Summary & Overview
HCPCS Level II S8265: Haberman Feeder for Cleft Lip/Palate
HCPCS Level II code S8265 denotes the supply of a Haberman feeder for infants with cleft lip and/or palate, a specialized feeding device that addresses feeding challenges caused by impaired oral sphincter function. Nationally, this code matters because timely access to appropriate feeding equipment can affect nutritional status, weight gain, and early development for affected infants, and it influences coverage determinations and durable medical equipment workflows across payers.
Key payers in the coverage landscape include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of the clinical context for use of the Haberman feeder, typical sites of service such as outpatient DME providers, pediatric specialty clinics, and home use, and a summary of the payer universe relevant to national coverage considerations. The publication also outlines common billing modifiers and service-line implications associated with DME/supply claims and identifies where input is not available.
This analysis provides benchmarks and policy-oriented information relevant to billing, coding and coverage decisions, plus practical clarity on documentation and claim submission elements tied to S8265. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code S8265 describes a Haberman feeder for cleft lip/palate, a specialized feeding device designed to assist infants with orofacial clefts who have difficulty creating an effective seal for suckling. The service type is the supply of a specialized infant feeding aid. The typical site of service is outpatient durable medical equipment/supplies distribution, pediatric clinics, or home use following prescription and fitting by a clinician.
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A newborn with a repaired or unrepaired cleft lip and/or cleft palate requires specialized feeding support to ensure adequate nutrition and growth. The Haberman feeder (S8265) is used for infants who have difficulty creating the intraoral suction necessary for breastfeeding or standard bottles due to anatomic discontinuity of the lip and/or palate. Typical workflow: the pediatrician or neonatologist identifies poor weight gain or feeding inefficiency during the birth hospitalization or early outpatient follow-up; a cleft/craniofacial team or pediatric otolaryngology/plastic surgery consult confirms the need; a feeding specialist or occupational therapist evaluates the infant and recommends the Haberman feeder; the device is supplied through durable medical equipment or hospital supply channels and teaching is provided to caregivers on positioning, pacing, and flow control. Follow-up visits with the cleft team and pediatric weight checks occur regularly until surgical repair or feeding independence is achieved.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when furnishing counseling or extra training time to caregivers that is significantly greater than usual for supply provision. |