Insurance Codes for Medical Wigs & Cold Capping: What You Need to Know

When you’re preparing for chemotherapy, the last thing you need is more uncertainty—especially around what’s covered and what isn’t. Many women don’t realize that both medical wigs (cranial prostheses) and cold capping sometimes use specific insurance codes that can make reimbursement more successful.

Below are the widely used codes many providers reference. While not a guarantee of coverage, they give you a strong starting point when you call your insurer.

Insurance Codes for Cold Capping (Scalp Cooling)

Cold capping is often billed under a set of Category III CPT codes or general HCPCS codes. Coverage varies significantly, but these are the most commonly recognized:

• 0662T – Initial measurement and calibration of scalp-cooling device.
• 0663T – Placement, monitoring, and removal of scalp-cooling device.
• A9273 – Cold/Hot wrap or pack (sometimes used for cold-cap rentals/purchases).
• E1399 – Durable Medical Equipment, Miscellaneous (used when no specific code applies).

*Reminder:* Coverage for cold capping is still inconsistent. Many insurers consider it supportive or “not medically necessary,” while others offer partial reimbursement.

Insurance Codes for Medical Wigs (Cranial Prosthesis)

Medical wigs have their own set of widely used HCPCS codes. These are the ones most commonly used for chemotherapy-induced hair loss:

• A9282 – Cranial prosthesis, any type Most widely recognized code for medical wigs due to alopecia.
• S8095 – Cranial prosthesis for hair loss Used by some private insurers when A9282 is not covered.
• L8499 – Unlisted prosthetic device Used when plans require an “unlisted” prosthetic code.
• E1399 – DME, miscellaneous Sometimes used depending on the provider’s billing platform.

To improve the chance of partial reimbursement, you will often need a doctor’s prescription that specifically says “cranial prosthesis for chemotherapy-induced alopecia.”

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company

• Do you cover a cranial prosthesis for chemotherapy-related hair loss?
• Which billing codes does my plan accept (A9282, S8095, 0662T, etc.)?
• What documentation do you need? (Prescription, invoice, letter of medical necessity?)
• How much is covered and how often?
• Where should I submit my documentation and receipts?

You Deserve Support Through This

Losing your hair or choosing to cold-cap isn’t just a practical decision—it’s an emotional one. You deserve clear information, real support, and a community that gets it.

If you’ve felt overwhelmed by options, forms, costs, or decisions—Re-Femme was built for you.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not insurance, billing, or medical advice. Coverage varies by plan. Always confirm benefits directly with your insurance provider.