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August 2, 2019

Part B Medicare Coverage for Cochlear Implant Batteries

CGS has recently received several questions regarding reimbursement for Cochlear Implant Batteries and would like to provide the following information.

Cochlear Implants vs Hearing Aides

A cochlear implant is very different from a hearing aid.

  • Hearing aids amplify sounds so they may be detected by damaged ears.
  • Cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.

Medicare Coverage

  • Medicare DOES NOT cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. You pay 100% for hearing aids and exams
  • Cochlear Implants ARE covered by Medicare, National Coverage Determination (NCD 50.3External Website)

Batteries/Replacement

  • Batteries for hearing aides are NOT covered
  • Payment for cochlear implant batteries (using the CPT Codes listed below) WILL BE reimbursed by Part B Medicare
    • When the device is a covered implant the long term maintenance (which includes batteries and replacements) are also covered.

Proper CPT Codes and pricing

CPT Code

Description

J15 OH Pricing

J15 KY Pricing

L8621

Zinc air battery for use with cochlear implant device and auditory osseointegrated sound processors, replacement,

each - .61 cents OH and KY

L8622

Alkaline battery for use with cochlear implant device, any size, replacement

each - .32 cents OH and KY

L8623

Lithium ion battery for use with cochlear implant device speech processor, other than ear level, replacement

each - $64.35 OH

each-$64.69 KY

L8624

Lithium ion battery for use with cochlear implant or auditory osseointegrated device speech processor, ear level, replacement

each - $160.44

each - $161.27

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