C9728 HCPCS code: Placement of interstitial device(s) for radiation therapy/surgery guidance (e.g., fiducial markers, dosimeter), for other than the following sites (any approach): abdomen, pelvis, prostate, retroperitoneum, thorax, single or multiple
C9728 is the HCPCS Level II code for placement of interstitial device(s) for radiation therapy/surgery guidance (e.g., fiducial markers, dosimeter), for other than the following sites (any approach): abdomen, pelvis, prostate, retroperitoneum, thorax, single or multiple. In 2024 Medicare paid an average of $540.58 per service for C9728 across 43 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 1 per day on outpatient hospital claims. Medicare volume fell 4% from 2022 to 2024 (45 to 43 services). In 2024, about 12 clinicians billed Medicare for C9728 for 41 beneficiaries.
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 | P5E |
| Added | 2007-07-01 |
| Last action effective | 2010-01-01 |
Who bills C9728 (2024)
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Clinicians billing (by place of service) | 12 |
| Medicare beneficiaries | 41 |
| States with claims | 1 |
Counts only. Supplier and clinician names, contact lists and state-by-state detail are in Caduvo.
Medicare utilization for C9728, 2022–2024
| Year | Services | Beneficiaries | Avg. allowed | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 45 | 45 | $885.35 | $706.61 |
| 2023 | 23 | 23 | $931.76 | $742.38 |
| 2024 | 43 | 41 | $678.48 | $540.58 |
States with the most C9728 services (2024)
| State | Services | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 24 | $523.85 |
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 C9728
- 2007-07-01: C9728 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 C9728?
C9728 is the HCPCS Level II code for placement of interstitial device(s) for radiation therapy/surgery guidance (e.g., fiducial markers, dosimeter), for other than the following sites (any approach): abdomen, pelvis, prostate, retroperitoneum, thorax, single or multiple. Short descriptor: "Place device/marker, non pro".
How much does Medicare pay for C9728?
In 2024, the average Medicare payment was $540.58 per service (average allowed $678.48).
Does Medicare cover C9728?
Coverage code D — Special coverage instructions apply. Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met.
How many units of C9728 can be billed per day?
1 on outpatient hospital claims; 1 on practitioner claims (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related C97 codes
- C9724 — Endoscopic full-thickness plication of the stomach using endoscopic plication system (eps); includes endoscopy
- C9725 — Placement of endorectal intracavitary applicator for high intensity brachytherapy
- C9726 — Placement and removal (if performed) of applicator into breast for intraoperative radiation therapy, add-on to primary breast procedure
- C9727 — Insertion of implants into the soft palate; minimum of three implants
- C9733 — Non-ophthalmic fluorescent vascular angiography
- C9734 — Focused ultrasound ablation/therapeutic intervention, other than uterine leiomyomata, with magnetic resonance (mr) guidance
- C9735 — Anoscopy; with directed submucosal injection(s), any substance
- C9737 — Laparoscopy, surgical, esophageal sphincter augmentation with device (e.g., magnetic band)
- C9738 — Adjunctive blue light cystoscopy with fluorescent imaging agent (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
- C9739 — Cystourethroscopy, with insertion of transprostatic implant; 1 to 3 implants
- C9740 — Cystourethroscopy, with insertion of transprostatic implant; 4 or more implants
- C9741 — Right heart catheterization with implantation of wireless pressure sensor in the pulmonary artery, including any type of measurement, angiography, imaging supervision, interpretation, and report
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 C9728
- Watch C9728 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for C9728
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.