Summary & Overview
HCPCS Level II C1890: No Implantable/Insertable Device for Device-Intensive Procedure
HCPCS Level II code C1890 denotes a device-intensive procedural service in which no implantable or insertable device was used. Nationally, this code matters because it clarifies billing classification for procedures that are device-intensive by nature but did not involve placement of an implant or insertable device, affecting coding accuracy and claims adjudication. Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.
Readers will find a concise explanation of the code’s clinical and billing context, typical sites of service, and common modifiers associated with device-intensive procedural reporting. The publication summarizes payer coverage patterns and benchmarking where available, outlines policy and claim-processing considerations relevant to device-intensive services without implants, and provides clinical context to help coders and billing staff recognize when C1890 is appropriate. Data not available in the input will be noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code C1890 indicates no implantable/insertable device used with device-intensive procedures. This designation is used to document that a procedure classified as device-intensive was performed without the placement or use of an implantable or insertable device.
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Service type: Device-intensive procedural service without an implantable/insertable device
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Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgical center where device-intensive procedures are performed
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult undergoing a device‑intensive surgical or interventional procedure in which no implantable or insertable device is used. Example: a 62‑year‑old patient presents for open reduction and internal fixation of a distal radius fracture where external fixation is not used and no implantable prosthesis is placed; the operative team performs the procedure using standard instruments and disposables only. The procedure is performed in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department under monitored anesthesia care or general anesthesia. In the clinical workflow preoperative documentation includes history, physical, imaging confirming the indication (fracture, tumor resection, laminectomy without fusion, endarterectomy without stent placement), informed consent, and operative note specifying that no implantable/insertable device was used. Postoperative documentation includes immediate recovery notes, presence or absence of complications, and follow‑up instructions for wound care and activity limitations. Billing uses C1890 to indicate a device‑intensive procedure where no implantable/insertable device was used, paired with the appropriate CPT surgical or interventional code and relevant ICD‑10 diagnosis codes for the condition treated.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when work required substantially exceeds typical for the procedure (document justification). |