HCPCS C1602: Absorbable Antimicrobial-Eluting Bone Void Filler, Implantable

HCPCS Level II code C1602 identifies an implantable, absorbable bone void filler that elutes antimicrobial agents. This device is used in orthopedic procedures to fill bone defects while delivering local antimicrobial therapy, which can be clinically significant for reducing postoperative infection risk and supporting bone healing. Nationally, coding clarity for implantable combination products like this affects device billing, hospital charge capture, and payer coverage determinations.

Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical use and site-of-service implications, typical payer considerations, and what to expect in coverage and claims processing for this HCPCS Level II code. The publication summarizes benchmarks where available, outlines relevant policy and reimbursement themes, and provides clinical context for when an antimicrobial-eluting absorbable bone void filler is utilized. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.

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Billing Code Overview

HCPCS Level II code C1602 describes an implantable absorbable bone void filler that elutes antimicrobial agents. The item combines an orthopedic device and drug matrix designed to fill bone voids while providing local antimicrobial release to reduce infection risk.

Service Type: Implantable orthopedic bone void filler with antimicrobial elution

Typical Site of Service: Inpatient or outpatient surgical settings, including operating rooms and procedure suites where orthopedic implantable devices are placed

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HCPCS C1602: Absorbable Antimicrobial-Eluting Bone Void Filler, Implantable

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Billing Code Overview

Service Type: Implantable orthopedic bone void filler with antimicrobial elution

Typical Site of Service: Inpatient or outpatient surgical settings, including operating rooms and procedure suites where orthopedic implantable devices are placed

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A typical patient is an adult undergoing surgical management of a contaminated or infected orthopedic defect or a traumatic bone void where local antimicrobial delivery and osteoconductive, absorbable void filling is required. Common scenarios include open tibial fracture with bone loss and contamination, revision arthroplasty with peri-prosthetic infection requiring debridement and local antimicrobial implantation, or cavitary bone defects after tumor curettage. The clinical workflow: preoperative evaluation confirms indication with imaging and cultures; informed consent documents use of an implantable, absorbable antimicrobial-eluting bone void filler billed with C1602; intraoperative debridement and preparation of the defect; placement of the orthopedic/device/drug matrix into the void to deliver local antibiotic and support bone healing; closure and postoperative monitoring for wound healing and signs of systemic infection; postoperative orders may include systemic antibiotics guided by cultures and serial radiographs to assess material resorption and bone healing. Typical settings are inpatient acute care hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers for selected stable cases; implanted material is provided by the facility or supplied by the surgeon/vendor depending on procurement and billing arrangements.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when work required is substantially greater than usual for placement due to complexity, extensive debridement, or additional technical steps beyond routine implantation.
`51`	Multiple procedures	Use when the implant placement is billed on the same date as distinct additional procedures performed in the same operative session.
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the implant procedure is partially reduced or not completed as planned.
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use when procedure is started but discontinued due to extenuating circumstances before implant placement.
`54`	Surgical care only	Use when the surgeon bills only for surgical services and another provider bills for pre/postoperative care.
`55`	Postoperative management only	Use when billing is only for postoperative management after another surgeon performed the implant procedure.
`56`	Preoperative management only	Use when billing is only for preoperative evaluation when another provider performs the implant placement.
`62`	Two surgeons	Use when two surgeons with different specialties perform distinct portions of the operative procedure, e.g., orthopedic trauma and plastic surgeon for soft tissue coverage.
`80`	Assistant surgeon	Use when a qualified assistant surgeon participates in the procedure to assist with exposure, debridement, or implant placement.
`AS`	Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery	Use when an advanced practice clinician serves as the assistant at surgery and reporting is appropriate under payer policy.
`QK`	Medical direction of two or more CRNAs by a physician	Use when physician directs multiple CRNAs during anesthesia for the case.
`QX`	CRNA service paid under Part A or Part B when practitioner is not the medical director	Use when a CRNA personally performs anesthesia services.
`QY`	Medical direction of one CRNA by a physician	Use when a physician medically directs one CRNA for the anesthetic portion.
`FY`	Product is furnished as part of the inpatient stay	Use when the implantable product is considered bundled into the inpatient stay per payer rules (institutional billing contexts).

