Advanced Search

Pediatric Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Don't Separately Code Pain Reliever Administration

Published on Fri Jan 13, 2012

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? Pennsylvania Subscriber Answer: No, you instead should include the administration of the oral drug in the related E/M service (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. 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.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Pediatric Coding Alert

View All