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Pulmonology Coding Alert

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Choose Drug Code Based on Strength

Published on Thu Dec 27, 2012

Question: I need a code for the drug Depomedrol? I was told it’s the same as Kenolog which we have as J 3301? I know that the injection code is 96372. New Jersey Subscriber Answer: Depo-Medrol is available in three strengths: 20 mg/mL, 40 mg/mL, and 80 mg/mL. Packaging is available in 1 mL, 5 mL, and 10 mLvolume vials and can be single dose (without any preservative) or multi-dose (with preservative) vials. HCPCS includes three Depo-Medrol codes to cover the different strengths: J1020 -- Injection, methylprednisolone acetate, 20 mg (for Depo-Medrol) J1030 -- Injection, methylprednisolone acetate, 40 mg (for DepoMedalone40, Depo-Medrol, or Sano-Drol) J1040 -- Injection, methylprednisolone acetate, 80 mg (for Cortimed, DepMedalone, DepoMedalone80, Depo-Medrol, Duro Cort, Methylcotolone, Pri-Methylate, or Sano-Drol). Conversion: First be aware that there is no difference between 1 mL and 1 cc. They are terms describing the volume of medication injected and are used interchangeably. Consider these examples: 1mL of 40 mg/mL [...]
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