C9738 HCPCS code: Adjunctive blue light cystoscopy with fluorescent imaging agent (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
C9738 is the HCPCS Level II code for adjunctive blue light cystoscopy with fluorescent imaging agent (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure). 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.
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 | I1F |
| Added | 2018-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2018-01-01 |
NCCI unit limits (MUE)
| Claim type | Max units per day | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| outpatient hospital claims | 1 | Nature of Service/Procedure |
| practitioner claims | 1 | Nature of Service/Procedure |
What changed for C9738
- 2018-01-01: C9738 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 C9738?
C9738 is the HCPCS Level II code for adjunctive blue light cystoscopy with fluorescent imaging agent (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure). Short descriptor: "Blue light cysto imag agent".
Does Medicare cover C9738?
Coverage code D — Special coverage instructions apply. Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met.
How many units of C9738 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
- C9728 — 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
- 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)
- 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 C9738
- Watch C9738 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for C9738
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.