Summary & Overview
HCPCS J2550: Injection, Promethazine HCl, Up to 50 mg
HCPCS Level II code J2550 denotes a single injectable dose of promethazine hydrochloride up to 50 mg, commonly used for controlling nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions in ambulatory and emergency settings. Nationally, this code matters because it captures administration of a frequently used, low-cost injectable medication across multiple outpatient venues and influences billing, inventory tracking, and pharmacy-administration workflows.
Key payers covered in this overview include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of what J2550 represents, typical clinical contexts for use, and the common sites where the service is delivered. The publication also summarizes payer coverage patterns and coding practices relevant to administration of injectable promethazine, presents reimbursement benchmarking where available, and highlights billing considerations and policy guidance that affect claim processing for this HCPCS Level II code.
The content is intended for clinical billing staff, revenue cycle leaders, and policy analysts who need a clear reference for coding and payer engagement related to injection of promethazine up to 50 mg.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code J2550 describes an injection of promethazine hydrochloride, up to 50 mg. This code represents a single administration of the antihistamine and antiemetic medication given by injection.
Service type: Medication administration (injectable pharmaceutical)
Typical site of service: Outpatient clinic, emergency department, urgent care, or other ambulatory care settings where injectable medications are delivered
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a 45-year-old adult presenting to an urgent care clinic or emergency department with severe nausea and vomiting from a viral gastroenteritis or motion sickness, or with an acute allergic reaction accompanied by pruritus and nausea. The clinician determines parenteral antiemetic or antihistaminic therapy is indicated because the patient is unable to tolerate or absorb oral medications, is actively vomiting, or requires rapid symptomatic relief. The clinician documents indication, informed consent for intramuscular or deep subcutaneous injection, and relevant allergies. A nurse or licensed clinician prepares J2550 (promethazine HCl up to 50 mg), confirms patient identity and allergy status, selects appropriate route (typically intramuscular), administers the dose, observes the patient for adverse effects (sedation, hypotension, respiratory depression), and documents medication, dose, route, site, lot number, and patient response. Typical sites of service include urgent care centers, hospital emergency departments, outpatient clinics, and inpatient settings where injectable promethazine is ordered for acute symptom control. Typical clinical scenario modifiers may indicate bilateral procedures, multiple services on the same day, or provider/team modifiers depending on the setting and payor reporting requirements.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
59 | Distinct Procedural Service |