Advanced Search

Primary Care Coding Alert

READER QUESTION:

No Need to Fear the Unclassified J Code

Published on Wed Mar 07, 2007

Question: Which codes should I report when the physician performs an IV infusion of diltiazem HCl, also known as Cardizem or Tiazac?

New Hampshire Subscriber Answer: You should report 90774 (Therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic injection [specify substance or drug]; intravenous push, single or initial substance/drug) for the injection. The procedure is considered -therapeutic- because physicians use it to treat chronic, stable angina.

For the drug itself, you should report J3490 (Unclassified drugs), unless your payer instructs otherwise, because no permanent HCPCS code has been assigned to diltiazem HCl.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Primary Care Coding Alert

View All