Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Question: Is there a code that I can use for the administration of Tylenol or Motrin? The only code that I have found for oral medication administration is H0033. Is it appropriate to use the code in this context?

Codify Subscriber

Answer: No. Administering oral medications is an integral part of the E/M service, so you should simply report the appropriate E/M code (such as 99201-99215,  Office or other outpatient visit...).

HCPCS code H0033 (Oral medication administration, direct observation) is in the alcohol and drug abuse treatment services listing. Some private health insurers are using the code for reporting buprenorphine treatment services, such as giving the patient an opioid medication to treat opioid addiction in the privacy of a physician's office. Therefore, you should avoid it for NSAID administration services.