L8688 HCPCS code: Implantable neurostimulator pulse generator, dual array, non-rechargeable, includes extension
L8688 is the HCPCS Level II code for implantable neurostimulator pulse generator, dual array, non-rechargeable, includes extension. Its Medicare coverage code is I (Not payable by Medicare): Medicare does not pay separately under this code; another code applies. The NCCI unit limit is 1 per day on practitioner claims.
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | L codes — Orthotic and prosthetic procedures and devices |
| Coverage code | I — Not payable by Medicare |
| Pricing indicator | 00 — Not separately priced by Medicare |
| BETOS category | D1F — Prosthetic and orthotic devices |
| Added | 2006-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2014-01-01 |
Related codes Medicare does pay
Medicare does not pay under L8688. These codes in the same L86 family carry a current DMEPOS fee:
- L8600 — Implantable breast prosthesis, silicone or equal: $764.47–$1,019.30
- L8603 — Injectable bulking agent, collagen implant, urinary tract, 2.5 ml syringe, includes shipping and necessary supplies: $534.60–$539.27
- L8605 — Injectable bulking agent, dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer implant, anal canal, 1 ml, includes shipping and necessary supplies: $860.80–$946.86
- L8606 — Injectable bulking agent, synthetic implant, urinary tract, 1 ml syringe, includes shipping and necessary supplies: $252.88–$281.84
- L8607 — Injectable bulking agent for vocal cord medialization, 0.1 ml, includes shipping and necessary supplies: $51.53–$56.69
- L8609 — Artificial cornea: $7,830.54–$8,127.00
- L8610 — Ocular implant: $716.57–$955.43
- L8612 — Aqueous shunt: $744.39–$974.58
NCCI unit limits (MUE)
| Claim type | Max units per day | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| practitioner claims | 1 | Nature of Equipment |
What changed for L8688
- 2006-01-01: L8688 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 L8688?
L8688 is the HCPCS Level II code for implantable neurostimulator pulse generator, dual array, non-rechargeable, includes extension. Short descriptor: "Implt nrostm pls gen dua non".
Does Medicare cover L8688?
Coverage code I — Not payable by Medicare. Medicare does not pay separately under this code; another code applies.
Which related codes does Medicare pay instead of L8688?
Codes in the same L86 family with a DMEPOS fee include L8600 ($764.47–$1,019.30), L8603 ($534.60–$539.27), L8605 ($860.80–$946.86). Check the item matches the code's descriptor before billing.
How many units of L8688 can be billed per day?
1 on practitioner claims (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related L86 codes
- L8600 — Implantable breast prosthesis, silicone or equal ($764.47–$1,019.30)
- L8603 — Injectable bulking agent, collagen implant, urinary tract, 2.5 ml syringe, includes shipping and necessary supplies ($534.60–$539.27)
- L8604 — Injectable bulking agent, dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer implant, urinary tract, 1 ml, includes shipping and necessary supplies
- L8605 — Injectable bulking agent, dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer implant, anal canal, 1 ml, includes shipping and necessary supplies ($860.80–$946.86)
- L8606 — Injectable bulking agent, synthetic implant, urinary tract, 1 ml syringe, includes shipping and necessary supplies ($252.88–$281.84)
- L8607 — Injectable bulking agent for vocal cord medialization, 0.1 ml, includes shipping and necessary supplies ($51.53–$56.69)
- L8608 — Miscellaneous external component, supply or accessory for use with the argus ii retinal prosthesis system
- L8609 — Artificial cornea ($7,830.54–$8,127.00)
- L8610 — Ocular implant ($716.57–$955.43)
- L8612 — Aqueous shunt ($744.39–$974.58)
- L8613 — Ossicula implant ($314.80–$418.46)
- L8614 — Cochlear device, includes all internal and external components ($22,998.52–$24,149.06)
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Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under L8688
- Watch L8688 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for L8688
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.