G9946 HCPCS code: Back pain was not measured by the visual analog scale (vas) or numeric pain scale at one year (9 to 15 months) postoperatively
G9946 is the HCPCS Level II code for back pain was not measured by the visual analog scale (vas) or numeric pain scale at one year (9 to 15 months) postoperatively. Its Medicare coverage code is C (Carrier judgment): Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case.
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | G codes — Procedures and professional services (temporary) |
| Coverage code | C — Carrier judgment |
| Pricing indicator | 00 — Not separately priced by Medicare |
| BETOS category | Z2 |
| Added | 2018-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2023-01-01 |
What changed for G9946
- 2018-01-01: G9946 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 G9946?
G9946 is the HCPCS Level II code for back pain was not measured by the visual analog scale (vas) or numeric pain scale at one year (9 to 15 months) postoperatively. Short descriptor: "Bk pain no vas".
Does Medicare cover G9946?
Coverage code C — Carrier judgment. Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case.
Related G99 codes
- G9900 — Screening, diagnostic, film, digital or digital breast tomosynthesis (3d) mammography results were not documented and reviewed, reason not otherwise specified
- G9901 — Patient age 66 or older in institutional special needs plans (snp) or residing in long-term care with pos code 32, 33, 34, 54, or 56 for more than 90 consecutive days during the measurement period
- G9902 — Patient screened for tobacco use and identified as a tobacco user
- G9903 — Patient screened for tobacco use and identified as a tobacco non-user
- G9904 — Documentation of medical reason(s) for not screening for tobacco use (e.g., limited life expectancy, other medical reason)
- G9905 — Patient not screened for tobacco use
- G9906 — Patient identified as a tobacco user received tobacco cessation intervention during the measurement period or in the six months prior to the measurement period (counseling and/or pharmacotherapy)
- G9907 — Documentation of medical reason(s) for not providing tobacco cessation intervention on the date of the encounter or within the previous 12 months (e.g., limited life expectancy, other medical reason)
- G9908 — Patient identified as tobacco user did not receive tobacco cessation intervention during the measurement period or in the six months prior to the measurement period (counseling and/or pharmacotherapy)
- G9909 — Documentation of medical reason(s) for not providing tobacco cessation intervention on the date of the encounter or within the previous 12 months if identified as a tobacco user (e.g., limited life expectancy, other medical reason)
- G9910 — Patients age 66 or older in institutional special needs plans (snp) or residing in long-term care with pos code 32, 33, 34, 54 or 56 for more than 90 consecutive days during the measurement period
- G9911 — Clinically node negative (t1n0m0 or t2n0m0) invasive breast cancer before or after neoadjuvant systemic therapy
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 G9946
- Watch G9946 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for G9946
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.