In simple words: This code represents a medicated patch containing capsaicin, a substance derived from chili peppers, used to relieve muscle and joint pain. The patch is applied to the skin, where the capsaicin creates a warming sensation and helps block pain signals.

Capsaicin, an active ingredient of chili peppers, activates certain nerve cells due to its heat sensation, which reduces the amount of substance P, a pain messenger in the body. The drug offers temporary relief from muscle or joint pain caused by strains, sprains, arthritis, bruising, or backaches. Report this code for each 1 sq cm of an eight percent patch of capsaicin. This code represents only the drug, not the administration of the drug.

Example 1: A patient presents with localized joint pain in the knee due to osteoarthritis. A 16 sq cm capsaicin 8% patch is applied to the affected area. The code J7336 is reported 16 times., A patient with post-herpetic neuralgia experiences persistent, burning pain in the chest area. They uses Salonpas® brand patch for pain control. Due to Salonpas® being an Over the Counter medication this code cannot be billed. Instead J7336 is billed after Qutenza® is prescribed and applied by a physician in a clinical setting for 25 sq cm area which requires reporting the code 25 times., A patient with diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the feet is being treated with a capsaicin 8% patch applied by a physician to a 30 sq cm area. The code J7336 is reported with units of 30.

Documentation should include the size of the patch applied (in square centimeters), the location of the application, the diagnosis being treated (e.g., osteoarthritis, post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy), and the medical necessity for the treatment.

** This information is current as of December 10, 2024. Coding guidelines and payer policies are subject to change. Always consult the most up-to-date resources for accurate billing and coding practices.