Q4257 HCPCS code: Relese, per square centimeter (add-on, list separately in addition to primary procedure)
Q4257 is the HCPCS Level II code for relese, per square centimeter (add-on, list separately in addition to primary procedure). In 2024 Medicare paid an average of $731.49 per service for Q4257 across 27,681 services. Its Medicare coverage code is C (Carrier judgment): Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case. Medicare volume rose 4% from 2023 to 2024 (26,541 to 27,681 services). In 2024, about 157 clinicians billed Medicare for Q4257 for 745 beneficiaries; Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas accounted for 76% of services.
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | Q codes — Temporary codes |
| Coverage code | C — Carrier judgment |
| Pricing indicator | 11 — Priced using national relative value units (Physician Fee Schedule) |
| BETOS category | O1E — Other drugs |
| Added | 2022-04-01 |
| Last action effective | 2026-01-01 |
Who bills Q4257 (2024)
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Clinicians billing (by place of service) | 157 |
| Medicare beneficiaries | 745 |
| States with claims | 9 |
| Share of services in top 3 states (Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas) | 76% |
Counts only. Supplier and clinician names, contact lists and state-by-state detail are in Caduvo.
Medicare utilization for Q4257, 2023–2024
| Year | Services | Beneficiaries | Avg. allowed | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 26,541 | 685 | $669.86 | $533.71 |
| 2024 | 27,681 | 745 | $918.21 | $731.49 |
States with the most Q4257 services (2024)
| State | Services | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 12,213 | $738.46 |
| New Mexico | 5,380 | $775.57 |
| Arkansas | 2,769 | $663.30 |
| Florida | 2,483 | $735.94 |
| Colorado | 1,992 | $681.83 |
What changed for Q4257
- January 2026: Descriptor revised (Was: Relese, per square centimeter)
- 2022-04-01: Q4257 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 Q4257?
Q4257 is the HCPCS Level II code for relese, per square centimeter (add-on, list separately in addition to primary procedure). Short descriptor: "Relese, per sq cm".
How much does Medicare pay for Q4257?
In 2024, the average Medicare payment was $731.49 per service (average allowed $918.21).
Does Medicare cover Q4257?
Coverage code C — Carrier judgment. Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case.
Related Q42 codes
- Q4200 — Skin te, per square centimeter (add-on, list separately in addition to primary procedure)
- Q4201 — Matrion, per square centimeter (add-on, list separately in addition to primary procedure)
- Q4202 — Keroxx (2.5g/cc), 1cc
- Q4203 — Derma-gide, per square centimeter (add-on, list separately in addition to primary procedure)
- Q4204 — Xwrap, per square centimeter (add-on, list separately in addition to primary procedure)
- Q4205 — Membrane graft or membrane wrap, per square centimeter (add-on, list separately in addition to primary procedure)
- Q4206 — Fluid flow or fluid gf, 1 cc
- Q4207 — Carbon life, per square centimeter (add-on, list separately in addition to primary procedure)
- Q4208 — Novafix, per square cenitmeter (add-on, list separately in addition to primary procedure)
- Q4209 — Surgraft, per square centimeter (add-on, list separately in addition to primary procedure)
- Q4210 — Axolotl graft or axolotl dualgraft, per square centimeter
- Q4211 — Amnion bio or axobiomembrane, per square centimeter (add-on, list separately in addition to primary procedure)
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Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under Q4257
- Watch Q4257 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for Q4257
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.