Consider pre-filled saline syringes packaged supplies
APCs Weekly Monitor, September 14, 2007
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QUESTION: Can we bill for the pre-filled saline syringe that the provider uses at the conclusion of an IV medication administration? I know that we cannot bill the actual task of flushing according to the Medicare Claims Processing Manual 100-4, chapter 12, section 30.5, C. Is the pre-filled saline syringe considered a supply or a drug?
ANSWER: The pre-filled saline syringe used to flush the venous access is reportable as a packaged supply on the claim, assuming you have not already included it in the infusion charge. Medicare does not separately reimburse this procedure, but it may be payable by charge based payers. Your hospital procedures will dictate whether you bill the flush under a supply revenue code (27X) or a pharmacy revenue code (25X). Many hospitals dispense the saline flush from the pharmacy, while others may consider this a supply and distribute the saline flush from the materials supply department. Either method would be appropriate.
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