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HCPCS Level II J0911: Taurolidine-Heparin Catheter Lock for Hemodialysis

HCPCS Level II code J0911 represents the instillation of taurolidine 1.35 mg combined with heparin sodium 100 units used as a central venous catheter lock for adult patients receiving chronic hemodialysis. This code identifies a specialized vascular access maintenance procedure that supports catheter patency and infection prevention, making it relevant to dialysis providers, outpatient infusion centers, and payers managing chronic renal replacement therapy populations nationwide. Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context and service setting, benchmarking considerations for reimbursement and utilization, common billing modifiers and coding practice notes, and relevant payer policy highlights where available. The publication also outlines documentation elements and potential audit focal points for claims involving catheter lock solutions. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable; this summary focuses on nationally applicable implications rather than state-specific rules.

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Billing Code Overview

HCPCS Level II code J0911 describes the instillation of taurolidine 1.35 mg and heparin sodium 100 units as a central venous catheter lock intended for adult patients receiving chronic hemodialysis. The service type is a catheter lock instillation used to maintain catheter patency and reduce infection risk in long-term hemodialysis access. The typical site of service is an outpatient dialysis center or other ambulatory setting where chronic hemodialysis is administered.

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HCPCS Level II J0911: Taurolidine-Heparin Catheter Lock for Hemodialysis

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Get alerted when payer policies referencing J0911 are released or updated.

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Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 62-year-old patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving chronic hemodialysis presents to the outpatient dialysis center for a scheduled hemodialysis session. The patient has a tunneled central venous dialysis catheter that is routinely locked between treatments to maintain catheter patency and reduce the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection. Prior to connecting the dialysis circuit, the dialysis nurse aspirates residual lock solution, inspects the catheter exit site, performs standard line disinfection, and then instills a catheter lock consisting of taurolidine 1.35 mg combined with heparin sodium 100 units into each lumen according to facility protocol. Documentation includes catheter type, volumes instilled, lot numbers for drugs used, patient tolerance, and the clinical indication for catheter lock therapy (chronic hemodialysis via central venous catheter). Typical site of service is an outpatient dialysis center or hospital-based dialysis unit. Service type is a medication instillation/catheter lock performed as part of routine maintenance of a central venous dialysis catheter for adult chronic hemodialysis patients.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`00`	No modifier.	Use when no special reporting modifier applies.
`52`	Reduced services.	Use if the instillation was partially performed or less than standard volume was instilled.
`53`	Discontinued procedure.	Use if the instillation was started but discontinued due to patient complication or intolerance.
`62`	Two surgeons.	Uncommon for catheter lock instillation; use only if two surgeons are required during a related surgical procedure involving catheter management.
`78`	Return to the operating/procedure room for a related procedure during the postoperative period.	Use if the patient requires immediate return for catheter-related intervention after initial placement or lock-related complication.
`80`	Assistant surgeon.	Use if an assistant surgeon is documented for an associated surgical catheter procedure.
`82`	Assistant surgeon (when a qualified resident surgeon is not available).	Use when an assistant surgeon is necessary for a related catheter surgical procedure and no resident is available.
`AS`	Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery.	Use if an APP serves as assistant during an associated catheter procedure.
`JW`	Drug discarded/not administered to any patient.	Use when a portion of a multi-dose container or vial is discarded; must be supported by documentation.
`JZ`	No drug administered from single-dose vial.	Use if a single-dose vial was opened but no drug was administered.
`QX`	Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) service.	Rarely applicable; use if CRNA documents services related to an anesthesia event for catheter placement.
`QY`	Medical direction of two, three, or four eligible physicians by a single physician.	Use if medical direction rules apply during a related procedure.
`CQ`	Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) or other anesthesia modifiers when CRNA involvement applies.	Use only when anesthesia services relate to catheter placement or exchange.
`TG`	Services provided under a primary care exception.	Use if applicable under payer policies for supervising services.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`363A00000X`	Nephrology	Primary specialty managing chronic hemodialysis patients and catheter care protocols.
`174400000X`	Dialysis Technician	Staff who typically perform catheter lock instillation under nursing supervision in outpatient dialysis centers.
`207RN0401X`	Registered Nurse	Nurses who perform catheter care, instillation, and documentation during dialysis sessions.
`363L00000X`	Vascular Surgery	Specialty involved when catheter placement, exchange, or surgical intervention is required.
`207R00000X`	Physician Assistant	Clinicians who may perform or supervise catheter management under physician oversight.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`N18.6`	End stage renal disease	Primary indication for chronic hemodialysis and the presence of a tunneled central venous catheter requiring lock therapy.
`T82.7XXA`	Infection and inflammatory reaction due to other vascular prosthetic devices, implants and grafts, initial encounter	Relevant when catheter-related infection is suspected and catheter lock therapy may be used as part of management or prevention strategies.
`I82.409`	Acute embolism and thrombosis of unspecified deep veins of lower extremity	Represents thrombotic complications that relate to catheter patency issues; catheter locks with anticoagulant (heparin) are used to prevent lumen thrombosis.
`T80.213A`	Infection following infusion, transfusion and therapeutic injection, initial encounter	Relevant when infection related to catheter instillation is a concern or complication.
`Z99.2`	Dependence on renal dialysis	Administrative code often used to indicate chronic dialysis dependence and justify ongoing catheter maintenance procedures.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`36556`	Insertion of tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter, with subcutaneous port or pump, with imaging and subcutaneous tunneling.	Performed when placing a tunneled dialysis catheter prior to routine catheter lock maintenance; related as the initial access procedure.
`36561`	Replacement, complete, of tunneled central venous catheter, without subcutaneous port or pump, requiring cutdown, when performed.	Performed when a dialysis catheter requires exchange; catheter lock instillation is subsequent maintenance care.
`36593`	Injection procedure for central venous catheter, infusion, or flushing; each catheter lumen (separate procedure).	Relevant for billing flushing or instillation services of catheter lumens; used when documenting medication instillation or flush volumes per lumen.
`36415`	Collection of venous blood by venipuncture.	Often performed in the same visit for routine labs associated with dialysis care and to assess infection or anticoagulation status.
`99070`	Supplies and materials (e.g., syringes, sterile dressings), used for patient care not included in other services.	Used to report additional non-drug supplies associated with catheter lock instillation and maintenance.

