Summary & Overview
HCPCS J1308: Injection, Famotidine 0.25 mg
HCPCS Level II code J1308 identifies a 0.25 mg injection of famotidine, a histamine-2 receptor antagonist used to reduce gastric acid secretion and manage conditions such as peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux, and stress-related mucosal bleeding. Nationally, accurate use of this code matters for consistent reporting of parenteral famotidine administration, claims adjudication, and drug utilization tracking across outpatient and hospital-based settings. Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context and common sites of service, payer coverage scope, and what to expect in claims processing for a low-dose parenteral H2 blocker. The publication highlights standard billing considerations, common modifiers in use, and where famotidine injections fit within therapeutic protocols. It also outlines benchmarks and policy updates relevant to drug administration codes and provides practical guidance on documentation elements necessary for reimbursement. Data elements not provided in the source are noted as unavailable; the focus remains national in scope to support clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts seeking clarity on coding and coverage patterns for injectable famotidine.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code J1308 represents an injection of famotidine, 0.25 mg. The service is a pharmacologic therapeutic administration involving a parenteral formulation of famotidine at the specified dose.
Service Type: Injection / Drug Administration
Typical Site of Service: Outpatient clinics, hospital outpatient departments, emergency departments, and infusion centers where parenteral medications are administered.
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 67-year-old male with a history of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and recent upper gastrointestinal bleeding is admitted for inpatient medical management. The patient is NPO for an upcoming endoscopic evaluation and requires intravenous acid suppression. A single-dose intravenous histamine-2 receptor antagonist is ordered: J1308 (injection, famotidine, 0.25 mg). The medication is prepared by pharmacy and administered by a registered nurse in the inpatient unit. Vital signs and renal function are reviewed prior to dosing (famotidine is renally cleared); dosing adjustments or additional doses are documented in the medication administration record. Documentation includes indication, dose, route, lot number, and any immediate adverse reaction. If administered in an outpatient infusion center or emergency department, the same workflow applies with staff documenting site of service, start and stop times, and any applicable visit-level modifiers.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
JW | Drug discarded/not administered (amount discarded) | Use when a portion of the dispensed J1308 vial is wasted and the waste must be reported separately for inventory or payer requirements. |