Summary & Overview
HCPCS C1748: Single-Use Upper GI Endoscope, Imaging/Illumination
HCPCS Level II code C1748 represents a single-use, disposable upper gastrointestinal endoscope with integrated imaging and illumination for insertable use. Nationally, this code is important as disposable endoscopes can affect infection control practices, device supply chains, and procedure costing across ambulatory surgery centers, hospital outpatient departments, and endoscopy suites. The code captures device-specific billing for upper GI procedures that rely on insertable imaging scopes.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for the device, common sites of service, and the billing implications tied to single-use upper GI endoscopes. The publication outlines typical coverage considerations, common modifiers in use, and how this code fits into procedure service lines.
The report provides benchmarks and policy-focused updates relevant to device-specific HCPCS coding, highlights payer coverage patterns, and summarizes areas where organizations often encounter billing questions for disposable endoscopes. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code C1748 denotes a single-use (disposable) upper gastrointestinal endoscope with imaging and illumination capabilities (insertable device). This device is used to visualize the upper GI tract during diagnostic or therapeutic endoscopic procedures.
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Service type: Endoscopic imaging/diagnostic or endoscopic-assisted therapeutic procedures
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgery centers, hospital outpatient departments, endoscopy suites, and other procedural settings where upper GI endoscopy is performed
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old patient with progressive dysphagia and intermittent upper abdominal pain is scheduled for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopic evaluation using a single-use disposable imaging/illumination insertable endoscope billed with C1748. The procedure is performed in an ambulatory endoscopy unit or hospital endoscopy suite under moderate sedation administered by the anesthesia team. Indications include evaluation for peptic ulcer disease, esophagitis, varices, strictures, or suspected upper GI bleeding. The clinical workflow begins with pre-procedure assessment and informed consent, verification of NPO status, and anesthesia evaluation. The single-use endoscope is opened in the procedure room, connected to the imaging tower, and inserted transorally to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Diagnostic maneuvers include inspection, targeted biopsies when indicated (separate CPT biopsy codes apply), and possible therapeutic interventions such as hemostasis or dilation (separate CPT codes). After removal, the disposable endoscope is discarded per device and infection control policies; procedural documentation includes device identifier C1748, findings, any additional CPT services, anesthesia details, and post-procedure instructions. Typical payors for payment consideration include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, BUCA plans, and Medicare.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 |