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Anesthesia Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Verify Policies Before Coding Lidocaine

Published on Tue Nov 01, 2005

Question: Which code should I use for 3 mg of Lidocaine HC?


Pennsylvania Subscriber
Answer: If the physician used the Lidocaine as an anesthetic during the procedure, you cannot report it separately because it's included in the procedure fee.

HCPCS deleted J2000 (Lidocaine HCl) in January 2005, which means there is no specific code for the medication. On the other hand, HCPCS does still include J2001 (Injection, lidocaine HCl for intravenous infusion, 10 mg), but this code doesn't apply to your situation because it's for 10-mg increments of IV administration.

If you-re able to bill the Lidocaine (when it's part of postoperative pain management instead of during a procedure), your best option is J3490 (Unclassified drugs). Include information about the dosage, name of the drug and NDC number in Block 19 of the CMS-1500 form.
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