Related Codes

HCPCS-J0013-ESKETAMINE-NASAL-SPRAY-1MG

HCPCS Level II J0013: Esketamine Nasal Spray, 1 mg

HCPCS-J0120-INJECTION-TETRACYCLINE-250MG

HCPCS J0120: Injection, Tetracycline, Up to 250 mg

HCPCS-J0121-OMADACYCLINE-INJECTION-1MG

HCPCS J0121: Omadacycline Injection, 1 mg

HCPCS-J0122-ERAVACYCLINE-INJECTION-1MG

HCPCS J0122: Injection, Eravacycline, 1 mg

HCPCS-J0129-ABATACEPT-INJECTION-10MG-PHYSICIAN-SUPERVISED

HCPCS J0129: Abatacept Injection, 10 mg

HCPCS-J0130-INJECTION-ABCIXIMAB-10MG

HCPCS Level II J0130: Injection abciximab, 10 mg

HCPCS-J0131-INJECTION-ACETAMINOPHEN-10MG-PARENTERAL-ANALGESIC

HCPCS J0131: Injection Acetaminophen, 10 mg

HCPCS-J0132-INJECTION-ACETYLCYSTEINE-100MG-INJECTABLE-MEDICATION

HCPCS J0132: Injection, Acetylcysteine 100 mg

HCPCS-J0133-ACYCLOVIR-INJECTION-5MG

HCPCS J0133: Injection, Acyclovir 5 mg

HCPCS-J0134-ACETAMINOPHEN-INJECTION-FRESENIUS-KABI-10MG

HCPCS J0134: Injection, Acetaminophen (Fresenius Kabi), 10 mg

Showing 1–10 of 991

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`00`	No modifier.	Use when no special reporting modifier applies.
`52`	Reduced services.	Use if the instillation was partially performed or less than standard volume was instilled.
`53`	Discontinued procedure.	Use if the instillation was started but discontinued due to patient complication or intolerance.
`62`	Two surgeons.	Uncommon for catheter lock instillation; use only if two surgeons are required during a related surgical procedure involving catheter management.
`78`	Return to the operating/procedure room for a related procedure during the postoperative period.	Use if the patient requires immediate return for catheter-related intervention after initial placement or lock-related complication.
`80`	Assistant surgeon.	Use if an assistant surgeon is documented for an associated surgical catheter procedure.
`82`	Assistant surgeon (when a qualified resident surgeon is not available).	Use when an assistant surgeon is necessary for a related catheter surgical procedure and no resident is available.
`AS`	Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery.	Use if an APP serves as assistant during an associated catheter procedure.
`JW`	Drug discarded/not administered to any patient.	Use when a portion of a multi-dose container or vial is discarded; must be supported by documentation.
`JZ`	No drug administered from single-dose vial.	Use if a single-dose vial was opened but no drug was administered.
`QX`	Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) service.	Rarely applicable; use if CRNA documents services related to an anesthesia event for catheter placement.
`QY`	Medical direction of two, three, or four eligible physicians by a single physician.	Use if medical direction rules apply during a related procedure.
`CQ`	Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) or other anesthesia modifiers when CRNA involvement applies.	Use only when anesthesia services relate to catheter placement or exchange.
`TG`	Services provided under a primary care exception.	Use if applicable under payer policies for supervising services.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`363A00000X`	Nephrology	Primary specialty managing chronic hemodialysis patients and catheter care protocols.
`174400000X`	Dialysis Technician	Staff who typically perform catheter lock instillation under nursing supervision in outpatient dialysis centers.
`207RN0401X`	Registered Nurse	Nurses who perform catheter care, instillation, and documentation during dialysis sessions.
