C9777 HCPCS code: Esophageal mucosal integrity testing by electrical impedance, transoral, includes esophagoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy
C9777 is the HCPCS Level II code for esophageal mucosal integrity testing by electrical impedance, transoral, includes esophagoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy. In 2024 Medicare paid an average of $1,658.86 per service for C9777 across 567 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 rose 1106% from 2022 to 2024 (47 to 567 services). In 2024, about 35 clinicians billed Medicare for C9777 for 565 beneficiaries; Florida, Georgia, Texas accounted for 69% 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 | P8B |
| Added | 2021-04-01 |
| Last action effective | 2022-01-01 |
Who bills C9777 (2024)
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Clinicians billing (by place of service) | 35 |
| Medicare beneficiaries | 565 |
| States with claims | 9 |
| Share of services in top 3 states (Florida, Georgia, Texas) | 69% |
Counts only. Supplier and clinician names, contact lists and state-by-state detail are in Caduvo.
Medicare utilization for C9777, 2022–2024
| Year | Services | Beneficiaries | Avg. allowed | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 47 | 47 | $1,734.25 | $1,380.74 |
| 2023 | 163 | 163 | $1,810.27 | $1,438.88 |
| 2024 | 567 | 565 | $2,086.95 | $1,658.86 |
States with the most C9777 services (2024)
| State | Services | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 209 | $1,608.70 |
| Georgia | 104 | $1,716.95 |
| Texas | 62 | $1,703.80 |
| Tennessee | 46 | $1,535.72 |
| Pennsylvania | 38 | $1,625.36 |
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 C9777
- 2021-04-01: C9777 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 C9777?
C9777 is the HCPCS Level II code for esophageal mucosal integrity testing by electrical impedance, transoral, includes esophagoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Short descriptor: "Esophag muc integ w/eso egd".
How much does Medicare pay for C9777?
In 2024, the average Medicare payment was $1,658.86 per service (average allowed $2,086.95).
Does Medicare cover C9777?
Coverage code D — Special coverage instructions apply. Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met.
How many units of C9777 can be billed per day?
1 on outpatient hospital claims; 1 on practitioner claims (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related C97 codes
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- 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)
- 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
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Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under C9777
- Watch C9777 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for C9777
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.