L8500 HCPCS code: Artificial larynx, any type
L8500 is the HCPCS Level II code for artificial larynx, any type. The 2026 Medicare DMEPOS fee schedule pays $704.63 to $1,077.27 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. The NCCI unit limit is 1 per day on DME suppliers. Its average fee ranks 10 of 10 L85 codes (family range $2.66–$885.39).
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | L codes — Orthotic and prosthetic procedures and devices |
| Coverage code | D — Special coverage instructions apply |
| Pricing indicator | 38 — DMEPOS: orthotics, prosthetics, prosthetic devices and vision services |
| BETOS category | D1F — Prosthetic and orthotic devices |
| Added | 1990-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 1996-01-01 |
2026 Medicare DMEPOS fee schedule for L8500
| Modifier | Meaning | Lowest state fee | Highest state fee | Ceiling | Floor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | base fee | $704.63 | $1,077.27 | $1,077.27 | $807.95 |
| State | Modifier | Fee | Rural fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK | — | $704.63 | — |
| AL | — | $807.95 | — |
| AR | — | $951.76 | — |
| AZ | — | $807.95 | — |
| CA | — | $807.95 | — |
| CO | — | $807.95 | — |
| CT | — | $909.66 | — |
| DC | — | $1,077.27 | — |
| DE | — | $1,077.27 | — |
| FL | — | $807.95 | — |
| GA | — | $807.95 | — |
| HI | — | $753.43 | — |
| IA | — | $918.74 | — |
| ID | — | $955.76 | — |
| IL | — | $810.32 | — |
| IN | — | $810.32 | — |
| KS | — | $918.74 | — |
| KY | — | $807.95 | — |
| LA | — | $951.76 | — |
| MA | — | $909.66 | — |
| MD | — | $1,077.27 | — |
| ME | — | $909.66 | — |
| MI | — | $810.32 | — |
| MN | — | $810.32 | — |
| MO | — | $918.74 | — |
| MS | — | $807.95 | — |
| MT | — | $807.95 | — |
| NC | — | $807.95 | — |
| ND | — | $807.95 | — |
| NE | — | $918.74 | — |
| NH | — | $909.66 | — |
| NJ | — | $930.40 | — |
| NM | — | $951.76 | — |
| NV | — | $807.95 | — |
| NY | — | $930.40 | — |
| OH | — | $810.32 | — |
| OK | — | $951.76 | — |
| OR | — | $955.76 | — |
| PA | — | $1,077.27 | — |
| PR | — | $856.60 | — |
| RI | — | $909.66 | — |
| SC | — | $807.95 | — |
| SD | — | $807.95 | — |
| TN | — | $807.95 | — |
| TX | — | $951.76 | — |
| UT | — | $807.95 | — |
| VA | — | $1,077.27 | — |
| VI | — | $930.37 | — |
| VT | — | $909.66 | — |
| WA | — | $955.76 | — |
| WI | — | $810.32 | — |
| WV | — | $1,077.27 | — |
| WY | — | $807.95 | — |
How the L8500 fee compares
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Rank among 10 L85 codes (lowest = 1) | 10 |
| Family fee range (average of state fees) | $2.66–$885.39 |
| Rural fee uplift | — |
NCCI unit limits (MUE)
| Claim type | Max units per day | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| DME suppliers | 1 | Anatomic Consideration |
| outpatient hospital claims | 1 | Anatomic Consideration |
What changed for L8500
- 2026-01-01: Average state fee rose 2.0%: $868.03 to $885.39
- 1990-01-01: L8500 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 L8500?
L8500 is the HCPCS Level II code for artificial larynx, any type. Short descriptor: "Artificial larynx".
How much does Medicare pay for L8500?
Under the 2026 DMEPOS fee schedule, non-rural state fees are base (base fee): $704.63–$1,077.27. Rural fees can be higher.
Does Medicare cover L8500?
Coverage code D — Special coverage instructions apply. Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met.
Did the Medicare fee for L8500 change in 2026?
The average non-rural state fee moved from $868.03 in 2025 to $885.39 in 2026 (+2.0%). CMS's next quarterly HCPCS and DMEPOS update takes effect January 1, 2027.
How many units of L8500 can be billed per day?
1 on DME suppliers; 1 on outpatient hospital claims (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related L85 codes
- L8501 — Tracheostomy speaking valve ($107.37–$197.18)
- L8505 — Artificial larynx replacement battery / accessory, any type
- L8507 — Tracheo-esophageal voice prosthesis, patient inserted, any type, each ($50.34–$55.40)
- L8509 — Tracheo-esophageal voice prosthesis, inserted by a licensed health care provider, any type ($131.24–$144.37)
- L8510 — Voice amplifier ($303.69–$334.05)
- L8511 — Insert for indwelling tracheoesophageal prosthesis, with or without valve, replacement only, each ($87.41–$104.86)
- L8512 — Gelatin capsules or equivalent, for use with tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis, replacement only, per 10 ($2.59–$3.12)
- L8513 — Cleaning device used with tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis, pipet, brush, or equal, replacement only, each ($6.24–$7.46)
- L8514 — Tracheoesophageal puncture dilator, replacement only, each ($113.31–$136.01)
- L8515 — Gelatin capsule, application device for use with tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis, each ($75.84–$83.45)
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Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under L8500
- Watch L8500 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for L8500
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.