Billing and Coding: Spinal Cord Stimulators for Chronic Pain

Medicare will reimburse placement of up to 2 SCS leads (≤16 contacts) and generally allows up to 2 SCS trials per anatomic spinal region per patient lifetime, with exceptions for technical limitations or different stimulation modalities. CPT 63650 (temporary/percutaneous trials) is covered in multiple settings with specific lifetime/unit limits, CPT 63655 (permanent implant) is limited to one per lifetime and must be performed in ASC/outpatient/hospital, and certain codes (63661/63663) are not reimbursed in the office; electronic analysis codes are limited to roughly once every 30 days except in the first post-implant month.

"Placement of up to 2 spinal cord stimulator leads or a maximum of 16 contacts is reimbursable."

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