How To Use HCPCS Code B4168

HCPCS code B4168 describes the enteral feeding supply kit for syringe feeding, per day. This code includes various components such as feeding/flushing syringe, administration set tubing, dressings, and tape. It falls under the category of parenteral and enteral nutrition, and it is used to bill for the supplies required for syringe feeding in enteral nutrition therapy.

1. What is HCPCS B4168?

HCPCS code B4168 is specifically used to identify the enteral feeding supply kit for syringe feeding, per day. It is important to note that this code is not applicable for other types of enteral feeding methods such as gravity feeding or pump feeding. The code represents the specific supplies needed for syringe feeding, including the syringe itself, administration set tubing, dressings, and tape.

2. Official Description

The official description of HCPCS code B4168 is “Enteral feeding supply kit; syringe fed, per day, includes but not limited to feeding/flushing syringe, administration set tubing, dressings, tape.” The short description for this code is “Parenteral sol amino acid 3.”

3. Procedure

1. Prepare the enteral feeding supply kit, ensuring that it includes a feeding/flushing syringe, administration set tubing, dressings, and tape.
2. Verify the patient’s enteral feeding prescription and ensure that syringe feeding is the appropriate method.
3. Administer the enteral nutrition using the syringe feeding method.
4. Monitor the patient’s response and tolerance to the enteral nutrition.
5. Document the administration of enteral nutrition and any relevant observations or complications.

4. When to use HCPCS code B4168

HCPCS code B4168 should be used when providing enteral nutrition through the syringe feeding method. It is important to ensure that the patient’s enteral feeding prescription specifies syringe feeding as the appropriate method. This code should not be used for other types of enteral feeding methods such as gravity feeding or pump feeding.

5. Billing Guidelines and Documentation Requirements

When billing for HCPCS code B4168, healthcare providers need to document the administration of enteral nutrition using the syringe feeding method. This documentation should include the date of service, the quantity of supplies used, and any relevant patient information. It is also important to ensure that the medical records support the medical necessity of syringe feeding and the need for the specific supplies included in the enteral feeding supply kit.

6. Historical Information and Code Maintenance

HCPCS code B4168 was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 01, 1984. It has an effective date of January 01, 2002. There have been no maintenance actions taken for this code, as indicated by the action code N, which means no maintenance for this code. This code has been in use for several years without significant changes or updates.

7. Medicare and Insurance Coverage

HCPCS code B4168 is covered by Medicare and other insurance providers. It falls under the pricing indicator code 39, which represents parenteral and enteral nutrition. The multiple pricing indicator code for this code is A, indicating that it is not applicable as HCPCS priced under one methodology. Healthcare providers should follow the specific billing guidelines and requirements of Medicare and other insurance providers when submitting claims for enteral feeding supply kits using HCPCS code B4168.

8. Examples

Here are some examples of when HCPCS code B4168 should be billed:

1. A patient with a documented enteral feeding prescription for syringe feeding receives enteral nutrition using the provided enteral feeding supply kit for one day.
2. A healthcare provider administers enteral nutrition through syringe feeding to a patient with a specific medical condition that requires this method of feeding.
3. A patient undergoes a surgical procedure that temporarily impairs their ability to consume food orally, and they receive enteral nutrition through syringe feeding using the enteral feeding supply kit.
4. A patient with a chronic illness requires long-term enteral nutrition support and receives daily syringe feeding using the enteral feeding supply kit.
5. A healthcare provider documents the administration of enteral nutrition through syringe feeding using the enteral feeding supply kit for a patient with a specific medical condition that affects their ability to consume food orally.