Guardian REAL-Time
Continuous Glucose Monitoring System

Coverage and Reimbursement

Commonly Billed Codes

Personal CGM

Diagnosis codes are used by both physicians and hospitals to document the indication for the procedure or service performed.

The list below includes common ICD-9 diagnosis codes for Diabetes Mellitus.*

ICD-9DescriptionFifth Digit
0123
250.0Diabetes mellitus without mention of complicationtype II or unspecified type, not stated as uncontrolledtype I [juvenile type], not stated as uncontrolledtype II or unspecified type, uncontrolledtype I [juvenile type], uncontrolled
250.1Diabetes with ketoacidosis
250.4Diabetes with renal manifestations
250.5Diabetes with ophthalmic manifestations
250.6Diabetes with neurological manifestations
250.7Diabetes with peripheral circulatory disorders
250.8Diabetes with other specified manifestations
250.9Diabetes with unspecified complication

* Excludes 250.2 and 250.3 series for diabetes with coma.

HCPCS II Device Codes

These codes are used by the entity that purchased and supplied the medical device, DME, drug, or supply to the patient. For insulin pumps and Personal CGM, this is typically a DME Supplier.

ProductCodeDescription
Alcohol wipesA4245Alcohol wipes, per box
Betadine swabs, per boxA4247Betadine or iodine swabs/wipes, per box
Adhesive, liquid, per ounceA4364Adhesive, liquid or equal, any type, per oz
Adhesive remover wipes, per 50A4365Adhesive remover wipes, any type, per 50
TapeA4450Tape, nonwaterproof, per 18 sq in
Adhesive RemoverA4455Adhesive remover or solvent (for tape, cement or other adhesive), per oz
Transparent Film, 16 sq. in or lessA6257Transparent film, sterile, 16 sq in or less, each dressing
Transparent Film, more than 16 sq. inA6258Transparent film, sterile, more than 16 sq in but less than or equal to 48 sq in, each dressing
Sensors (per diem)A9276Sensor; invasive (e.g., subcutaneous), disposable, for use with interstitial continuous glucose monitoring system, 1 unit = 1 day supply
CGM TransmitterA9277Transmitter; external, for use with interstitial continuous glucose monitoring system
CGM Receiver (Guardian® System only)
 
A9278Receiver (monitor); external, for use with interstitial continuous glucose monitoring system

CPT/HCPCS II Codes for Provider Services

Providers use CPT (and certain HCPCS II) codes for all services. Under Medicare’s Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) methodology for physician payment, each code is assigned a point value, the relative value unit (RVU), which is then converted to a dollar payment amount. Many private payors use Medicare RVUs as the basis of their payment rates.

ServiceCode and DescriptionProviders Who Can Perform the ServicePayment Level*
Initial CGM training, hookup, and download95250** Ambulatory continuous glucose monitoring of interstitial tissue fluid via a subcutaneous sensor for a minimum of 72 hours; sensor placement, hook-up, calibration of monitor, patient training, removal of sensor, and printout of recordingQualified health care providers, consistent with state scope of practice lawsMedicare RVUs: 3.56   Medicare does not cover Personal CGM, but does publish RVUs for these codes.
Interpretation of CGM data95251 Ambulatory continuous glucose monitoring of interstitial tissue fluid via a subcutaneous sensor for a minimum of 72 hours; interpretation and reportMD/DO NP/PAMedicare RVUs: 1.10   Medicare does not cover Personal CGM, but does publish RVUs for these codes
Pre-/post-CGM evaluation

Evaluation and Management(E/M) Codes:*** 
99212-99215 Office or other outpatient visit

99354-99355 Prolonged service, office (must be billed with 99212-99215)

MD/DO NP/PA99212-99215 Medicare: $37-$125 Medicare RVU: 1.03-3.46   99354-99355 Medicare: $92-$91 Medicare RVU: 2.55-2.52

* Medicare 2009 national average allowable amount, rounded to the nearest full dollar amount. Includes 20% patient copayment amount. All RVUs are for services performed in the physician’s office.
Source: Medicare Physician Fee Schedule 2009.
** Use the reduced service modifier (-52) if the patient owns the equipment (therefore not an expense to the provider).
*** An office visit can only be billed separately when a CGM service is provided to the same patient on the same day if a full-scale, separately identifiable evaluation and management service takes place in addition to the CGM service. In this circumstance, the modifier -25 should be billed with the E/M code to indicate that a separate and distinct E/M service was provided.
For questions, email rs.nradvance@medtronic.com with the subject line: Billing & Coding Questions

Last updated: 24 Jan 2012

Medtronic Diabetes

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