2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule to Include Reimbursement for Scalp Cooling CPT Codes
[City, State] – July 15, 2025 – In a significant development for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, PR Newswire Healthring today announced that the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule will include reimbursement rates for scalp cooling Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. This decision is anticipated to increase access to and affordability of scalp cooling treatments, a method aimed at reducing chemotherapy-induced hair loss.
Scalp cooling, also known as cold cap therapy, involves using a cap that is cooled to a very low temperature before and during chemotherapy infusions. This cooling effect is believed to constrict blood vessels in the scalp, reducing the amount of chemotherapy drug that reaches the hair follicles. By minimizing the exposure of hair follicles to these drugs, scalp cooling can potentially prevent or lessen hair loss, a common and often distressing side effect of certain chemotherapy regimens.
Until now, the lack of specific reimbursement codes under Medicare has presented a significant barrier for many patients seeking to utilize scalp cooling technology. While some private insurers have begun to cover the procedure, Medicare’s comprehensive fee schedule plays a pivotal role in establishing payment rates across a vast network of healthcare providers, influencing broader adoption and accessibility.
The inclusion of reimbursement rates for scalp cooling CPT codes in the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule is a testament to the growing recognition of scalp cooling’s value in improving the quality of life for cancer patients. This development is expected to empower more individuals to discuss and pursue scalp cooling as a viable option during their treatment journey.
Healthcare providers will now have clearer guidance and a financial framework for offering scalp cooling services to Medicare beneficiaries. This could lead to expanded availability of scalp cooling equipment and trained personnel at cancer treatment centers nationwide.
This news is a welcomed advancement for the oncology community and, most importantly, for patients facing the challenges of cancer treatment. The ability to mitigate hair loss can have a profound positive impact on a patient’s self-esteem, body image, and overall emotional well-being during a difficult time.
Further details regarding the specific reimbursement rates and any associated guidelines for these CPT codes are expected to be released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as part of their final rule for the 2026 Physician Fee Schedule. Patients and providers are encouraged to stay informed about these upcoming details.
2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Rates Set for Scalp Cooling CPT Codes
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PR Newswire Healthring published ‘2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Rates Set for Scalp Cooling CPT Codes’ at 2025-07-15 20:56. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.