E0856 HCPCS code: Cervical traction device, with inflatable air bladder(s)
E0856 is the HCPCS Level II code for cervical traction device, with inflatable air bladder(s). The 2026 Medicare DMEPOS fee schedule pays $21.93 to $26.36 (RR, rental (monthly)) depending on the state. 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 DME suppliers. Its average fee ranks 4 of 9 E08 codes billed RR (family range $9.96–$73.73).
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | E codes — Durable medical equipment |
| Coverage code | C — Carrier judgment |
| Pricing indicator | 36 — DMEPOS: capped rental item |
| BETOS category | D1E — Other durable medical equipment |
| Added | 2008-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2015-01-01 |
2026 Medicare DMEPOS fee schedule for E0856
| Modifier | Meaning | Lowest state fee | Highest state fee | Ceiling | Floor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RR | rental (monthly) | $21.93 | $26.36 | $21.93 | $18.64 |
| State | Modifier | Fee | Rural fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK | RR | $21.93 | — |
| AL | RR | $21.93 | — |
| AR | RR | $21.93 | — |
| AZ | RR | $21.93 | — |
| CA | RR | $21.93 | — |
| CO | RR | $21.93 | — |
| CT | RR | $21.93 | — |
| DC | RR | $21.93 | — |
| DE | RR | $21.93 | — |
| FL | RR | $21.93 | — |
| GA | RR | $21.93 | — |
| HI | RR | $21.93 | — |
| IA | RR | $21.93 | — |
| ID | RR | $21.93 | — |
| IL | RR | $21.93 | — |
| IN | RR | $21.93 | — |
| KS | RR | $21.93 | — |
| KY | RR | $21.93 | — |
| LA | RR | $21.93 | — |
| MA | RR | $21.93 | — |
| MD | RR | $21.93 | — |
| ME | RR | $21.93 | — |
| MI | RR | $21.93 | — |
| MN | RR | $21.93 | — |
| MO | RR | $21.93 | — |
| MS | RR | $21.93 | — |
| MT | RR | $21.93 | — |
| NC | RR | $21.93 | — |
| ND | RR | $21.93 | — |
| NE | RR | $21.93 | — |
| NH | RR | $21.93 | — |
| NJ | RR | $21.93 | — |
| NM | RR | $21.93 | — |
| NV | RR | $21.93 | — |
| NY | RR | $21.93 | — |
| OH | RR | $21.93 | — |
| OK | RR | $21.93 | — |
| OR | RR | $21.93 | — |
| PA | RR | $21.93 | — |
| PR | RR | $26.36 | — |
| RI | RR | $21.93 | — |
| SC | RR | $21.93 | — |
| SD | RR | $21.93 | — |
| TN | RR | $21.93 | — |
| TX | RR | $21.93 | — |
| UT | RR | $21.93 | — |
| VA | RR | $21.93 | — |
| VI | RR | $21.93 | — |
| VT | RR | $21.93 | — |
| WA | RR | $21.93 | — |
| WI | RR | $21.93 | — |
| WV | RR | $21.93 | — |
| WY | RR | $21.93 | — |
How the E0856 fee compares
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Rank among 9 E08 codes billed RR (lowest = 1) | 4 |
| Family fee range (average of state fees) | $9.96–$73.73 |
| Rural fee uplift | — |
NCCI unit limits (MUE)
| Claim type | Max units per day | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| DME suppliers | 1 | Code Descriptor / CPT Instruction |
Medicare policy articles for this code
- A52476: Cervical Traction Devices - Policy Article (CGS Administrators, LLC (DME MAC) Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC (DME MAC)) — mentions this code in its coding guidance
What changed for E0856
- 2026-01-01: Average state fee (RR) rose 2.0%: $21.58 to $22.01
- 2008-01-01: E0856 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 E0856?
E0856 is the HCPCS Level II code for cervical traction device, with inflatable air bladder(s). Short descriptor: "Cervic collar w air bladders".
How much does Medicare pay for E0856?
Under the 2026 DMEPOS fee schedule, non-rural state fees are RR (rental (monthly)): $21.93–$26.36. Rural fees can be higher.
Does Medicare cover E0856?
Coverage code C — Carrier judgment. Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case.
Did the Medicare fee for E0856 change in 2026?
The average non-rural state fee for RR moved from $21.58 in 2025 to $22.01 in 2026 (+2.0%). CMS's next quarterly HCPCS and DMEPOS update takes effect January 1, 2027.
How many units of E0856 can be billed per day?
1 on DME suppliers (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related E08 codes
- E0830 — Ambulatory traction device, all types, each
- E0840 — Traction frame, attached to headboard, cervical traction ($19.78–$166.65)
- E0849 — Traction equipment, cervical, free-standing stand/frame, pneumatic, applying traction force to other than mandible ($73.45–$88.14)
- E0850 — Traction stand, free standing, cervical traction ($17.48–$163.63)
- E0855 — Cervical traction equipment not requiring additional stand or frame ($70.44–$84.52)
- E0860 — Traction equipment, overdoor, cervical ($4.93–$66.86)
- E0870 — Traction frame, attached to footboard, extremity traction, (e.g., buck's) ($16.24–$216.18)
- E0880 — Traction stand, free standing, extremity traction ($23.88–$199.33)
- E0890 — Traction frame, attached to footboard, pelvic traction ($19.68–$171.58)
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Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under E0856
- Watch E0856 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for E0856
Sources: CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2026; 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.