Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers
HCPCS B4161: Pediatric Hydrolyzed/Amino Acid Enteral Feeding Formula
HCPCS Level II code B4161 denotes a pediatric enteral nutrition formula comprised of hydrolyzed proteins, amino acids and peptide-chain proteins, with fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals; it may include fiber and is supplied for tube feeding, billed as units where 100 calories = 1 unit. This code matters nationally because specialized pediatric enteral formulas are clinically necessary for infants and children with malabsorption, severe food allergies, or impaired oral intake, and they drive durable payments and utilization in home and outpatient nutrition services. Key payers examined include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and Medicare.
Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context and service settings for B4161, along with expected payer coverage considerations and common modifiers used when billing. The publication summarizes benchmarks for utilization and reimbursement structures where available, outlines coding and billing implications for pediatric enteral nutrition supplies, and highlights practical documentation elements tied to medical necessity. Data not available in the input is indicated where relevant; the focus remains on national implications for providers, payers, and care managers involved in pediatric enteral feeding.
Customize your policy alerts
Sign up for hcpcs B4161 policy alerts
Get alerted when payer policies referencing B4161 are released or updated.
Monitor payer policy activity
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code B4161 describes an enteral formula for pediatrics composed of hydrolyzed/amino acids and peptide chain proteins. The product includes fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, may include fiber, and is administered through an enteral feeding tube. The billing unit is defined as 100 calories = 1 unit.
Service type: Enteral nutrition / pediatric tube feeding formula provision
Typical site of service: Home care or outpatient settings where enteral tube feeding is managed, including pediatric home health and outpatient infusion or nutrition support clinics.