Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: My doctor is using Kenalog 40 (NDC 0003029328) from Bristol Meyers Squibb. He says J3301 is not the correct code to bill because that is a generic code. Is there a different code to differentiate generics from non-generic when billing?

Arizona Subscriber

Answer: For Kenalog injections, you should use J3301 (Injection, triamcinolone acetonide, not otherwise specified, 10 mg) for the Kenalog itself.

Pointer: Pay careful attention to the code descriptor when reporting units. For J3301, you should report 1 unit per 10 mg.

Helpful: Kenalog is the brand name, and the generic drug name is triamcinolone acetonide. The HCPCS tabular listing is arranged by generic drug name. If you look up triamcinolone acetonide in the index, you'll see it lists J3300 (Injection, triamcinolone acetonide, preservative free, 1 mg) and J3301 as the proper codes. Be aware that J3300 is for the preservative free formulation and matches to different brand names. The HCPCS drug table listing contains brand names, as well. When you look up Kenalog, it refers you to triamcinolone acetonide.