HCPCS Code J1642: Injection, Heparin Sodium, (Heparin Lock Flush), Per 10 Units

Learn about the HCPCS code J1642 for "injection, heparin sodium, (heparin lock flush), per 10 units" through this short guide.

Use Code

## **What is the HCPCS code J1642 for?** The HCPCS code J1642 is a J code, and one of many that designate the provision of injected medication. For this code, what is being designated is the provision of a heparin sodium injection (also known as a heparin lock flush), per 10 units of it. This is an anticoagulant medication. This will prevent blood clots from forming in intravenous lines or heparin locks to help maintain the patency of the IV lines. By preventing blood clots from forming, IV catheters can remain open and functional for medication administration and blood sampling. Please note that this isn't meant to be used for patient therapy/therapeutic anticoagulation doses.

## **HCPCS code J1642 documentation requirements** As with any HCPCS code, please make sure you check your insurer's coding guidelines, requirements, related policy articles, and local coverage determinations to ensure you have the sufficient documentation you need to file a claim. Here are examples of what you need: - The full name of the patient - The full names and credentials of the healthcare professionals handling the patient - The name, address, and type of facility where this injection was used - Signed provider order for use - Drug information (e.g., drug name, exact dose, route of administration, lot number, manufacturer, expiration date) - Clinical indication: line flush to maintain catheter patency - Documentation of the process of cleaning the IV line (e.g., cleaning the injection site/catheter port with antiseptic, drawing the heparin sodium into the syringe, injecting the solution into the catheter port slowly, disposing the syringe, etc.)

## **HCPCS code J1642 billing requirements** Besides the documentation requirements above, please make sure to take note of or have the following: - Every 10 units of the injection = 1 unit of service - Some payers (including Medicare) do not separately reimburse heparin flushes in many outpatient settings. They may be bundled with whatever procedure is being provided (if it involves IV lines). Always verify payer policies first - Billable only for drug supply; flushing/injection is billed separately - CPT codes you can use include 96523 and 96522

## **Other similar codes for heparin sodium** - **J0911**- Instillation, taurolidine 1.35 mg and heparin sodium 100 units (central venous catheter lock for adult patients receiving chronic hemodialysis) - **J1643** - Injection, heparin sodium (pfizer), not therapeutically equivalent to j1644, per 1000 units - **J1644** - Injection, heparin sodium, per 1000 units

Frequently asked questions

No. It's for cleaning IV lines and preventing blood clots from forming in it. This will ensure the IV line is functional.

Nurses and medical technicians who are trained in using heparin to clean IV lines.

Not always. Many payers, including Medicare, bundle heparin flushes into the procedure cost. Again, please check with your insurer/payer to be sure about the coverage for this.