Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: The patient presented for a 2.21 mg subcutaneous Velcade injection, 20 mg of IV Dex (sodium phosphate) over 15 minutes, and then 4 mg IV Zometa over 15 minutes. The patient's multiple myeloma has relapsed. Which codes should we report?Colorado SubscriberAnswer: There are many factors to consider in reporting this case, including administration methods and infusion times.Velcade: For the administration of Velcade, an anti-cancer drug, be sure to note the administration method: subcutaneous injection. The appropriate code for this administration is 96401 (Chemotherapy administration, subcutaneous or intramuscular; non-hormonal anti-neoplastic). Physicians also may order Velcade administration by push, which would change the coding to 96409 (Chemotherapy administration; intravenous, push technique, single or initial substance/drug). For the 2.21 mg supply of Velcade, you should report 23 units of J9041 (Injection, bortezomib, 0.1 mg).Dex: To report the dexamethasone (corticosteroid) 15-minute infusion, you should report push code 96374 (Therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection [...]