S4990 — Nicotine patches, legend
S4990 is a HCPCS Level II code for nicotine patches, legend. It belongs to the Temporary National Codes (Non-Medicare) 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.
Physician fee schedule statusI
Not valid for Medicare purposes. Medicare uses another code.
Global period: XXX
Want the dollar amount for your locality? The fee calculator applies your GPCI and the current conversion factor.
The CMS record for S4990
- Long descriptor
- Nicotine patches, legend
- Short descriptor
- Nicotine patch legend
- Added
- January 1, 2002
- BETOS
- Z2
- 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 S4990
HCPCS has no hierarchy — related items simply sit next to each other in the numbering. If S4990 is not quite right, the correct code is very often within a few positions of it.
- S4031Sperm procurement and cryopreservation services; subsequent visit
- S4035Stimulated intrauterine insemination (iui), case rate
- S4037Cryopreserved embryo transfer, case rate
- S4040Monitoring and storage of cryopreserved embryos, per 30 days
- S4042Management of ovulation induction (interpretation of diagnostic tests and studies, non-face-to-face medical management of the patient), per cycle
- S4981Insertion of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system
- S4988Penile contracture device, manual, greater than 3 lbs traction forceterminated
- S4989Contraceptive intrauterine device (e.g., progestacert iud), including implants and supplies
- S4991Nicotine patches, non-legend
- S4993Contraceptive pills for birth control
- S4995Smoking cessation gum
- S5000Prescription drug, generic
- S5001Prescription drug, brand name
- S50105% dextrose and 0.45% normal saline, 1000 ml
- S50115% dextrose in lactated ringer's, 1000 mlterminated
- S50125% dextrose with potassium chloride, 1000 ml
Questions about S4990
What is HCPCS code S4990?
S4990 is a HCPCS Level II code for nicotine patches, legend. It sits in the Temporary National Codes (Non-Medicare) section.
Does Medicare cover S4990?
The CMS HCPCS file marks S4990 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.
How is S4990 paid under the physician fee schedule?
S4990 carries PFS status code I. Not valid for Medicare purposes. Medicare uses another code.