B4185 HCPCS code: Parenteral nutrition solution, not otherwise specified, 10 grams lipids
B4185 is the HCPCS Level II code for parenteral nutrition solution, not otherwise specified, 10 grams lipids. In 2024 Medicare paid an average of $12.06 per service for B4185 across 2,410,499 services. Its Medicare coverage code is D (Special coverage instructions apply): Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met. The NCCI unit limit is 15 per day on DME suppliers. Medicare volume rose 12% from 2022 to 2024 (2,157,894 to 2,410,499 services). In 2024, 473 suppliers billed Medicare for B4185 (purchases), serving 5,159 beneficiaries; California, New York, Texas accounted for 24% of services.
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | B codes — Enteral and parenteral therapy |
| Coverage code | D — Special coverage instructions apply |
| Pricing indicator | 39 — DMEPOS: parenteral and enteral nutrition |
| BETOS category | O1C — Enteral and parenteral nutrition |
| Added | 2006-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2020-01-01 |
Who bills B4185 (2024)
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Suppliers billing rentals | — |
| Suppliers billing purchases | 473 |
| Referring clinicians | 5,352 |
| Medicare beneficiaries | 5,159 |
| States with claims | 54 |
| Share of services in top 3 states (California, New York, Texas) | 24% |
| Year | Suppliers | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 534 | 5,111 |
| 2023 | 487 | 5,206 |
| 2024 | 473 | 5,159 |
Counts only. Supplier and clinician names, contact lists and state-by-state detail are in Caduvo.
Medicare utilization for B4185, 2022–2024
| Year | Services | Beneficiaries | Avg. allowed | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2,157,894 | 5,111 | $13.68 | $10.75 |
| 2023 | 2,353,865 | 5,206 | $15.14 | $11.80 |
| 2024 | 2,410,499 | 5,159 | $15.47 | $12.06 |
States with the most B4185 services (2024)
| State | Services | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|
| California | 329,311 | $12.12 |
| New York | 130,734 | $12.40 |
| Texas | 130,418 | $12.28 |
| Florida | 122,717 | $12.34 |
| Pennsylvania | 121,492 | $10.55 |
NCCI unit limits (MUE)
| Claim type | Max units per day | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| DME suppliers | 15 | Prescribing Information |
Medicare policy articles for this code
- A58836: Parenteral Nutrition (CGS Administrators, LLC (DME MAC) Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC (DME MAC)) — mentions this code in its coding guidance
What changed for B4185
- 2006-01-01: B4185 added to HCPCS Level II
- Next scheduled CMS quarterly update (HCPCS and DMEPOS fee schedule): 2027-01-01
Frequently asked questions
What is HCPCS code B4185?
B4185 is the HCPCS Level II code for parenteral nutrition solution, not otherwise specified, 10 grams lipids. Short descriptor: "Pn soln nos 10 grams lipids".
How much does Medicare pay for B4185?
In 2024, the average Medicare payment was $12.06 per service (average allowed $15.47).
Does Medicare cover B4185?
Coverage code D — Special coverage instructions apply. Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met.
How many units of B4185 can be billed per day?
15 on DME suppliers (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related B41 codes
- B4100 — Food thickener, administered orally, per ounce
- B4102 — Enteral formula, for adults, used to replace fluids and electrolytes (e.g., clear liquids), 500 ml = 1 unit
- B4103 — Enteral formula, for pediatrics, used to replace fluids and electrolytes (e.g., clear liquids), 500 ml = 1 unit
- B4104 — Additive for enteral formula (e.g., fiber)
- B4105 — In-line cartridge containing digestive enzyme(s) for enteral feeding, each
- B4148 — Enteral feeding supply kit; elastomeric control fed, per day, includes but not limited to feeding/flushing syringe, administration set tubing, dressings, tape
- B4149 — Enteral formula, manufactured blenderized natural foods with intact nutrients, includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, may include fiber, administered through an enteral feeding tube, 100 calories = 1 unit
- B4150 — Enteral formula, nutritionally complete with intact nutrients, includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, may include fiber, administered through an enteral feeding tube, 100 calories = 1 unit
- B4152 — Enteral formula, nutritionally complete, calorically dense (equal to or greater than 1.5 kcal/ml) with intact nutrients, includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, may include fiber, administered through an enteral feeding tube, 100 calories = 1 unit
- B4153 — Enteral formula, nutritionally complete, hydrolyzed proteins (amino acids and peptide chain), includes fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, may include fiber, administered through an enteral feeding tube, 100 calories = 1 unit
- B4154 — Enteral formula, nutritionally complete, for special metabolic needs, excludes inherited disease of metabolism, includes altered composition of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and/or minerals, may include fiber, administered through an enteral feeding tube, 100 calories = 1 unit
- B4155 — Enteral formula, nutritionally incomplete/modular nutrients, includes specific nutrients, carbohydrates (e.g., glucose polymers), proteins/amino acids (e.g., glutamine, arginine), fat (e.g., medium chain triglycerides) or combination, administered through an enteral feeding tube, 100 calories = 1 unit
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Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under B4185
- Watch B4185 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for B4185
Sources: CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2025; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule; CMS NCCI MUE tables; CMS Medicare utilization (physician and DME supplier files); CMS Medicare Coverage Database articles. Fees are Medicare allowables, not commercial rates. Not billing or legal advice.