Summary & Overview
HCPCS J3304: Triamcinolone Acetonide Extended-Release Injection, 1 mg
HCPCS Level II code J3304 describes a preservative-free, extended-release, microsphere formulation of triamcinolone acetonide, 1 mg, administered as a therapeutic corticosteroid injection for localized inflammatory conditions. This code is nationally relevant because it captures claims for a specialized injectable corticosteroid formulation that can affect utilization, billing patterns, and payer coverage decisions for musculoskeletal and joint-related care. The code is used across outpatient settings where intra-articular or periarticular injections are performed.
Key payers in the scope of national coverage and benchmarking include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an explanation of the clinical and billing context for the product, the typical sites of service where the injection is administered, and the implications for claims coding and documentation. The publication outlines expected benchmarks and payer considerations, summarizes relevant policy and coverage themes, and provides clinical context about the therapeutic role of an extended-release triamcinolone formulation. Data not available in the input will be noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code J3304 represents an injection of triamcinolone acetonide, preservative-free, extended-release, microsphere formulation, 1 mg. The service is an intra-articular or periarticular corticosteroid injection delivered as a single-dose, preservative-free, extended-release formulation intended for localized anti-inflammatory effect.
Service Type: Therapeutic corticosteroid injection (extended-release, microsphere formulation)
Typical Site of Service: Outpatient clinic, physician office, or ambulatory surgical center
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62-year-old patient with chronic knee osteoarthritis presents to an orthopedics or sports medicine clinic with persistent joint pain despite oral analgesics and physical therapy. The clinician assesses the patient, documents focal synovitis and localized joint-line tenderness, and determines intra-articular therapy is appropriate. After informed consent and review of allergies, the provider prepares a single-dose, preservative-free, extended-release microsphere formulation of triamcinolone acetonide (J3304, 1 mg) for intra-articular injection. The procedure is performed in an outpatient clinic or ambulatory surgery center under aseptic technique, often with local anesthetic and ultrasound guidance. The encounter includes pre-procedure evaluation, the injection, observation for immediate adverse reaction, and post-procedure instructions. Typical documentation contains indication, informed consent, laterality (RT/LT modifier when applicable), medication name and NDC if recorded, route (intra-articular), dose, lot number, and patient response. Billing uses the HCPCS Level II code J3304; related evaluation and management or procedure CPT codes may be reported separately when appropriate. Typical payors for this service include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, BUCA, and Medicare.
Coding Specifications
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