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207X00000X	Orthopedic Surgery	Primary specialty performing implantation and bone void management.
208000000X	Neurosurgery	Performs similar implantable procedures for spinal or cranial bony defects when applicable.
208800000X	General Surgery	May be involved in complex trauma cases with skeletal defects.
363L00000X	Anesthesiology	Provides intraoperative anesthesia services supporting the procedure.
367500000X	Infectious Disease	Provides perioperative antibiotic management and interpretation of cultures when complex infection is present.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`M86.171`	Acute osteomyelitis, right tibia	Local antimicrobial-eluting bone void filler used to treat bone infection cavities after debridement.
`M86.172`	Acute osteomyelitis, left tibia	As above, for the contralateral tibia.
`S82.101A`	Unspecified fracture of shaft of tibia, right leg, initial encounter for closed fracture	Traumatic bone voids from comminuted tibial shaft fractures may require absorbable void filler.
`T84.512A`	Infection and inflammatory reaction due to internal fixation device, right lower leg, initial encounter	Used when infection around hardware necessitates debridement and local antibiotic-eluting filler after hardware management.
`M84.4X1A`	Pathological fracture, right femur, initial encounter	Bone defects from pathological fractures may be managed with bone void fillers to support healing and deliver local antimicrobials.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`27096`	Debridement, open; for infectious or inflammatory condition of the pelvis (separate procedure)	May be performed prior to or with placement of an antimicrobial-eluting bone void filler in pelvic or acetabular bone infections.
`27690`	Incision and drainage, deep abscess or hematoma, leg; complicated (eg, with bone involvement)	Performed when deep soft-tissue infection with adjacent bone void requires debridement and local antimicrobial implantation.
`20680`	Removal of implant; deep (e.g., buried wire, pin, screw, metal band, nail or plate)	Implant removal and debridement may precede placement of `C1602` material in revision or infected cases.
`20930`	Allograft, morselized, or placement of osteobiologic material	Often performed in conjunction or as alternative to bone void fillers for structural void management.
`27040`	Femoral or pelvic internal fixation procedures (open)	Stabilization procedures frequently accompany bone void management and placement of antimicrobial-eluting matrix.
`11012`	Debridement; muscle and/or fascia (includes obtaining specimens)	Soft tissue debridement codes are commonly reported alongside implantation when infection or necrotic tissue is present.

HCPCS C1600: Intravascular Lesion Preparation Catheter, Bladed

HCPCS-C1601-DISPOSABLE-PULMONARY-ENDOSCOPE-IMAGING

HCPCS C1601: Single-use Pulmonary Endoscope for Imaging/Illumination

HCPCS-C1603-IVC-FILTER-RETRIEVAL-LASER-DEVICE

HCPCS C1603: IVC Filter Retrieval Laser Device

HCPCS-C1604-TRANSMURAL-TRANSVENOUS-ARTERIAL-BYPASS-GRAFT-IMPLANTABLE

HCPCS C1604: Implantable Transmural Transvenous Arterial Bypass Graft

HCPCS-C1605-LEADLESS-DUAL-CHAMBER-PACEMAKER-IMPLANTATION

HCPCS C1605: Leadless Dual-Chamber Pacemaker Implantation

HCPCS-C1606-ENDOSCOPIC-ULTRASOUND-ADAPTER-DISPOSABLE

HCPCS C1606: Single-Use Adapter for Upper GI Endoscope Ultrasound

HCPCS-C1607-IMPLANTABLE-RECHARGEABLE-NEUROSTIMULATOR-INTEGRATED

HCPCS C1607: Implantable Rechargeable Neurostimulator, Integrated

HCPCS-C1608-TOTAL-DUAL-MOBILITY-FIRST-CARPOMETACARPAL-PROSTHESIS

HCPCS C1608: Prosthesis, Total Dual Mobility, First Carpometacarpal Joint

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

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when work required is substantially greater than usual for placement due to complexity, extensive debridement, or additional technical steps beyond routine implantation.
`51`	Multiple procedures	Use when the implant placement is billed on the same date as distinct additional procedures performed in the same operative session.
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the implant procedure is partially reduced or not completed as planned.
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use when procedure is started but discontinued due to extenuating circumstances before implant placement.
`54`	Surgical care only	Use when the surgeon bills only for surgical services and another provider bills for pre/postoperative care.
`55`	Postoperative management only	Use when billing is only for postoperative management after another surgeon performed the implant procedure.
`56`	Preoperative management only	Use when billing is only for preoperative evaluation when another provider performs the implant placement.
`62`	Two surgeons	Use when two surgeons with different specialties perform distinct portions of the operative procedure, e.g., orthopedic trauma and plastic surgeon for soft tissue coverage.
`80`	Assistant surgeon	Use when a qualified assistant surgeon participates in the procedure to assist with exposure, debridement, or implant placement.
`AS`	Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery	Use when an advanced practice clinician serves as the assistant at surgery and reporting is appropriate under payer policy.
`QK`	Medical direction of two or more CRNAs by a physician	Use when physician directs multiple CRNAs during anesthesia for the case.
`QX`	CRNA service paid under Part A or Part B when practitioner is not the medical director	Use when a CRNA personally performs anesthesia services.
`QY`	Medical direction of one CRNA by a physician	Use when a physician medically directs one CRNA for the anesthetic portion.
`FY`	Product is furnished as part of the inpatient stay	Use when the implantable product is considered bundled into the inpatient stay per payer rules (institutional billing contexts).

