Summary & Overview
HCPCS J7308: Aminolevulinic Acid HCl 20% Topical, 354 mg
HCPCS Level II code J7308 denotes aminolevulinic acid HCl 20% topical, single-unit formulation (354 mg), used as the photosensitizing agent in photodynamic therapy for cutaneous lesions. This code identifies the drug product component of topical photodynamic treatment and matters nationally because accurate coding drives appropriate billing for dermatologic procedures that pair the medication with light-based treatment. Proper use of J7308 affects reimbursement, claims processing, and clinical documentation across outpatient dermatology settings.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise review of the clinical context for topical aminolevulinic acid, how the HCPCS Level II code is applied in practice, and the common sites of service for administration. The publication outlines typical linked services — for example, photodynamic therapy procedures — and identifies relevant diagnosis categories for use with the code.
The report provides benchmark and policy-oriented content useful for coding and billing teams, compliance officers, and dermatology providers: national coverage considerations, coding alignment with related procedural services, and practical notes on unitization and documentation expectations. Data not available in the input will be identified explicitly where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code J7308 represents aminolevulinic acid HCl for topical administration, 20%, single unit dosage form (354 mg). The product is a topical photosensitizing agent used for dermatologic indications requiring localized photodynamic therapy.
Service Type: Topical medication for photodynamic therapy
Typical Site of Service: Outpatient dermatology clinics or physician offices where topical photodynamic treatments are administered
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 68-year-old patient with extensive sun-damaged skin presents to a dermatology clinic with multiple actinic keratoses on the face and scalp and a biopsy-confirmed superficial squamous cell carcinoma in situ. The dermatologist plans topical photodynamic therapy using aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride 20% (J7308) applied to treat premalignant actinic keratoses and superficial carcinoma in situ. The clinical workflow: the provider documents the indication (e.g., L57.0, D04.9), photographs the lesions, obtains informed consent, and records site(s) of treatment. On the day of service the skin is cleansed and, if indicated, superficially debrided. A single unit dose of J7308 (aminolevulinic acid HCl 20%, 354 mg) is applied topically to the targeted area and occluded for the manufacturer-recommended incubation time. After incubation the area is exposed to the appropriate light source per protocol (procedure coded separately), treated lesions are monitored for immediate reactions, and post-treatment care instructions are provided. Documentation includes product lot number, quantity administered, exact application sites, incubation time, light modality used, and follow-up plan.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
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