The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has established two new Level II Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes to describe Signifier Medical Technologies LLC’s eXciteOSA, the first-ever FDA authorized de-novo device for daytime treatment of mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and primary snoring. The CMS coding decision was published on February 16, 2022, and the following codes will become effective on April 1, 2022.

HCPCS Code: K1028

Power source and control electronics unit for oral device/appliance for neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the tongue muscle for the reduction of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, controlled by phone application.

HCPCS Code: K1029 

Oral device/appliance for neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the tongue muscle, used in conjunction with the power source and control electronics unit, controlled by phone application, 90-day supply.

“We welcome CMS’ decision to establish two new codes to describe the eXciteOSA device,” says Akhil Tripathi, CEO at Signifier, in a release. “With over 3,000 patients treated with eXciteOSA, we have seen strong demand for our therapy. Establishing codes marks an important milestone for physicians, health systems, DME suppliers, payers and patients alike, and will enable Signifier to demonstrate further the real-world benefits of improved outcomes, cost savings, and significantly improved quality of care for patients. Reimbursement will help patients in the US who suffer from sleep-disordered breathing with an option to obtain a new, effective daytime treatment.”

Used for 20 minutes per day during the initiation period, and then twice per week thereafter for maintenance, eXciteOSA targets a primary root cause of mild OSA by delivering neuromuscular electric stimulation to increase tongue muscle endurance.
“HCPCS codes play a critical role in providing patients with access to new medical devices, often improving payment options and healthcare decisions,” says Marc Benton, MD, FCCP, FAASM, a New Jersey-based pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist, in a release. “The eXciteOSA is a non-invasive, easy to use therapy that does not require patients to wear any sort of device during the night. Once reimbursement is established, eXciteOSA will be easier to access for a broader and more diverse population of patients suffering from sleep apnea, and I’m excited to share the good news with all of them.”