HCPCS Q4438
Pretect per sq cm
HCPCS Q4438 at a glance
- Code
- Q4438
- Code type
- CPT/HCPCS
- Short descriptor
- Pretect per sq cm
- Category
- ASC Ancillary
- ASC payment status
- Payable in an ASC (ancillary)
- CMS addendum
- BB (Ancillary)
- Typical setting
- Ambulatory surgery center (POS 24) or hospital outpatient department (POS 22).
What is HCPCS code Q4438?
HCPCS Q4438 is a CPT/HCPCS procedure code. Its official CMS short descriptor is "Pretect per sq cm". In the ASC context it is grouped under ASC Ancillary.
Is HCPCS Q4438 payable in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC)?
HCPCS Q4438 is a covered ancillary service (CMS Addendum BB). Medicare reimburses it in the ASC setting when it is integral to a covered ASC surgical procedure.
Where is HCPCS Q4438 typically performed?
Ambulatory surgery center (POS 24) or hospital outpatient department (POS 22).
Reference information compiled from the CMS April 2026 ASC payment addenda (AA, BB, EE). Codes, descriptors, and ASC payment status change with each CMS update. This is a coding reference, not billing, coding, or legal advice. Always verify against the current CMS addenda and individual payer policy before billing. CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.