Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: Someone recently told us that we could submit J1642 with 36000-59. We administered chemo on the same date. Is this coding acceptable?

Michigan Subscriber

Answer: Most payers do not separately reimburse 36000 (Introduction of needle or intracatheter; vein). Because you administered chemo on the same day, the chemo administration charge includes the port flush (or accessing the port). But you can submit J1642 (Injection, heparin sodium [heparin lock flush], per 10 units) with the chemotherapy code.

In terms of billing 36000 with J1642, use caution because some coders warn that could flag you for a RAC (Recovery Audit Contractors) audit.