C8003 HCPCS code: Implantation of medial knee extraarticular implantable shock absorber spanning the knee joint from distal femur to proximal tibia, open, includes measurements, positioning and adjustments, with imaging guidance (e.g., fluoroscopy)
C8003 is the HCPCS Level II code for implantation of medial knee extraarticular implantable shock absorber spanning the knee joint from distal femur to proximal tibia, open, includes measurements, positioning and adjustments, with imaging guidance (e.g., fluoroscopy). 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.
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 | P3D |
| Added | 2025-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2025-01-01 |
NCCI unit limits (MUE)
| Claim type | Max units per day | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| outpatient hospital claims | 1 | CMS Policy |
| practitioner claims | 1 | CMS Policy |
What changed for C8003
- 2025-01-01: C8003 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 C8003?
C8003 is the HCPCS Level II code for implantation of medial knee extraarticular implantable shock absorber spanning the knee joint from distal femur to proximal tibia, open, includes measurements, positioning and adjustments, with imaging guidance (e.g., fluoroscopy). Short descriptor: "Imp extar knee shck absrb".
Does Medicare cover C8003?
Coverage code C — Carrier judgment. Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case.
How many units of C8003 can be billed per day?
1 on outpatient hospital claims; 1 on practitioner claims (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related C80 codes
- C8000 — Support device, extravascular, for arteriovenous fistula (implantable)
- C8001 — 3d anatomical segmentation imaging for preoperative planning, data preparation and transmission, obtained from previous diagnostic computed tomographic or magnetic resonance examination of the same anatomy
- C8002 — Preparation of skin cell suspension autograft, automated, including all enzymatic processing and device components (do not report with manual suspension preparation)
- C8004 — Simulation angiogram with use of a pressure-generating catheter (e.g., one-way valve, intermittently occluding), inclusive of all radiological supervision and interpretation, intraprocedural roadmapping, and imaging guidance necessary to complete the angiogram, for subsequent therapeutic radioembolization of tumors
- C8005 — Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, non-thermal transbronchial ablation of lesion(s) by pulsed electric field (pef) energy, including fluoroscopic and/or ultrasound guidance, when performed, with computed tomography acquisition(s) and 3d rendering, computer-assisted, image-guided navigation, and endobronchial ultrasound (ebus) guided transtracheal and/or transbronchial sampling (e.g., aspiration[s]/biopsy[ies]) of lung(s) and all mediastinal and/or hilar lymph node stations or structures, and therapeutic intervention(s)
- C8006 — Insertion of pleural-peritoneal shunt with intercostal pump chamber, including imaging, injection(s) of contrast with radiological supervision and interpretation, when performed
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Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under C8003
- Watch C8003 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for C8003
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.