Summary & Overview
HCPCS A6552: Below-Knee Gradient Compression Stocking, 30-40 mmHg
HCPCS Level II code A6552 designates a single below-knee gradient compression stocking providing 30–40 mmHg of compression. This code is used when billing for individually supplied compression hosiery intended to manage venous insufficiency, edema, lymphedema adjunct therapy, or post-thrombotic care. Nationally, A6552 matters because compression therapy is a common conservative treatment that can reduce complications and downstream costs when used appropriately.
Key payers in common coverage analyses include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical role of below-knee gradient compression at the 30–40 mmHg level, typical sites of service, and the payer landscape covered. The publication outlines standard benchmarks and coverage considerations, highlights where policy updates typically occur, and provides clinical context describing indications and expected use cases.
This summary equips clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts with the essential facts about HCPCS Level II code A6552, what it represents, which major payers are relevant, and what to expect in terms of documentation and use cases. Data not available in the input for specific modifiers, taxonomies, ICD-10 pairings, and detailed payer rules is noted elsewhere in the full publication.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code A6552 describes a gradient compression stocking, below knee, 30-40 mmHg, each. This item is a single below-knee medical compression stocking designed to provide graduated compression in the 30–40 mmHg range, typically used to manage venous insufficiency, edema, or post-thrombotic symptoms.
Service type: Durable Medical Equipment / Compression Garment
Typical site of service: Outpatient or home use; supplied by durable medical equipment providers or specialty medical supply retailers.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62-year-old ambulatory patient with chronic venous insufficiency and symptomatic lower-extremity edema presents to an outpatient durable medical equipment (DME) supplier following evaluation by a primary care physician or vascular specialist. The clinician documents symptoms of leg heaviness, aching, and visible varicosities with exam findings of pitting edema and venous stasis changes. A prescription is written for a single pair of below-knee gradient compression stockings, 30–40 mmHg, for daily wear to reduce edema and improve venous return. The DME supplier verifies the prescription, obtains patient demographics and insurance information, fits the patient for the appropriate size, dispenses one stocking (A6552 billed per each), and provides written patient education on application, wear schedule, and skin checks. Typical sites of service include outpatient DME supplier locations, outpatient clinics, and hospital outpatient departments where fitting and dispensing occur. Follow-up is arranged with the ordering clinician to assess symptom relief and fit, and to document medical necessity for future replacements.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
LT | Left side | When only the left lower extremity stocking is furnished |