S8948: Application of a modality (requiring constant provider attendance) to one or more areas; low-level laser; each 15 minutes
S8948 is a HCPCS Level II code for application of a modality (requiring constant provider attendance) to one or more areas; low-level laser; each 15 minutes. 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 2026Q4-Oct. 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 S8948
- Long descriptor
- Application of a modality (requiring constant provider attendance) to one or more areas; low-level laser; each 15 minutes
- Short descriptor
- Low-level laser trmt 15 min
- Added
- January 1, 2004
- 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 S8948
HCPCS has no hierarchy: related items simply sit next to each other in the numbering. If S8948 is not quite right, the correct code is very often within a few positions of it.
- S8431Compression bandage, roll
- S8450Splint, prefabricated, digit (specify digit by use of modifier)
- S8451Splint, prefabricated, wrist or ankle
- S8452Splint, prefabricated, elbow
- S8460Camisole, post-mastectomy
- S8490Insulin syringes (100 syringes, any size)
- S8930Electrical stimulation of auricular acupuncture points; each 15 minutes of personal one-on-one contact with the patient
- S8940Equestrian/hippotherapy, per session
- S8950Complex lymphedema therapy, each 15 minutes
- S8990Physical or manipulative therapy performed for maintenance rather than restoration
- S8999Resuscitation bag (for use by patient on artificial respiration during power failure or other catastrophic event)
- S9001Home uterine monitor with or without associated nursing services
- S9002Intra-vaginal motion sensor system, provides biofeedback for pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation device
- S9007Ultrafiltration monitor
- S9015Automated eeg monitoringterminated
- S9024Paranasal sinus ultrasound