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207X00000X	Orthopedic Surgery	Primary specialty performing implantation and bone void management.
208000000X	Neurosurgery	Performs similar implantable procedures for spinal or cranial bony defects when applicable.
208800000X	General Surgery	May be involved in complex trauma cases with skeletal defects.
363L00000X	Anesthesiology	Provides intraoperative anesthesia services supporting the procedure.
367500000X	Infectious Disease	Provides perioperative antibiotic management and interpretation of cultures when complex infection is present.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`M86.171`	Acute osteomyelitis, right tibia	Local antimicrobial-eluting bone void filler used to treat bone infection cavities after debridement.
`M86.172`	Acute osteomyelitis, left tibia	As above, for the contralateral tibia.
`S82.101A`	Unspecified fracture of shaft of tibia, right leg, initial encounter for closed fracture	Traumatic bone voids from comminuted tibial shaft fractures may require absorbable void filler.
`T84.512A`	Infection and inflammatory reaction due to internal fixation device, right lower leg, initial encounter	Used when infection around hardware necessitates debridement and local antibiotic-eluting filler after hardware management.
`M84.4X1A`	Pathological fracture, right femur, initial encounter	Bone defects from pathological fractures may be managed with bone void fillers to support healing and deliver local antimicrobials.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`27096`	Debridement, open; for infectious or inflammatory condition of the pelvis (separate procedure)	May be performed prior to or with placement of an antimicrobial-eluting bone void filler in pelvic or acetabular bone infections.
`27690`	Incision and drainage, deep abscess or hematoma, leg; complicated (eg, with bone involvement)	Performed when deep soft-tissue infection with adjacent bone void requires debridement and local antimicrobial implantation.
`20680`	Removal of implant; deep (e.g., buried wire, pin, screw, metal band, nail or plate)	Implant removal and debridement may precede placement of `C1602` material in revision or infected cases.
`20930`	Allograft, morselized, or placement of osteobiologic material	Often performed in conjunction or as alternative to bone void fillers for structural void management.
`27040`	Femoral or pelvic internal fixation procedures (open)	Stabilization procedures frequently accompany bone void management and placement of antimicrobial-eluting matrix.
`11012`	Debridement; muscle and/or fascia (includes obtaining specimens)	Soft tissue debridement codes are commonly reported alongside implantation when infection or necrotic tissue is present.

HCPCS C1600: Intravascular Lesion Preparation Catheter, Bladed

HCPCS-C1601-DISPOSABLE-PULMONARY-ENDOSCOPE-IMAGING

HCPCS C1601: Single-use Pulmonary Endoscope for Imaging/Illumination

HCPCS-C1603-IVC-FILTER-RETRIEVAL-LASER-DEVICE

HCPCS C1603: IVC Filter Retrieval Laser Device

HCPCS-C1604-TRANSMURAL-TRANSVENOUS-ARTERIAL-BYPASS-GRAFT-IMPLANTABLE

HCPCS C1604: Implantable Transmural Transvenous Arterial Bypass Graft

HCPCS-C1605-LEADLESS-DUAL-CHAMBER-PACEMAKER-IMPLANTATION

HCPCS C1605: Leadless Dual-Chamber Pacemaker Implantation

HCPCS-C1606-ENDOSCOPIC-ULTRASOUND-ADAPTER-DISPOSABLE

HCPCS C1606: Single-Use Adapter for Upper GI Endoscope Ultrasound

HCPCS-C1607-IMPLANTABLE-RECHARGEABLE-NEUROSTIMULATOR-INTEGRATED

HCPCS C1607: Implantable Rechargeable Neurostimulator, Integrated

HCPCS-C1608-TOTAL-DUAL-MOBILITY-FIRST-CARPOMETACARPAL-PROSTHESIS

HCPCS C1608: Prosthesis, Total Dual Mobility, First Carpometacarpal Joint

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.

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HCPCS C1602: Absorbable Antimicrobial-Eluting Bone Void Filler, Implantable

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Billing Code Overview

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HCPCS C1602: Absorbable Antimicrobial-Eluting Bone Void Filler, Implantable

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Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

HCPCS C1602: Absorbable Antimicrobial-Eluting Bone Void Filler, Implantable

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Billing Code Overview

HCPCS C1602: Absorbable Antimicrobial-Eluting Bone Void Filler, Implantable

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Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

What does HCPCS code C1602 describe and where is it typically used?

In what clinical scenarios and workflow is the antimicrobial‑eluting bone void filler (C1602) used?

Which modifiers are relevant to billing C1602 and when might they apply?

What related CPT codes are commonly associated with cases where C1602 is used?

Which payers are referenced and does the page specify coverage or reimbursement rates for C1602?

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

What does HCPCS code C1602 describe and where is it typically used?

In what clinical scenarios and workflow is the antimicrobial‑eluting bone void filler (C1602) used?

Which modifiers are relevant to billing C1602 and when might they apply?

What related CPT codes are commonly associated with cases where C1602 is used?

Which payers are referenced and does the page specify coverage or reimbursement rates for C1602?

References