2025 HCPCS code J7040
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Drugs Administered by Injection Feed
Infusion, normal saline solution, sterile (500 ml = 1 unit)
Medical necessity must be established for the administration of normal saline. This could include documentation of dehydration, fluid loss, or the need for irrigation during a surgical procedure.The medical record should clearly document the reason for administering the saline.
In simple words: This code is for a 500 ml bag of sterile saltwater (saline) solution given through an IV. It's used to keep patients hydrated or to rinse wounds during surgery.
Sterile normal saline solution infusion, supplied in 500 ml units.Normal saline is a sterile solution of 0.9% sodium chloride in water. It is used as an irrigating solution for surgical procedures and to replace electrolytes and fluids.
Example 1: A patient undergoing surgery requires irrigation of a surgical site. 500 ml of sterile normal saline solution is used for this purpose. J7040 is reported., A patient presents with dehydration and requires fluid replacement. 500 ml of sterile normal saline is administered intravenously. J7040 is reported. , A patient receives 1000 ml of normal saline. Two units of J7040 would be reported.
Documentation should support the medical necessity of the infusion, including the amount administered (500 ml units) and the clinical indication (e.g., irrigation, fluid replacement).
** Some payers may prefer or require the use of J7050 and the reporting of multiple units to represent larger volumes of normal saline. Always verify payer-specific guidelines before billing.Refer to current HCPCS manuals and payer guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
- Specialties:Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, and many other specialties may utilize this code.
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, and other places of service where IV infusions are administered.