Reader Question: Hepatitis B and Drug Addiction

Question: Which codes can I use to bill the hepatitis B series given within six months? Can I bill an evaluation and management (E/M) code, such as 99211, with the injection code? What diagnosis do I use for a high risk hepatitis B contractor, such as a drug addict?

Maryland Subscriber

Answer: You may bill either the administration of the injection code or 99211 (office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient), depending upon the situation. If the patient simply is coming back for his or her next injection, the infectious disease (ID) physician should charge for only the injection and material. If the patient requires an E/M service, however, the injection is included in the E/M. The materials required to administer the injection, however, still may be charged separately.

As for the proper diagnosis, V05.3 (viral hepatitis) is for the prophylactic vaccination, and V69.8 (other problems related to lifestyle) is for drug use and other self-damaging behavior. One of the 305.xx codes also may be used, subject to the type of drug the patient is abusing.

- Published on 2000-08-01