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Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Ask Doctor for Correct Units of Measurement

Published on Wed Nov 17, 2004

Question: How should I code for a 1-cc injection of Kenalog-40? The HCPCS code only mentions milligrams.

Pennsylvania Subscriber Answer: You need more information. Talk to the ophthalmologist who did the injection and ask how many milligrams he used. Cubic centimeters (cc) are a measure of volume, and milligrams (mg) are a measure of weight. There's no consistent way to convert cubic centimeters to milligrams. One drug might have 30 mg per 1 cc; another might have 50 mg per 1 cc.

Once you find out how many milligrams were in the injection, report one unit of HCPCS code J3301 (Injection, triamcinolone acetonide, per 10 mg) for each 10 mg, along with the appropriate injection code.
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