You Be the Coder:
Lupron
Published on Fri Sep 01, 2000
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the box below for the answer.
Question: If a patient is given Lupron, what code would you use: J9217, J9218 or J1950?
Maine Subscriber
Answer: The correct code for Lupron depends on how it is used. HCPCS codes J9217 (leuprolide acetate [for depot suspension], 7.5 mg) and J9218 (leuprolide acetate, per 1 mg) are categorized as chemotherapy drugs for treatment of malignancies (e.g., prostate cancer). On the other hand, HCPCS code J1950 (injection, leuprolide acetate [for depot suspension], per 3.75 mg) is used for management of noncancerous conditions, such as endometriosis and preoperative hematologic improvement of patients with anemia, secondary to uterine fibroids, when used concomitantly with iron therapy.
