J0696 - Ceftriaxone antibiotic injection, billed per 250 mg dose

Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System

Last updated: 10/3/2025

What is a HCPCS Code?

HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) codes are used to identify medical procedures, supplies, and services for billing purposes. These codes help standardize how healthcare services are reported and billed across different providers and insurance companies.

Detailed Description

This code represents an injection of ceftriaxone sodium, a powerful antibiotic medication given through an IV or injection. Ceftriaxone is used to treat serious bacterial infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, and other severe infections. The medication is measured and billed in 250 mg units, so multiple units may be used depending on your prescribed dose. This is typically administered in a hospital, clinic, or home healthcare setting by trained medical professionals.

Additional Information

Note: This code appears to be categorized as 'Durable Medical Equipment' in your claim, which may be an error as ceftriaxone injections are typically categorized as medications/drugs rather than durable medical equipment. You may want to verify this classification with your healthcare provider or insurance company.

Category

Injectable Medications/Antibiotics

Medical Specialty

Infectious Disease/General Medicine

Expected Costs

We expect this to normally be in the range of:

$25 - $75

This is an estimate based on typical billing patterns. Your actual cost may vary depending on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.

What's Required Before This

  • Confirmed bacterial infection diagnosis
  • Allergy screening for penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics
  • Kidney function assessment
  • Medical supervision for administration

What to Expect After

  • Monitor for allergic reactions during and after injection
  • Complete full course of treatment as prescribed
  • Follow-up blood tests if treatment is prolonged
  • Report any severe side effects to healthcare provider

Why Understanding This Code Matters

On Your Medical Bill

This code appears on your medical bills to identify the specific service, procedure, drug, or medical diagnosis you received. Understanding what it means helps you verify you're being charged correctly and know what to expect.

For Your Health

Knowing what this code represents helps you understand your treatment plan, ask better questions during appointments, and track your healthcare journey more effectively.

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