Information on New HCPCS Codes for Intermittent Catheters, Effective January 1, 2026
As part of the preparation for the new HCPCS codes for hydrophilic intermittent urinary catheters that go into effect on January 1, 2026, the PDAC announced they will begin developing a line of communication with manufacturers and distributors to assist in the transition. The PDAC stated:
“In order for affected intermittent catheter (IC) products to be updated on the Product Classification List (PCL), manufacturers and distributors are encouraged to share their primary contact with the PDAC by completing the Contact Us form by March 31, 2025. Over the course of the upcoming year, the PDAC will work with the primary contact to determine if their products qualify for one of the new hydrophilic IC HCPCS codes. Stakeholders should be aware failure to establish a primary contact by March 31 may result in outdated product information being removed from the PCL.”
“To ensure interim placement under existing codes before the transition to new codes on January 1, 2026, Manufacturers must also submit code verification review (CVR) applications for changes to product details or for new product verification by October 31, 2025. All CVR applications submitted by October 31 will have HCPCS codes assigned after January 1, 2026.”
“The PDAC will be assessing if the existing products meet the criteria for the new HCPCS codes for the upcoming year. All applicable product information identified for a code change will be captured and updated periodically on the Hydrophilic Intermittent Urinary Catheter Crosswalk available at the bottom of the page. Products listed in the Crosswalk will be transitioned to the appropriate HCPCS code on the PCL effective January 1, 2026. Manufacturers and distributors are encouraged to review the list regularly for updates and use it as a resource to inform suppliers about upcoming billing code changes.”
The PDAC has informed us that they intend to post the Crosswalk this Fall, to provide DME suppliers with advance notice of the correct new HCPCS codes for intermittent catheters, effective January 1, 2026.
The Intermittent Catheter Coding Reform Coalition (ICCRC) is a group of AAHomecare member companies that manufacture and distribute intermittent catheters. It is comprised of BD, Coloplast, Convatec, Hollister, and Wellspect.
Formed in 2023, the ICCRC works to promote Medicare coding polices that assure appropriate access to the right intermittent catheter for an individual, based on their particular needs.
Resources Available:
- A Primer on the new HCPCS code (PPT - with a video on slide 8, for Payer Implementation Discussions)
- A Primer on the new HCPCS code - No Video (PPT - with PDF on slide 8 and smaller file size, for Payer Implementation Discussions)
- New HCPCS Codes for Intermittent Catheters, Effective January 1, 2026