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    OpenPayerBilling CodesSurgical, Imaging Devices and GraftsHCPCS hcpcs-c1608-total-dual-mobility-first-carpometacarpal-prosthesis
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    HCPCS Level II C1608: Total Dual Mobility Prosthesis, First CMC Joint

    HCPCS Level II code C1608 describes an implantable total dual mobility prosthesis for the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, used in surgical reconstruction or replacement of the thumb CMC joint; the service is implantation of the prosthesis and the typical site of service is an outpatient surgical center or hospital operating room where hand or orthopedic surgeons perform joint arthroplasty procedures.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Shoulder Arthroplasty (Total, Partial, Reverse, Revision and Resurfacing), Hip Arthroplasty (partial and total hip replacement), Artificial Lumbar Intervertebral Disc (Lumbar Total Disc Arthroplasty).

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical patient is a 65-year-old right-hand-dominant individual with progressive pain, reduced grip strength, and thumb base instability from advanced osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. Conservative care (activity modification, splinting, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injection) failed to provide durable relief. After surgical evaluation, the patient is scheduled for implantation of a total dual mobility prosthesis for the first carpometacarpal joint (C1608). The procedure is performed in an outpatient ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department with regional or general anesthesia. Preoperative workflow includes history and physical, imaging (radiographs +/- CT), informed consent, medication reconciliation, and prophylactic antibiotics. Intraoperative workflow includes surgical exposure of the first CMC joint, preparation of trapezium and metacarpal surfaces, implantation of the dual mobility components, assessment of stability and range of motion, and wound closure. Postoperative workflow includes immediate recovery, analgesia plan, immobilization in a short thumb spica splint or cast, discharge instructions, and scheduled follow-up for wound check and progressive hand therapy focusing on range of motion and strengthening. Typical payors include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, BUCA, and Medicare; billing reflects implantable device reporting for device tracking and reimbursement under C1608 for the prosthetic implant itself, with separate reporting for surgeon services and facility charges.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    25110Arthroplasty, trapezium-metacarpal joint, with implant (eg, thumb CMC joint)Primary surgeon procedure code for total implant arthroplasty of the first CMC joint; often reported for the operative service when using a coded CPT for implant placement.
    20670Removal of implant; deep (eg, buried)Reported if removal of a previously placed CMC implant is required prior to implantation of C1608 or for revision.
    99070Supplies and materials (eg, sutures, drugs) (List separately in addition to code for service)Used by facilities to bill for non-implant supplies not included in the global procedure; facility-specific reporting may vary.
    76000Fluoroscopic guidance (eg, for localization)Used if intraoperative fluoroscopy is documented and billed separately to assist implant positioning.
    97001Physical therapy evaluationUsed for postoperative hand therapy evaluation; reported by therapy providers involved in rehabilitation after implantation.
    97002Physical therapy re-evaluationUsed for subsequent therapy re-evaluations during postoperative course.

    Related Modifiers

    6 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    50Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…
    59Modifier 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…
    51Modifier –51 (Multiple Procedures) is used when the same provider performs multiple procedures in the same session to identify secondary, non‑exempt procedures and indicate payment reduction logic…- Use modifier -51 when the same provider performs multiple distinct procedures during the same patient encounter: report the highest‑valued procedure first (no modifier) and append -51 to…
    78CPT 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…
    79Modifier 79 indicates a surgical procedure performed during the postoperative global period of a prior surgery that is unrelated to the original procedure. Per AMA/CPT and CMS guidance, it is…- Use modifier 79 when the same physician (or same‑specialty physician in the same group) performs a surgical procedure during the postoperative global period of a prior surgery and the new procedure…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    207XS0106XOrthopaedic Hand Surgery PhysicianAn orthopaedic surgeon trained in the investigation, preservation and restoration by medical, surgical and rehabilitative means of all structures of t…
    207K00000XAllergy & Immunology PhysicianAn allergist-immunologist is trained in evaluation, physical and laboratory diagnosis, and management of disorders involving the immune system. Select…
    207R00000XInternal Medicine PhysicianA physician who provides long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common and complex illness of adolescents, adults…
    363L00000XNurse Practitioner(1) A registered nurse provider with a graduate degree in nursing prepared for advanced practice involving independent and interdependent decision mak…
    376J00000XHomemakerAn individual who provides general household activities such as meal preparation, laundry, and light housekeeping, when the individual regularly respo…
    261QE0002XEmergency Care Clinic/CenterAmbulatory Health Care Facilities · Clinic/Center
    125J00000XDental TherapistA Dental Therapist is an individual who has completed an accredited or non-accredited dental therapy program and who has been authorized by the releva…
    1223X2210XOrofacial Pain DentistryA dentist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats patients with complex chronic orofacial pain and dysfunction disorders, oromotor and jaw behavior disord…

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Orthopedics/Musculoskeletal1 / 2

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Shoulder Arthroplasty (Total, Partial, Reverse, Revision and Resurfacing)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Hip Arthroplasty (partial and total hip replacement)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Artificial Lumbar Intervertebral Disc (Lumbar Total Disc Arthroplasty)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Osteochondral Grafting of the Kneeuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Resurfacinguniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Lumbar Fusion (arthrodesis) with decompressionuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Sacroiliac Joint Fusion or Stabilizationuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Percutaneous Vertebroplasty/Mechanical Vertebral Augmentation and Percutaneous Sacroplastyuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Shoulder Open ProceduresPremera Bluecross2026-09-04

    Related Codes

    HCPCS-C1600-INTRAVASCULAR-LESION-PREPARATION-BLADED-CATHETER

    HCPCS Level II C1600: Transluminal Lesion Preparation Bladed Sheathed Catheter

    HCPCS-C1601-DISPOSABLE-PULMONARY-ENDOSCOPE-IMAGING

    HCPCS Level II C1601: Single-Use Pulmonary Imaging/Illumination Endoscope

    HCPCS-C1602-ABSORBABLE-ANTIMICROBIAL-BONE-VOID-FILLER-IMPLANTABLE

    HCPCS C1602: Absorbable Antimicrobial-Eluting Bone Void Filler

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

    HCPCS Level II C1603: Laser Retrieval Device for IVC Filter

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

    HCPCS C1604: Graft, Transmural Transvenous Arterial Bypass (Implantable)

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

    HCPCS C1605: Leadless Dual-Chamber Pacemaker Implantation

    HCPCS-C1606-ENDOSCOPIC-ULTRASOUND-ADAPTER-DISPOSABLE

    HCPCS C1606: Adapter for Ultrasound Attachment to Upper GI Endoscope

    HCPCS-C1607-IMPLANTABLE-RECHARGEABLE-NEUROSTIMULATOR-INTEGRATED

    HCPCS Level II C1607: Implantable Rechargeable Neurostimulator

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 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. 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. 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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