How To Use HCPCS Code A4235

HCPCS code A4235 describes the replacement battery, lithium, for use with a medically necessary home blood glucose monitor owned by the patient. This code is used to identify the specific battery required for the glucose monitor and is essential for accurate and reliable blood glucose monitoring.

1. What is HCPCS A4235?

HCPCS code A4235 is a specific code used to identify the replacement battery, lithium, for use with a medically necessary home blood glucose monitor owned by the patient. It is important to use this code when billing for the battery to ensure proper reimbursement and documentation.

2. Official Description

The official description of HCPCS code A4235 is “Replacement battery, lithium, for use with medically necessary home blood glucose monitor owned by patient, each.” The short description is “Lithium batt for glucose mon.”

3. Procedure

1. Ensure that the patient has a medically necessary home blood glucose monitor that requires a lithium battery.
2. Determine the need for a replacement battery based on the battery life of the glucose monitor.
3. Obtain the replacement battery, ensuring that it is a lithium battery.
4. Replace the old battery with the new lithium battery in the home blood glucose monitor.
5. Ensure that the glucose monitor is functioning properly with the new battery.

4. When to use HCPCS code A4235

HCPCS code A4235 should be used when billing for the replacement battery, lithium, for a medically necessary home blood glucose monitor owned by the patient. It is important to use this code only when the battery is specifically required for the glucose monitor and not for any other purpose.

5. Billing Guidelines and Documentation Requirements

When billing for HCPCS code A4235, healthcare providers need to document the medical necessity of the home blood glucose monitor and the need for a replacement battery. The documentation should include the patient’s medical condition that requires blood glucose monitoring and the specific model of the glucose monitor that requires the lithium battery. Providers should also include the date of battery replacement and any other relevant information.

6. Historical Information and Code Maintenance

HCPCS code A4235 was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 01, 2006. There have been no maintenance actions taken for this code, as indicated by the action code N, which means no maintenance for this code. This code has been in use for over a decade and has remained unchanged since its addition.

7. Medicare and Insurance Coverage

Medicare and other insurance providers may cover the cost of the replacement battery, lithium, for a medically necessary home blood glucose monitor owned by the patient. The pricing indicator code for HCPCS code A4235 is 32, which indicates that it is considered an inexpensive and routinely purchased durable medical equipment (DME) item. The multiple pricing indicator code is A, which means it is not applicable as HCPCS priced under one methodology. Providers should check with the specific insurance plan for coverage and reimbursement guidelines.

8. Examples

Here are five examples of when HCPCS code A4235 should be billed:

1. A patient with diabetes who requires regular blood glucose monitoring at home owns a glucose monitor that requires a lithium battery. The battery needs replacement, and the provider bills for the replacement battery using HCPCS code A4235.
2. A healthcare provider prescribes a medically necessary home blood glucose monitor for a patient with gestational diabetes. The monitor requires a lithium battery, and the patient purchases the replacement battery using HCPCS code A4235.
3. A patient with diabetes visits a durable medical equipment supplier to purchase a replacement battery for their home blood glucose monitor. The supplier bills the patient’s insurance using HCPCS code A4235 for the lithium battery.
4. A patient’s home blood glucose monitor malfunctions due to a faulty battery. The patient contacts the manufacturer, who provides a replacement lithium battery free of charge. The manufacturer bills the replacement battery using HCPCS code A4235.
5. A patient’s home blood glucose monitor battery is nearing the end of its life, and the patient purchases a replacement lithium battery from a pharmacy. The pharmacy bills the patient’s insurance using HCPCS code A4235 for the battery.