Stelara (ustekinumab) is a high-cost biologic billed under J3358 ↗ for subcutaneous injections. Accuracy in your 2026 unit calculation and diagnosis linking is essential to prevent costly claim denials.
Unit Calculation for Stelara (J3358)
The HCPCS code J3358 ↗ is defined as "Ustekinumab, for subcutaneous injection, 1 mg".
If a patient is administered a standard 90 mg subcutaneous dose for Crohn's disease, you must bill 90 units.
| Drug | Code | Administered Dosage | Billing Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stelara (SubQ) | J3358 | 90 mg | 90 |
Note: If administering Stelara intravenously (IV) for an induction dose, use the separate code J3357 ↗.
Medical Necessity: ICD-10 Linkage
Medicare and commercial payers require strict Medical Necessity documentation. Approved diagnoses usually include:
- K50.90 ↗ - Crohn's disease, unspecified, without complications
- L40.0 ↗ - Psoriasis vulgaris (Plaque psoriasis)
- K51.90 ↗ - Ulcerative colitis, unspecified, without complications
Administration Edits
For subcutaneous Stelara (J3358), bill the administration code 96372 ↗. Ensure your NCCI edit checks are clear if you are billing a concurrent Evaluation and Management (E/M) visit.