## **What is HCPCS code C1600?**
HCPCS code C1600 is one that has a code description of "Catheter, transluminal intravascular lesion preparation device, bladed, sheathed (insertable)" as maintained by CMS or the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This code represents a disposable medical device, typically a bladed catheter system used for preparing tough, calcified, or fibrous lesions inside blood vessels (intravascular) before a definitive procedure like angioplasty or stenting. This preparation helps to create channels for balloon inflation or stent placement.
C1600 is an HCPCS Level II (National) code. C-codes are generally temporary codes used for items, drugs, or services that do not yet have permanent CPT or Level II codes, often established for the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) payment systems. It falls under the C1600-C1606 or the "Surgical, Imaging Devices and Grafts," contains other single-use devices that have also recently qualified for TPT status.
Effective January 1, 2024, CMS assigned this code to be eligible for Transitional Pass-Through (TPT) payment for both Hospital Outpatient Departments (HOPDs) and Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs). This separate payment is typically allowed for certain new, innovative medical devices for a limited time.
## **HCPCS C1600 documentation requirements**
Accurate billing and payment for C1600 depend on thorough and specific documentation in the patient's medical record. Key requirements include:
- **Medical necessity**: Clear evidence that the patient's condition required the transluminal intravascular lesion preparation device (e.g., severe calcification, fibrotic stenosis, or other challenging lesion morphology).
- **Operative/procedure report detail**: A detailed description of the procedure, including the target vessel, the extent of the lesion, and how the preparation device was utilized (e.g., number of passes, successful preparation).
- **Device identification**: Confirmation of the exact device used, including the brand name and model (e.g., the specific bladed, sheathed catheter).
- **Device log/supply record**: Confirmation of the single unit of the C1600-coded device was used, often referred to as the implant log or circulating nurse's notes.
## **C1600 billing requirements**
To properly bill for C1600, the following requirements must be met:
- **Claim form**: HOPDs use the CMS 1450/UB-04 form, and ASCs use the CMS 1500 form.
- **Payment**: Medicare allows a separate Transitional Pass-Through payment (TPT) for C1600, which is paid in addition to the reimbursement for the primary procedure reported by the CPT code.
- **Device offset**: Effective January 1, 2024, the device offset amount for this code when paired with the related CPT codes was generally updated to $0.00, meaning the device's cost is not deducted from the payment for the primary procedure.
## **Other relevant codes**
- **C1601**: Endoscope, single-use (i.e. disposable), pulmonary, imaging/illumination device (insertable)
- **C1602**: Orthopedic/device/drug matrix/absorbable bone void filler, antimicrobial-eluting (implantable)
- **C1603**: Retrieval device, insertable, laser (used to retrieve an intravascular inferior vena cava filter)
- **36903**: Introduction of needle(s) and/or catheter(s), dialysis circuit, with diagnostic angiography... (more complex/different imaging requirement)
- **36905**: Percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy and/or infusion for thrombolysis
- **36906**: Percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy and/or infusion for thrombolysis... (more complex/different imaging requirement)
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