Library: Policy

317:30-5-14. Injections

Revised 7-1-13

(a) Coverage for injections is limited to those categories of drugs included in the vendor drug program for SoonerCare. SoonerCare payment is not available for injectable drugs whose manufacturers have not entered into a drug rebate agreement with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). OHCA administers and maintains an open formulary subject to the provisions of Title 42, United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 1396r-8. The OHCA covers a drug that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) subject to the exclusions and limitations provided in OAC 317:30-5-72.1.

(1) Immunizations for children. An administration fee will be paid for vaccines administered by providers participating in the Vaccines for Children Program. For vaccines administered as part of the Vaccines for Children Program, only one administration fee is permitted per vaccine, regardless of the number of vaccine/toxoid components in the vaccine. Payment will not be made for vaccines covered by the Vaccines for Children Program. When the vaccine is not included in the program, the administration fee is separately payable.
(2) Immunizations for adults. Coverage for adults is provided as per the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines. A separate payment will be made for the administration of a vaccine. Only one administration fee per vaccine is permitted, regardless of the number of vaccine/toxoid components in the vaccine.

(b) Providers must use the appropriate HCPCS code and National Drug Code (NDC). In addition to the NDC and HCPCS code, claims must contain the drug name, strength, and dosage amount.

(c) Payment is made for allergy injections for adults and children. When the contracted provider actually administers or supervises the administration of the injection, the administration fee is compensable. No payment is made for administration when the allergy antigen is self-administered by the member. When the allergy antigen is purchased by the physician, payment is made by invoice attached to the claim.

(d) Rabies vaccine, Imovax, Human Diploid and Hyperab, Rabies Immune Globulin are covered under the vendor drug program and may be covered as one of the covered prescriptions per month. Payment can be made separately to the physician for administration. If the vaccine is purchased by the physician, payment is made by invoice attached to the claim.

(e) Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is approved and covered under guidelines established by the ACIP for children and adults. Payment can be made separately to the physician for administration and the vaccine product.

(f) Trigger point injections (TPI's) are covered using appropriate CPT codes. Modifiers are not allowed for this code. Payment is made for up to three injections (3 units) per day at the full allowable. Payment is limited to 12 units per month. The medical records must clearly state the reasons why any TPI services were medically necessary. All trigger point records must contain proper documents and be available for review. Any services beyond 12 units per month or 36 units per 12 months will require mandatory review for medical necessity. Medical records must be automatically submitted with any claims for services beyond 36 units.

(g) If a physician bills separately for surgical injections and identifies the drugs used in a joint injection, payment will be made for the cost of the drug in addition to the surgical injection. The same guidelines apply to aspirations.

(h) When IV administration in a Nursing Facility is filed by a physician, payment may be made for medication. Administration should be done by nursing home personnel.

(i) Intravenous fluids used in the administration of IV drugs are covered. Payment for the set is included in the office visit reimbursement.

(j) In the event a pandemic virus is declared by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and/or the Department of Health & Human Services, an administration fee will be paid to providers for administering the pandemic virus vaccine to adults and children as authorized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).