HCPCS Level II A6553: Below-Knee Gradient Compression Stocking, Custom, 30–40 mmHg

HCPCS Level II code A6553 describes a custom, below-knee gradient compression stocking with 30–40 mmHg compression, used as a durable medical device for management of venous insufficiency, lymphedema, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, or related circulatory conditions; service type is custom-fitted compression garment, and the typical site of service is outpatient clinic, durable medical equipment supplier, or home use.

For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Diabetic Supplies, Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid Nodules, Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Delivery for Managing Diabetes (for Idaho Only).

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 62-year-old ambulatory patient with symptomatic chronic venous insufficiency and unilateral lower-extremity edema is prescribed a custom, below-knee gradient compression stocking with 30–40 mmHg compression. The patient is evaluated in an outpatient vascular clinic where the vascular medicine specialist documents medical necessity, limb measurements, skin integrity, and any contraindications (e.g., arterial insufficiency). A certified fitter or durable medical equipment (DME) supplier obtains precise calf and ankle measurements to fabricate the custom stocking. The stocking is dispensed in the outpatient DME setting or clinic, with patient education on wear schedule, skin checks, laundering, and follow-up for fit and effectiveness. Typical supporting documentation includes the prescription/order, clinical notes describing diagnosis and functional limitation, measurement records, and supplier invoice. Expected sites of service are outpatient clinic, physician office, or DME supplier retail location.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`94640`	Pressurized medicament administration, inhalation therapy, per day	Data not relevant; no related CPT codes were provided
`99499`	Unlisted evaluation and management service	May be used in rare circumstances for nonstandard patient education but not typical
`99070`	Supplies and materials provided by physician over and above those usually included with the office visit	Used when additional customized supplies are provided during clinic visit
`97110`	Therapeutic exercises to develop strength and endurance	May be billed when a physical therapist provides gait or strength training related to lower-extremity edema management
`97760`	Assistive technology assessment (e.g., for bracing/orthotics)	May be used when an orthotist assesses and documents need for custom compression

Related Modifiers

5 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
59	Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…	- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
78	CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…	- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
80	CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…	- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code
207L00000X
163WH0500X
347D00000X
207RA0000X
246XC2901X
224ZE0001X
314000000X
163WX0002X

Related Payer Policy Updates

Specialty: Endocrinology1 / 3

10 rows

Policy	Payer	Effective Date
Diabetic Supplies	Cigna	2026-10-15
Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid Nodules	Cigna	2026-10-15
Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Delivery for Managing Diabetes (for Idaho Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-10-01
Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Delivery for Managing Diabetes (for Indiana Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-10-01
Tzield (teplizumab-mzwv) Coverage	UnitedHealthcare	2026-10-01
Medical Necessity Guidelines Insulin Pumps	Mass General Brigham Health Plan	2026-10-01
Medical Necessity Guidelines: Continuous Glucose Monitors	Mass General Brigham Health Plan	2026-10-01
Continuous Glucose Monitoring	Ambetter Nevada	2026-10-01
Salivary Hormone Testing	Oscar Health	2026-10-01
Bone Turnover Markers Testing	Oscar Health	2026-10-01

