by Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Dec 4th, 2014 - Reviewed/Updated Aug 9th
The DME MACs have recently noted confusion on the part of DMEPOS suppliers regarding the proper billing of lithium batteries. There are two types of lithium batteries Lithium batteries and Lithium Ion batteries. Lithium ion batteries are commonly used in consumer electronic devices and are rechargeable. Standard lithium batteries are disposable, non-rechargeable batteries. Suppliers must take care to properly distinguish between lithium ion and lithium batteries when billing claims to Medicare.
The following HCPCS codes are used to correctly code lithium batteries:
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Replacement battery, lithium, for use with medically necessary home blood glucose monitor owned by patient, each |
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Lithium ion battery for non-prosthetic use, replacement |
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Power wheelchair accessory, lithium-based battery, each |
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Replacement battery for external infusion pump owned by patient, lithium, 3.6 volt, each |
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Replacement battery for external infusion pump owned by patient, lithium, 4.5 volt, each |
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Lithium ion battery, replacement |
Code A4235 describes a lithium battery, not a lithium ion battery. This code is used to bill lithium batteries for glucose monitors, regardless of the voltage.
Codes K0604 and K0605 describe lithium batteries commonly used in external insulin infusion pumps. Note that each code has an associated voltage. Claims for lithium batteries for external insulin infusion pumps (E0784) that do not use a voltage described by either code K0604 and K0605 must be billed using code A9999.
Code A4601 describes a lithium ion battery, not a lithium battery. Suppliers billing code A4601 must include, in the claim narrative field:
- The type of base DME item for which A4601 is being used; and,
- The manufacturer, model number, and manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the battery.
Codes E2397 and L7367 describe lithium ion batteries for power wheelchairs and prosthetics, respectively.
Refer to the Contractor Supplier Manual, applicable Local Coverage Determination and related Policy Article for additional information about other coverage, coding and documentation requirements.
For questions about correct coding, contact the PDAC Contact Center at (877) 735-1326 during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, or e-mail the PDAC by completing the DME PDAC Contact Form located on the PDAC website: https://www.dmepdac.com/
Posted on May 9, 2014
References/Resources
About Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Christine Woolstenhulme, CPC, QCC, CMCS, CMRS, is a Certified coder and Medical Biller currently employed with Find-A-Code. Bringing over 30 years of insight, business knowledge, and innovation to the healthcare industry. Establishing a successful Medical Billing Company from 1994 to 2015, during this time, Christine has had the opportunity to learn all aspects of revenue cycle management while working with independent practitioners and in clinic settings. Christine was a VAR for AltaPoint EHR software sales, along with management positions and medical practice consulting. Understanding the complete patient engagement cycle and developing efficient processes to coordinate teams ensuring best practice standards in healthcare. Working with payers on coding and interpreting ACA policies according to state benchmarks and insurance filings and implementing company procedures and policies to coordinate teams and payer benefits.
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