Summary & Overview
HCPCS C9748: Transurethral Steam Thermal Therapy for Prostate Tissue
HCPCS Level II code C9748 represents transurethral destruction of prostate tissue using radiofrequency water vapor (steam) thermal therapy. The code applies to a minimally invasive, transurethral steam ablation procedure used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms from benign prostatic hyperplasia. Nationally, this code matters as uptake of steam-based prostate ablation grows among outpatient surgical settings and as payers refine coverage policies for newer thermal therapies.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of coverage and payment benchmarks, typical sites of service, and the clinical context for use of steam thermal therapy. The publication outlines common billing considerations tied to the service line, summarizes available policy updates relevant to thermal prostate ablation, and provides comparisons against related prostate procedures where applicable.
This summary equips billing managers, revenue cycle leaders, and clinical program directors with concise context on HCPCS Level II code C9748, highlighting where to look for payer policy differences, how the procedure is typically delivered, and what operational areas (site of service, documentation, coding alignment) commonly influence reimbursement and utilization.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code C9748 describes transurethral destruction of prostate tissue by radiofrequency water vapor (steam) thermal therapy. This procedure involves delivering thermal steam energy transurethrally to ablate prostatic tissue for relief of lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia.
-
Service type: Minimally invasive prostate tissue ablation using radiofrequency-generated water vapor (steam) thermal therapy
-
Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department for transurethral prostate thermal ablation
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a 65‑year‑old male with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who reports progressive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) including urinary frequency, nocturia, weak urinary stream, and incomplete bladder emptying despite optimized medical therapy (alpha‑blocker and/or 5‑alpha reductase inhibitor). Prior to intervention, the patient undergoes evaluation including a focused history and physical, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), urinalysis, serum creatinine, prostate‑specific antigen (if indicated), and transrectal or transabdominal ultrasound to estimate prostate volume. Uroflowmetry and post‑void residual measurement are commonly obtained to document obstruction. After shared decision‑making, the urologist schedules transurethral radiofrequency water vapor thermal therapy (C9748) in an outpatient ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or regional/general anesthesia depending on patient comorbidities and site capability. The device is introduced cystoscopically via the urethra and targeted steam injections are delivered to thermally ablate obstructing prostate tissue. Typical intraoperative workflow includes cystoscopic assessment, targeted steam delivery mapped to prostate lobes, brief recovery observation, and discharge with short‑term urinary catheterization as needed. Postoperative care consists of analgesia, alpha‑blocker continuation per surgeon preference, follow‑up visit to assess voiding function, and monitoring for urinary retention, hematuria, urinary tract infection, or irritative symptoms.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|