., clip, metallic pellet), when performed, and imaging of the biopsy specimen, when performed, all lesions unilateral and bilateral (for single lesion biopsy, use appropriate code)
- C7502 — Percutaneous breast biopsies using magnetic resonance guidance, with placement of breast localization device(s) (e.g., clip, metallic pellet), when performed, and imaging of the biopsy specimen, when performed, all lesions unilateral or bilateral (for single lesion biopsy, use appropriate code)
- C7504 — Percutaneous vertebroplasties (bone biopsies included when performed), first cervicothoracic and any additional cervicothoracic or lumbosacral vertebral bodies, unilateral or bilateral injection, inclusive of all imaging guidance
- C7505 — Percutaneous vertebroplasties (bone biopsies included when performed), first lumbosacral and any additional cervicothoracic or lumbosacral vertebral bodies, unilateral or bilateral injection, inclusive of all imaging guidance
- C7506 — Arthrodesis, interphalangeal joints, with or without internal fixation
- C7507 — Percutaneous vertebral augmentations, first thoracic and any additional thoracic or lumbar vertebral bodies, including cavity creations (fracture reductions and bone biopsies included when performed) using mechanical device (e.g., kyphoplasty), unilateral or bilateral cannulations, inclusive of all imaging guidance
- C7508 — Percutaneous vertebral augmentations, first lumbar and any additional thoracic or lumbar vertebral bodies, including cavity creations (fracture reductions and bone biopsies included when performed) using mechanical device (e.g., kyphoplasty), unilateral or bilateral cannulations, inclusive of all imaging guidance
- C7509 — Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, diagnostic with cell washing(s) when performed, with computer-assisted image-guided navigation, including fluoroscopic guidance when performed
- C7510 — Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, with bronchial alveolar lavage(s), with computer-assisted image-guided navigation, including fluoroscopic guidance when performed
- C7511 — Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, with single or multiple bronchial or endobronchial biopsy(ies), single or multiple sites, with computer-assisted image-guided navigation, including fluoroscopic guidance when performed
- C7512 — Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, with single or multiple bronchial or endobronchial biopsy(ies), single or multiple sites, with transendoscopic endobronchial ultrasound (ebus) during bronchoscopic diagnostic or therapeutic intervention(s) for peripheral lesion(s), including fluoroscopic guidance when performed
Building a device that would bill under a code like this? Caduvo matches a device description to HCPCS/CPT codes, Medicare coverage and payment, and the FDA pathway in one report.
Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under C7503
- Watch C7503 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for C7503
Sources: CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2026; 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.