## **What is the HCPCS code J8999 for?**
The HCPCS code J8999 designates the use of a prescription drug, oral, chemotherapeutic, NOS (not otherwise specified). This is meant to be used if the chemotherapy treatment being provided includes the use of oral chemotherapy agents that don't have specific HCPCS codes, such as certain pills, capsules, or liquid formulations meant to treat cancer.
If you happen to be using prodrugs or newly developed oral chemotherapeutic agents that are still awaiting unique coding (if they will even be given one), you can use this HCPCS code for those. You can think of this code as a catch-all for such oral chemotherapy medications that lack HCPCS identifiers.
## **Documentation requirements for J8999**
The documentation requirements for J8999 include the following:
- The full name of the personnel who dispensed or provided the oral medication, along with their credentials
- The name and address of the facility where the medication was provided
- The full name of the patient
- Their cancer diagnosis
- Patient's medical history
- The date and time of the drug administration
- The drug name
- The drug manufacturer
- The drug's NDC (National Drug Code)
- The dosage
- Narrative instructions of the use of the drug
- Patient's treatment plan
- Blood test results that assess kidney and liver functions, when clinically appropriate or required for the specific oral chemotherapeutic agent being used
- Quantity provided (number of tablets, capsules, etc.)
## **Billing requirements of J8999**
Besides the documentation requirements listed above, please make sure to have or do the following:
- The correct HCPCS code (J8999)
- The correct indication of units, reported as the total quantity dispensed (e.g., 30 tablets = 30 units). Each tablet, capsule, or equivalent dosage form counts as 1 unit, and the claim must also include the NDC and strength of the drug provided.
- The proper ICD code for the patient's specific cancer
Please ensure to follow any mandates by the CMS/Medicare/other service to ensure smooth billing and avoid claim rejections.
## **Other similar codes**
- **J8499** - Prescription drug, oral, non chemotherapeutic, nos
- **J9999** - Not otherwise classified, antineoplastic drugs
- **J7999** - Compounded drug, not otherwise classified
- **J8597** - Antiemetic drug, oral, not otherwise specified
- **A9150** - Non-prescription drugs
Frequently asked questions
