Summary & Overview
HCPCS C1824: Cardiac Contractility Modulation Generator, Implantable
HCPCS Level II code C1824 denotes an implantable cardiac contractility modulation generator. This device-based code is used to bill for the implanted generator component of cardiac contractility modulation therapy, a treatment option for select patients with heart failure intended to improve ventricular contractile performance. Nationally, device codes such as C1824 matter for facility and professional billing, device inventory management, and coverage determinations given the high-cost nature of implantable cardiac technologies.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical context for the device, typical sites of service, and the commercial and government payers commonly engaged in coverage decisions for implantable cardiac devices. The publication also outlines the benchmarks and policy considerations that influence coding, authorization, and reimbursement workflows for high-cost implantable devices.
The content provides a concise reference for revenue cycle and clinical staff seeking to understand what C1824 represents, where the service is typically delivered, and which national payers are most relevant to coverage and billing processes. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code C1824 represents an implantable cardiac contractility modulation generator. The device is used to deliver electrical signals to the heart to enhance myocardial contractility in patients with heart failure who are not candidates for standard pacing therapies.
Service Type: Implantable cardiac device
Typical Site of Service: Inpatient or outpatient surgical setting (cardiac electrophysiology or device implantation suite)
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult with symptomatic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction who remains symptomatic despite optimized guideline-directed medical therapy and who is evaluated for cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) device implantation. The patient often presents from cardiology or heart failure clinic referral with exertional intolerance, persistent dyspnea, and reduced 6-minute walk distance. Evaluation includes history and physical, echocardiography confirming reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (commonly 25–45%), ECG, and review of medication tolerance. Temporary peri-procedural workflow: preoperative evaluation and medication reconciliation, device selection and programming, conscious sedation or monitored anesthesia care in a cardiac electrophysiology lab or hybrid operating room, transvenous lead placement into the right ventricular septum, connection to the implantable cardiac contractility modulation generator (C1824), intra-procedural device testing and programming, post-procedure chest radiograph to confirm lead position, device interrogation prior to discharge, and scheduled outpatient follow-up for wound check and device optimization. Typical site of service is the hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgical center with electrophysiology capabilities.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when work required substantially exceeds typical requirements due to complexity of implantation or extensive additional time/effort. |