CurrentFlorida BluePolicy 16-053

Robotic Assisted Surgery Facility Policy

Defines Florida Blue's reimbursement stance on robotic assisted surgery (RAS) techniques and related billing/coding guidance for providers for commercial and Medicare Advantage products.

Policy Summary

PayerFlorida Blue

PolicyRobotic Assisted Surgery Facility Policy

Policy CodePolicy 16-053

Change TypeNo material change

Effective DateApr 10, 2025

Next Review DateApr 10, 2025

Key ActionDo not bill HCPCS S2900 or separate instrument/OR charges separately; robotic technique is included in the primary surgical procedure and is not separately reimbursable.

SourceLink

POLICY UPDATE CHANGES

No material clinical or coverage changes in this revision.

S2900HCPCS code listed

IncludedSeparate reimbursement

Commercial & MALines of business

Coverage Criteria for Robotic Assisted Surgery

Coverage criteria for robotic assisted surgery

Reimbursement position for robotic assisted surgical technique (HCPCS S2900):

Robotic assisted surgery technique (HCPCS S2900) is considered included in the primary surgical procedure and is not separately reimbursable.

For procedures where computer-assisted technology is fundamental to the procedure's success, the technology is considered as part of a high intensity or complex surgical procedure allowance (not separately payable).
Where robotic assistance is not necessary for a procedure's success, the assistance is considered optional and not separately payable.

Separately billed charges for instruments, technique, or approach related to robotic assistance will not be reimbursed and are considered included in the primary surgery's reimbursement.

Policy Summary

PayerFlorida Blue

PolicyRobotic Assisted Surgery Facility Policy

Policy CodePolicy 16-053

Change TypeNo material change

Effective DateApr 10, 2025

Next Review DateApr 10, 2025

Key ActionDo not bill HCPCS S2900 or separate instrument/OR charges separately; robotic technique is included in the primary surgical procedure and is not separately reimbursable.

SourceLink

On This Page

Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.

Coding and Billing Guidance

HCPCS codesHCPCS

S2900

Surgical techniques requiring use of robotic surgical system (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

ICD-10-PCS codesICD-10

8EO9OCZ	Robotic Assisted Procedure of Head and Neck Region, Open Approach
8E093CZ	Robotic Assisted Procedure of Head and Neck Region, Percutaneous Approach
8EO94CZ	Robotic Assisted Procedure of Head and Neck Region, Percutaneous Endoscopic Approach
8EO97CZ	Robotic Assisted Procedure of Head and Neck Region, Via Natural or Artificial Opening
8EO98CZ	Robotic Assisted Procedure of Head and Neck Region, Via Natural or Artificial Opening Endoscopic
8EO9XCZ	Robotic Assisted Procedure of Head and Neck Region
8EOWOCZ	Robotic Assisted Procedure of Trunk Region, Open Approach
8EOW3CZ	Robotic Assisted Procedure of Trunk Region, Percutaneous Approach
8EOWACZ	Robotic Assisted Procedure of Trunk Region, Percutaneous Endoscopic Approach
8EOWZCZ	Robotic Assisted Procedure of Trunk Region, Via Natural or Artificial Opening

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Authorization, Documentation, and Reimbursement Summary

Billing Rule

Authorization and reimbursement summary

This payment policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits, or guarantee of payment; benefits are determined by the group contract and member benefit documents. Robotic assisted surgery technique (HCPCS S2900) is considered included in the primary surgical procedure and is not separately reimbursable. For procedures where computer-assisted technology is fundamental to the procedure's success, it is considered as part of the high intensity or complex surgical procedure allowance; where robotic assistance is not necessary it is considered optional and not separately payable. Separately billed charges for instruments, technique, approach, or increased operating room charges related to robotic technology will not be reimbursed and are considered included in the primary surgery's reimbursement.

Not an authorization or guarantee of payment — benefits are determined by the group contract and member benefit documents.
HCPCS S2900 is included in the primary surgical procedure and is not separately reimbursable.
When robotic technology is fundamental to success, it is considered within a high-intensity/complex allowance (not separately payable).
When robotic assistance is optional, it is not separately payable.
Separately billed charges for instruments, technique, approach, or increased OR charges for robotic technology are considered inappropriate and will not be reimbursed.

Definitions: RAS Device and Components

RAS device

DefinitionRobotic assisted surgical (RAS) devices are computer-assisted surgical systems that enable the surgeon to control and move surgical instruments via computer and software; the device cannot perform surgery without direct human control.

Primary functionAllows the surgeon to view the surgical field through a 3D endoscope and control instrument movement from a console.

Typical useUsed to perform minimally invasive procedures through one or more small incisions across a variety of surgical specialties.

RAS device components

ConsoleThe surgeon control center that provides visualization (3D endoscope) and instrument control.

Bedside cartIncludes three or four hinged mechanical arms, camera (endoscope) and surgical instruments controlled by the surgeon during procedures.

Support cartSeparate cart containing support hardware and software such as electrosurgical unit (ESU), suction/irrigation pumps, and endoscope light source.

AccessoriesMultiple surgical instruments and accessories commonly used with RAS devices (scalpels, forceps, graspers, dissectors, cautery, scissors, retractors, suction irrigators).