`363L00000X`	Vascular Surgery	Specialty involved when catheter placement, exchange, or surgical intervention is required.
`207R00000X`	Physician Assistant	Clinicians who may perform or supervise catheter management under physician oversight.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`N18.6`	End stage renal disease	Primary indication for chronic hemodialysis and the presence of a tunneled central venous catheter requiring lock therapy.
`T82.7XXA`	Infection and inflammatory reaction due to other vascular prosthetic devices, implants and grafts, initial encounter	Relevant when catheter-related infection is suspected and catheter lock therapy may be used as part of management or prevention strategies.
`I82.409`	Acute embolism and thrombosis of unspecified deep veins of lower extremity	Represents thrombotic complications that relate to catheter patency issues; catheter locks with anticoagulant (heparin) are used to prevent lumen thrombosis.
`T80.213A`	Infection following infusion, transfusion and therapeutic injection, initial encounter	Relevant when infection related to catheter instillation is a concern or complication.
`Z99.2`	Dependence on renal dialysis	Administrative code often used to indicate chronic dialysis dependence and justify ongoing catheter maintenance procedures.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`36556`	Insertion of tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter, with subcutaneous port or pump, with imaging and subcutaneous tunneling.	Performed when placing a tunneled dialysis catheter prior to routine catheter lock maintenance; related as the initial access procedure.
`36561`	Replacement, complete, of tunneled central venous catheter, without subcutaneous port or pump, requiring cutdown, when performed.	Performed when a dialysis catheter requires exchange; catheter lock instillation is subsequent maintenance care.
`36593`	Injection procedure for central venous catheter, infusion, or flushing; each catheter lumen (separate procedure).	Relevant for billing flushing or instillation services of catheter lumens; used when documenting medication instillation or flush volumes per lumen.
`36415`	Collection of venous blood by venipuncture.	Often performed in the same visit for routine labs associated with dialysis care and to assess infection or anticoagulation status.
`99070`	Supplies and materials (e.g., syringes, sterile dressings), used for patient care not included in other services.	Used to report additional non-drug supplies associated with catheter lock instillation and maintenance.

Related Codes

HCPCS-J0013-ESKETAMINE-NASAL-SPRAY-1MG

HCPCS Level II J0013: Esketamine Nasal Spray, 1 mg

HCPCS-J0120-INJECTION-TETRACYCLINE-250MG

HCPCS J0120: Injection, Tetracycline, Up to 250 mg

HCPCS-J0121-OMADACYCLINE-INJECTION-1MG

HCPCS J0121: Omadacycline Injection, 1 mg

HCPCS-J0122-ERAVACYCLINE-INJECTION-1MG

HCPCS J0122: Injection, Eravacycline, 1 mg

HCPCS-J0129-ABATACEPT-INJECTION-10MG-PHYSICIAN-SUPERVISED

HCPCS J0129: Abatacept Injection, 10 mg

HCPCS-J0130-INJECTION-ABCIXIMAB-10MG

HCPCS Level II J0130: Injection abciximab, 10 mg

HCPCS-J0131-INJECTION-ACETAMINOPHEN-10MG-PARENTERAL-ANALGESIC

HCPCS J0131: Injection Acetaminophen, 10 mg

HCPCS-J0132-INJECTION-ACETYLCYSTEINE-100MG-INJECTABLE-MEDICATION

HCPCS J0132: Injection, Acetylcysteine 100 mg

HCPCS-J0133-ACYCLOVIR-INJECTION-5MG

HCPCS J0133: Injection, Acyclovir 5 mg

HCPCS-J0134-ACETAMINOPHEN-INJECTION-FRESENIUS-KABI-10MG

HCPCS J0134: Injection, Acetaminophen (Fresenius Kabi), 10 mg

Showing 1–10 of 991

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.