SeaStar Medical Secures ICD-10-PCS Codes for SCD Therapy in Acute Kidney Injury
Event summary
- SeaStar Medical's SCD therapy received dedicated ICD-10-PCS codes from CMS for use in acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT).
- The new codes enable standardized inpatient hospital billing and are expected to take effect on October 1, 2026.
- The adult AKI market is estimated at $4.5 billion, 50 times larger than the pediatric market where QUELIMMUNE is currently approved.
The big picture
The ICD-10-PCS codes represent a critical milestone for SeaStar Medical, removing a key barrier to broader adoption of its SCD therapy. The move aligns with the growing emphasis on targeted immunomodulation in critical care, particularly as AKI cases linked to sepsis and other hyperinflammatory states rise. With the adult AKI market dwarfing the pediatric segment, this development positions SeaStar Medical for potential scale-up in a high-unmet-need space.
What we're watching
- Market Expansion
- How the new codes will accelerate adoption of SCD therapy in the adult AKI market.
- Clinical Validation
- Whether the NEUTRALIZE-AKI trial confirms the survival benefits observed in pediatric patients.
- Regulatory Pathway
- The pace at which SeaStar Medical secures additional Breakthrough Device Designations for other indications.
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