Summary & Overview
HCPCS J9017: Injection, Arsenic Trioxide, 1 mg
HCPCS Level II code J9017 denotes a 1 mg unit of arsenic trioxide administered by injection, a chemotherapy agent used in specific hematologic malignancies. Nationally, accurate reporting of this HCPCS Level II code is important for tracking utilization, ensuring appropriate reimbursement for high-cost oncology drugs, and supporting quality measurement in cancer care delivery.
Key payers included in the analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of how this code is billed across typical infusion settings, common modifiers used with injectable chemotherapy, and payer coverage considerations. The publication outlines national benchmarks for unit pricing and utilization where available, summarizes relevant payer policy trends affecting injectable oncology drugs, and provides clinical context on the drug formulation and administration setting.
This summary is designed for clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts seeking a concise reference for HCPCS Level II code J9017, its clinical role, and the payer landscape relevant to arsenic trioxide injections.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code J9017 represents an injection of arsenic trioxide, 1 mg. This billing code describes a parenteral chemotherapeutic agent provided as an injectable medication.
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Service type: Parenteral chemotherapy administration
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Typical site of service: Hospital inpatient, hospital outpatient infusion center, or physician office infusion suite
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult diagnosed with relapsed or refractory acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) presenting to an outpatient oncology infusion center or inpatient hematology/oncology unit for administration of J9017 (arsenic trioxide). The clinical workflow begins with hematology/oncology evaluation, review of baseline labs (complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel including electrolytes, magnesium, calcium, and hepatic function), and baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess QTc. Vascular access is confirmed (peripheral IV or central venous catheter) and premail medications (antiemetics, electrolyte repletion) are administered as needed. The pharmacy compounds arsenic trioxide per protocol and documents lot and dose; the infusion nurse verifies patient identity, allergy status, and consent. The drug is infused over the institution-specified time with continuous monitoring for cardiac arrhythmia, fluid shifts, and infusion reactions; serial laboratory monitoring and ECGs are obtained during induction and consolidation phases per oncology protocol. Dose adjustments or treatment holds are documented if severe toxicity, QTc prolongation, or organ dysfunction occurs. Billing uses J9017 per milligram dispensed with appropriate site-of-service designation for outpatient infusion centers, hospital outpatient departments, or inpatient care depending on the treatment setting.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
JW |