Chemotherapy Coding

Using the correct combination of codes is the key to minimizing delays in claims processing. Please ensure that revenue codes and procedure codes reflect the diagnoses and services rendered. Third-digit subcategories for the revenue code are included in the UB-04 manual.

Commonly Billed Services

The matrix below depicts commonly billed services and acceptable code ranges that correspond to HMSA's claims processing requirements for chemotherapy. The matrix represents a range of possible combinations and should not be viewed as comprehensive.

Coding: Chemotherapy

Administration

Revenue Code Description Level of Code Code Description
0331 Chemotherapy Admin - injected HCPCS Q0083 Chemotherapy administration by other than infusion technique only (e.g., subcutaneous, intra-muscular, push) per visit
0335 Chemotherapy Admin - IV HCPCS Q0084 Chemotherapy administration by infusion technique only, per visit
0335 Chemotherapy Admin - IV HCPCS Q0085 Chemotherapy administration by both infusion technique and other techniques (e.g., subcutaneous, intra-muscular, push) per visit
0335 Chemotherapy Admin - IV
(used for off-day service) 
HCPCS Q0081 Infusion using other than chemotherapeutic drugs, per visit
0510 Clinic: general classification     This revenue code is not recognized by HMSA's system.
0760, 0769 Treatment/observation room     Although recommended by Medicare's ambulatory payment classification (APC), these codes are part of HMSA's all-inclusive rate and are not paid separately.
094x Other therapeutic service; general CPT 96372 Therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic injection (specify substance or drug); subcutaneous or intramuscular
094x Other therapeutic service; general CPT 90773 intra-arterial
094x Other therapeutic service; general CPT 90774 intravenous push, single or initial substance/drug
094x Other therapeutic service; general CPT 90775 each additional intravenous push of a new substance/drug (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
094x Other therapeutic service; general CPT 90776 each additional sequential intravenous push of the same substance/drug provided in a facility (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
094x Other therapeutic service: general CPT 90779 Unlisted therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic intravenous or intra-arterial injection or infusion

Incidental drugs and supplies

Revenue Code Description Level of Code Code Description
025x Pharmacy HCPCS   Use HCPCS codes that describe the services rendered.
0260 IV therapy: general classification HCPCS Q0081 Infusion therapy, using other than chemotherapy drugs, per visit
027x Medical/surgical supplies and devices HCPCS   Use HCPCS codes that describe the services rendered.

Note: Incidental drugs (also known as adjunct therapies) are pharmaceutical items administered concurrently with chemotherapy and are not reimbursed separately. Common incidental drugs include, but are not limited to, the following: J1642, J1644, J3480, J7030, J7040, J7042, J7050, J7060, J7120.

Drugs requiring specific identification

Revenue Code Description Level of Code Code Description
0636 Drugs requiring specific identification: detailed coding HCPCS HCPCS J9000 - J9600 Chemotherapy drugs
       

Drugs to counter nausea and other side effects (e.g. allergic reaction)

Use HCPCS codes that describe the services rendered.

      J9999 Not otherwise classified, antineoplastic drug.
      Q0163‑ Q0181 Oral anti-emetics, for use as a complete therapeutic substitute for an IV anti-emetic at the time of chemotherapy treatment, not to exceed a 48-hour dosage regimen.

Notes:

  1. Drugs requiring specific identification must be billed separately.
  2. When unlisted/NOC (not otherwise classified) J codes are used, enter the corresponding National Drug Code (NDC) information in form locator 43. Refer to Chemotherapy J Codes for more information.
  3. HCPCS code Q0181 is an unspecified oral dosage, and therefore requires the corresponding NDC information in form locator 43. Enter the dosage in form locator 80.

Revision History

Date Nature of Revision
08/03/2026

Migrated to new platform