HCPCS Code J9171: Injection, Docetaxel, 1 mg

Learn about the HCPCS code J9171 for "Injection, docetaxel, 1 mg" through this short guide.

## **What is the HCPCS code J9171 for?** The HCPCS code J9171 is a J code, which means it's part of a massive group of HCPCS codes meant for indicating medication, with a huge chunk of them being for injected drugs. J9171 is meant to indicate the injection of docetaxel, specifically a 1 mg dosage. A docetaxel injection is a chemotherapy drug that is used as part of cancer treatment. It is used to treat certain cancers, such as (metastatic) breast cancer, prostate cancer, gastric cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer, to mention a few. Its goal is to slow the progression of the disease. It also shrinks tumors. The ultimate goal of this medicine is to extend the life expectancy of the patient. Patients taking this medication need to fast for several hours before the procedure. They might also need to avoid taking certain medications (this will depend on what the provider says).

## **Documentation requirements for J9171** As with any injected medication, please make sure you have sufficient documentation before filing a claim for J9171. Here are examples of what you need: - The full name of the patient - The full name and credentials of the healthcare professional(s) who administered the injection - The date and time of the drug administration by injection, including the start and stop times of the infusion - Docetaxel prescribing information - Patient records showing they have been diagnosed with cancers that this injection treats - Blood test results - Imaging tests showing the size and location of tumors - The exact and total dosage of the injection, including the route

## **Billing requirements for J9171** Besides the documentation requirements above, please make sure to take note of or have the following: - 1 mg is equal to 1 unit - Have the relevant ICD codes based on the patient's cancer. This is to justify the medical necessity - Ensure consistent documentation of dosage in the claim line - CPT code 96365 because this is administered intravenously - Use either of two modifiers: JW if there's unused medication in a vial (wastage), or JZ if there's no unused medication It's important that you're familiar with CMS/Medicare/related coding guidelines and policy articles. Please practice proper coding guidelines to avoid rejections.

## **Other similar codes** - **J9267** - Injection, paclitaxel, 1 mg - **J9043** - Injection, cabazitaxel, 1 mg - **J9328** - Injection, temozolomide, 1 mg - **J1071** - Injection, testosterone cypionate, 1 mg - **J9354** - Injection, ado-trastuzumab emtansine, 1 mg

Frequently asked questions

It can take up to an hour to complete the infusion.

Those who take this injection will likely experience the following as side effects: nausea (with vomiting), diarrhea, fatigue, hair loss, and low blood cell counts. The more adverse potential problems include liver damage and severe allergic reactions. It's also possible for them to suffer from neuropathy.

It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.