Billing for injections, infusions
Priority Health requires CPT or HCPCS codes (i.e., J-codes) when you are billing for injectable drugs and chemotherapy drugs.
- All unspecified codes will be denied unless the drug and dosage are specified, since we must review them on a case-by-case basis.
- If you are billing for a dosage other than that specified by the HCPCS code, first verify that there is not another code specifically for the dosage administered. If not, report the HCPS code with the number of units representing the higher dosage (not the total dosage).
Example: You administer 250 mg. The code description of the injection is listed at 50 mg.
You report the code and 5 units (not 250 mg).
Go to information on billing under Priority Health Medicare plans.
Drug administration codes
- CPT or HCPS codes for drug administration services can be reported in addition to codes for the drugs themselves.
- When drug administration is performed in conjunction with an E&M service, the injection is considered incidental and is not separately reimbursed.
Prior authorization
Priority Health requires that providers get prior authorization for some injectable drugs.
Go to the list in this manual.
Injection/infusion services
Priority Health does not reimburse physician services for injection and/or infusion codes 96360 – 96376 when provided in a hospital or facility setting (Place of Service 21, 22, 23). This includes services provided by physicians in the ER.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has clarified coding guidelines associated with hydration, therapeutic, prophylatic, and diagnostic injection and infusions. A portion of the new language is below; reference your CPT manual for further information.
Physician work related to hydration, injection, and infusion services predominantly involves affirmation of treatment plan and direct supervision of staff. These codes are not intended to be reported by the physician in the facility setting. (AMA CPT 2008)
See guidelines for Depo Provera and Allergy injections, below
Go to guidelines for vaccines and immunizations
Depo Provera
| Code | Description |
|---|
J1051
|
Depo Provera for medical reasons; diagnosis must indicate a medical condition |
| J1055 |
Depo Provera for contraceptive purposes |
Allergy injections
Therapeutic and diagnostic injection codes should not be used to report allergy injection services. The quantity should always be one.
| Code | Description |
|---|
| 95115 |
One allergy injection
|
| 95117 |
Two or more allergy injections |
Therapeutic and diagnostic injection codes should not be used to report allergy injection services. The quantity should always be one.
Priority Health Medicare plans
- Drugs infused in a physician office, outpatient setting, or home (for home-bound patients only) are considered Part B drugs if the infusion technique is via IV pump. Follow Medicare billing rules.
- Drugs infused via IV push are considered Part D drugs. Bill through the Priority Health pharmacy benefit manager, Argus. Contact your Priority Health provider account coordinator for more information.