Related Codes

HCPCS-A4206-STERILE-SYRINGE-1CC-NEEDLE

HCPCS A4206: Syringe with Needle, 1 cc or Less, Sterile

HCPCS-A4207-STERILE-2CC-SYRINGE-WITH-NEEDLE

HCPCS Level II A4207: Syringe with Needle, Sterile 2 cc

HCPCS-A4208-STERILE-3CC-SYRINGE-WITH-NEEDLE

HCPCS Level II A4208: Syringe with Needle, Sterile 3 cc

HCPCS-A4209-STERILE-SYRINGE-WITH-NEEDLE-5CC-OR-GREATER

HCPCS Level II A4209: Syringe with Needle, Sterile 5 cc or Greater

HCPCS-A4210-NEEDLE-FREE-INJECTION-DEVICE

HCPCS Level II A4210: Needle-free Injection Device, Each

HCPCS-A4211-SUPPLIES-SELF-ADMINISTERED-INJECTIONS

HCPCS Level II A4211: Supplies for Self-Administered Injections

HCPCS-A4212-NON-CORING-NEEDLE-STYLET-CATHETER-ACCESS-SUPPLY

HCPCS Level II A4212: Non-coring Needle or Stylet with/without Catheter

HCPCS-A4213-STERILE-SYRINGE-20CC-OR-GREATER

HCPCS Level II A4213: Syringe, Sterile, 20 cc or Greater, Each

HCPCS-A4215-STERILE-NEEDLE-SINGLE-EACH

HCPCS Level II A4215: Needle, Sterile, Any Size

HCPCS-A4216-STERILE-DILUENT-FLUSH-10ML

HCPCS Level II A4216: Sterile Diluent/Flush, 10 ml

Showing 1–10 of 633

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`94640`	Pressurized medicament administration, inhalation therapy, per day	Data not relevant; no related CPT codes were provided
`99499`	Unlisted evaluation and management service	May be used in rare circumstances for nonstandard patient education but not typical
`99070`	Supplies and materials provided by physician over and above those usually included with the office visit	Used when additional customized supplies are provided during clinic visit
`97110`	Therapeutic exercises to develop strength and endurance	May be billed when a physical therapist provides gait or strength training related to lower-extremity edema management
`97760`	Assistive technology assessment (e.g., for bracing/orthotics)	May be used when an orthotist assesses and documents need for custom compression

Related Modifiers

5 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
59	Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…	- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
78	CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…	- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
80	CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…	- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code
207L00000X
163WH0500X
347D00000X
207RA0000X
246XC2901X
224ZE0001X
314000000X
163WX0002X

Related Payer Policy Updates

Specialty: Endocrinology1 / 3

10 rows

Policy	Payer	Effective Date
Diabetic Supplies	Cigna	2026-10-15
Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid Nodules	Cigna	2026-10-15
Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Delivery for Managing Diabetes (for Idaho Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-10-01
Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Delivery for Managing Diabetes (for Indiana Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-10-01
Tzield (teplizumab-mzwv) Coverage	UnitedHealthcare	2026-10-01
Medical Necessity Guidelines Insulin Pumps	Mass General Brigham Health Plan	2026-10-01
Medical Necessity Guidelines: Continuous Glucose Monitors	Mass General Brigham Health Plan	2026-10-01
Continuous Glucose Monitoring	Ambetter Nevada	2026-10-01
Salivary Hormone Testing	Oscar Health	2026-10-01
Bone Turnover Markers Testing	Oscar Health	2026-10-01

Related Codes

HCPCS-A4206-STERILE-SYRINGE-1CC-NEEDLE

HCPCS A4206: Syringe with Needle, 1 cc or Less, Sterile

HCPCS-A4207-STERILE-2CC-SYRINGE-WITH-NEEDLE

HCPCS Level II A4207: Syringe with Needle, Sterile 2 cc

HCPCS-A4208-STERILE-3CC-SYRINGE-WITH-NEEDLE

HCPCS Level II A4208: Syringe with Needle, Sterile 3 cc

HCPCS-A4209-STERILE-SYRINGE-WITH-NEEDLE-5CC-OR-GREATER

HCPCS Level II A4209: Syringe with Needle, Sterile 5 cc or Greater

HCPCS-A4210-NEEDLE-FREE-INJECTION-DEVICE

HCPCS Level II A4210: Needle-free Injection Device, Each

HCPCS-A4211-SUPPLIES-SELF-ADMINISTERED-INJECTIONS

HCPCS Level II A4211: Supplies for Self-Administered Injections

HCPCS-A4212-NON-CORING-NEEDLE-STYLET-CATHETER-ACCESS-SUPPLY

HCPCS Level II A4212: Non-coring Needle or Stylet with/without Catheter

HCPCS-A4213-STERILE-SYRINGE-20CC-OR-GREATER

HCPCS Level II A4213: Syringe, Sterile, 20 cc or Greater, Each

HCPCS-A4215-STERILE-NEEDLE-SINGLE-EACH

HCPCS Level II A4215: Needle, Sterile, Any Size

HCPCS-A4216-STERILE-DILUENT-FLUSH-10ML

HCPCS Level II A4216: Sterile Diluent/Flush, 10 ml

Showing 1–10 of 633

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

HCPCS Level II A6553: Below-Knee Gradient Compression Stocking, Custom, 30–40 mmHg

Sign up for hcpcs A6553 policy alerts

HCPCS Level II A6553: Below-Knee Gradient Compression Stocking, Custom, 30–40 mmHg

Sign up for hcpcs A6553 policy alerts

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

What does HCPCS A6553 describe and when is it used?

What documentation do payers commonly expect to support an A6553 claim?

Which modifiers are appropriate to use with A6553 and which are less applicable?

Where is a custom A6553 stocking typically measured, dispensed, and billed?

Which clinicians and suppliers are typically involved in prescribing and supplying A6553?

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

What does HCPCS A6553 describe and when is it used?

What documentation do payers commonly expect to support an A6553 claim?

Which modifiers are appropriate to use with A6553 and which are less applicable?

Where is a custom A6553 stocking typically measured, dispensed, and billed?

Which clinicians and suppliers are typically involved in prescribing and supplying A6553?

References