E0249 HCPCS code: Pad for water circulating heat unit, for replacement only

E0249 is the HCPCS Level II code for pad for water circulating heat unit, for replacement only. The 2026 Medicare DMEPOS fee schedule pays $120.65 to $218.96 (NU, new equipment, purchased) depending on the state. Its Medicare coverage code is D (Special coverage instructions apply): Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met. Its average fee ranks 7 of 14 E02 codes billed NU (family range $15.39–$673.16).

Code details

2026 Medicare DMEPOS fee schedule for E0249

How the E0249 fee compares

Medicare policy articles for this code

• A52502: Heating Pads and Heat Lamps - Policy Article (CGS Administrators, LLC (DME MAC) Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC (DME MAC)) — mentions this code in its coding guidance

What changed for E0249

• 2026-01-01: Average state fee (NU) rose 2.0%: $133.07 to $135.73
• 2026-01-01: Average state fee (RR) rose 2.0%: $14.56 to $14.86
• 2026-01-01: Average state fee (UE) rose 2.0%: $99.80 to $101.79
• 1986-01-01: E0249 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 E0249?

E0249 is the HCPCS Level II code for pad for water circulating heat unit, for replacement only. Short descriptor: "Pad water circulating heat u".

How much does Medicare pay for E0249?

Under the 2026 DMEPOS fee schedule, non-rural state fees are NU (new equipment, purchased): $120.65–$218.96; RR (rental (monthly)): $13.26–$22.60; UE (used equipment, purchased): $90.48–$164.20. Rural fees can be higher.

Does Medicare cover E0249?

Coverage code D — Special coverage instructions apply. Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met.

Did the Medicare fee for E0249 change in 2026?

The average non-rural state fee for NU moved from $133.07 in 2025 to $135.73 in 2026 (+2.0%). CMS's next quarterly HCPCS and DMEPOS update takes effect January 1, 2027.

Related E02 codes

• E0200 — Heat lamp, without stand (table model), includes bulb, or infrared element ($13.04–$237.31)
• E0201 — Penile contracture device, manual, greater than 3 lbs traction force ($14.65–$146.52)
• E0202 — Phototherapy (bilirubin) light with photometer ($75.19–$320.58)
• E0203 — Therapeutic lightbox, minimum 10,000 lux, table top model
• E0205 — Heat lamp, with stand, includes bulb, or infrared element ($25.87–$370.65)
• E0210 — Electric heat pad, standard ($3.73–$127.76)
• E0215 — Electric heat pad, moist ($8.98–$155.37)
• E0217 — Water circulating heat pad with pump ($66.95–$923.22)
• E0218 — Fluid circulating cold pad with pump, any type
• E0221 — Infrared heating pad system
• E0225 — Hydrocollator unit, includes pads ($46.40–$682.90)
• E0231 — Non-contact wound warming device (temperature control unit, ac adapter and power cord) for use with warming card and wound cover

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Next steps

• Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under E0249
• Watch E0249 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
• Build a full Medicare revenue model for E0249

Sources: CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2025; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule 2026; 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.

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