L8685 — Implantable neurostimulator pulse generator, single array, rechargeable, includes extension
L8685 is a HCPCS Level II code for implantable neurostimulator pulse generator, single array, rechargeable, includes extension. It belongs to the Orthotic and Prosthetic Procedures and Devices section. Medicare does not pay it — see the coverage note below before you bill it.
Medicare coverage: Not payable by Medicare
Medicare does not pay this code. It may still be valid for another payer, but a Medicare claim carrying it will not be reimbursed.
From the coverage field of the CMS Alpha-Numeric HCPCS File, release 2026Q3-Jul. This states Medicare’s position on the code, not on your particular claim.
Medically Unlikely Edits — units per day
The most units of L8685 Medicare will pay on one date of service. Bill more on a single line and it is denied. The limit is not the same in every setting, so the row that matters is the one matching the claim you are building.
- practitioner
- 1 unit MAI 3 — Date of Service Edit: Clinical · Nature of Equipment
- outpatient
- 0 — never payable MAI 3 — Date of Service Edit: Clinical · CMS Policy
- DME supplier
- 0 — never payable MAI 3 — Date of Service Edit: Clinical · CMS Policy
The adjudication indicator decides whether exceeding the limit is worth appealing at all: MAI 1 is a line edit you can support with documentation, MAI 3 is a date-of-service edit that is also appealable, and MAI 2 is absolute — no documentation overrides it. CMS MUE 2026Q3.
The CMS record for L8685
- Long descriptor
- Implantable neurostimulator pulse generator, single array, rechargeable, includes extension
- Short descriptor
- Implt nrostm pls gen sng rec
- Added
- January 1, 2006
- BETOS
- D1F
- Pricing indicator
- 00 — Not priced by Part B
The official wording. This is what the code means.
CMS's 28-character form, which is what shows up on a remittance advice.
When CMS introduced the code.
Berenson-Eggers Type of Service — CMS's own analytic grouping.
Service not separately priced by Part B — not covered, bundled into another service, or used by Part A only.
Codes adjacent to L8685
HCPCS has no hierarchy — related items simply sit next to each other in the numbering. If L8685 is not quite right, the correct code is very often within a few positions of it.
- L8670Vascular graft material, synthetic, implant
- L8678Electrical stimulator supplies (external) for use with implantable neurostimulator, per month
- L8679Implantable neurostimulator, pulse generator, any type
- L8680Implantable neurostimulator electrode, each
- L8681Patient programmer (external) for use with implantable programmable neurostimulator pulse generator, replacement only
- L8682Implantable neurostimulator radiofrequency receiver
- L8683Radiofrequency transmitter (external) for use with implantable neurostimulator radiofrequency receiver
- L8684Radiofrequency transmitter (external) for use with implantable sacral root neurostimulator receiver for bowel and bladder management, replacement
- L8686Implantable neurostimulator pulse generator, single array, non-rechargeable, includes extension
- L8687Implantable neurostimulator pulse generator, dual array, rechargeable, includes extension
- L8688Implantable neurostimulator pulse generator, dual array, non-rechargeable, includes extension
- L8689External recharging system for battery (internal) for use with implantable neurostimulator, replacement only
- L8690Auditory osseointegrated device, includes all internal and external components
- L8691Auditory osseointegrated device, external sound processor, excludes transducer/actuator, replacement only, each
- L8692Auditory osseointegrated device, external sound processor, used without osseointegration, body worn, includes headband or other means of external attachment
- L8693Auditory osseointegrated device abutment, any length, replacement only
Questions about L8685
What is HCPCS code L8685?
L8685 is a HCPCS Level II code for implantable neurostimulator pulse generator, single array, rechargeable, includes extension. It sits in the Orthotic and Prosthetic Procedures and Devices section.
Does Medicare cover L8685?
The CMS HCPCS file marks L8685 as "Not payable by Medicare". Medicare does not pay this code. It may still be valid for another payer, but a Medicare claim carrying it will not be reimbursed.