J15.3: Pneumonia due to streptococcus, group B

J15.3, pneumonia due to streptococcus, group B, is listed as a covered diagnosis in 7 Medicare billing and coding articles that apply to 58 HCPCS Level II codes, including U0002 (2019-ncov coronavirus, sars-cov-2/2019-ncov (covid-19)…), U0001 (Cdc 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-ncov) real-time rt-pcr…), G0238 (Therapeutic procedures to improve respiratory function…). 20 of these codes have a 2026 DMEPOS fee schedule amount; K0730 pays $245.69 (RR) depending on the state. The articles come from 4 Medicare contractors. A listed diagnosis supports medical necessity only; coverage still depends on the LCD's criteria and on documentation in the medical record.

HCPCS Level II codes with J15.3 as a covered diagnosis

CodeDescriptionMedicare coverageDMEPOS fee 2026 (state range)Articles listing it
U00022019-ncov coronavirus, sars-cov-2/2019-ncov (covid-19), any technique, multiple types or subtypes (includes all targets), non-cdcCarrier judgment—4
U0001Cdc 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-ncov) real-time rt-pcr diagnostic panelCarrier judgment—4
G0238Therapeutic procedures to improve respiratory function, other than described by g0237, one on one, face to face, per 15 minutes (includes monitoring)Carrier judgment—2
G0237Therapeutic procedures to increase strength or endurance of respiratory muscles, face to face, one on one, each 15 minutes (includes monitoring)Carrier judgment—2
G0239Therapeutic procedures to improve respiratory function or increase strength or endurance of respiratory muscles, two or more individuals (includes monitoring)Carrier judgment—2
K0730Controlled dose inhalation drug delivery systemCarrier judgment$245.69 (RR)1
E1372Immersion external heater for nebulizerSpecial coverage instructions apply$136.61–$208.94 (NU)1
A7017Nebulizer, durable, glass or autoclavable plastic, bottle type, not used with oxygenSpecial coverage instructions apply$130.82–$194.58 (NU)1
E0580Nebulizer, durable, glass or autoclavable plastic, bottle type, for use with regulator or flowmeterSpecial coverage instructions apply$164.65–$182.27 (NU)1
E0575Nebulizer, ultrasonic, large volumeSpecial coverage instructions apply$124.51–$159.48 (RR)1
E0565Compressor, air power source for equipment which is not self-contained or cylinder drivenCarrier judgment$42.74–$82.96 (RR)1
E0574Ultrasonic/electronic aerosol generator with small volume nebulizerCarrier judgment$48.76–$67.63 (RR)1
E0585Nebulizer, with compressor and heaterSpecial coverage instructions apply$32.06–$60.76 (RR)1
E0572Aerosol compressor, adjustable pressure, light duty for intermittent useCarrier judgment$29.16–$51.74 (RR)1
A7005Administration set, with small volume nonfiltered pneumatic nebulizer, non-disposableCarrier judgment$11.77–$29.20 (NU)1
A7008Large volume nebulizer, disposable, prefilled, used with aerosol compressorCarrier judgment$12.46–$18.09 (NU)1
A7016Dome and mouthpiece, used with small volume ultrasonic nebulizerCarrier judgment$9.31–$17.75 (NU)1
E0570Nebulizer, with compressorSpecial coverage instructions apply$6.09–$15.43 (RR)1
A7006Administration set, with small volume filtered pneumatic nebulizerCarrier judgment$8.19–$14.94 (NU)1
A7007Large volume nebulizer, disposable, unfilled, used with aerosol compressorCarrier judgment$3.47–$5.87 (NU)1
A7012Water collection device, used with large volume nebulizerCarrier judgment$3.25–$5.03 (NU)1
A4217Sterile water/saline, 500 mlSpecial coverage instructions apply$2.18–$4.931
A7003Administration set, with small volume nonfiltered pneumatic nebulizer, disposableCarrier judgment$1.86–$3.26 (NU)1
A7004Small volume nonfiltered pneumatic nebulizer, disposableCarrier judgment$1.51–$2.08 (NU)1
A7018Water, distilled, used with large volume nebulizer, 1000 mlCarrier judgment$0.38–$0.591

33 more codes are listed. See every code with payment by region in Caduvo.

Medicare policy articles listing J15.3

A diagnosis listed as covered in a billing and coding article supports medical necessity for the article's codes; it does not guarantee payment. Coverage depends on the LCD's criteria, the contractor's jurisdiction and documentation in the medical record.

Other J15 diagnoses (Bacterial pneumonia, not elsewhere classified)

Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare cover J15.3 (Pneumonia due to streptococcus, group B)?

Medicare covers items and services, not diagnoses. 7 Medicare billing and coding articles list J15.3 as a covered diagnosis for 58 HCPCS Level II codes: the diagnosis can support medical necessity for those codes, but payment still depends on the LCD's coverage criteria and the medical record.

Which HCPCS codes can be billed with ICD-10 J15.3?

The Level II codes from the policies most specific to this diagnosis are U0002 (2019-ncov coronavirus, sars-cov-2/2019-ncov (covid-19)…, 4 articles); U0001 (Cdc 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-ncov) real-time rt-pcr…, 4 articles); G0238 (Therapeutic procedures to improve respiratory function…, 2 articles); G0237 (Therapeutic procedures to increase strength or endurance…, 2 articles); G0239 (Therapeutic procedures to improve respiratory function or…, 2 articles). Code choice depends on the item supplied; check each code's descriptor.

What does Medicare pay for equipment billed with J15.3?

Under the 2026 DMEPOS fee schedule (non-rural state fees): K0730 $245.69 (RR); E1372 $136.61 to $208.94 (NU); A7017 $130.82 to $194.58 (NU); E0580 $164.65 to $182.27 (NU). Medicare pays 80% of the allowed amount after the Part B deductible.

Which Medicare policy articles list J15.3?

A52466 (Nebulizers - Policy Article); A56717 (Billing and Coding: Respiratory Therapy (Respiratory Care)); A58710 (Billing and Coding: MolDX: Molecular Syndromic Panels for Infectious Disease Pathogen Identification Testing), and 4 more articles.

What is ICD-10-CM code J15.3?

J15.3 is the ICD-10-CM code for pneumonia due to streptococcus, group B, in category J15 (Bacterial pneumonia, not elsewhere classified), chapter 10: Diseases of the respiratory system.

Next steps

Sources: CMS Medicare Coverage Database billing and coding articles (covered ICD-10 code lists and HCPCS links); ICD-10-CM FY2026; CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2026; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule 2026 (non-rural state fees). Not billing or legal advice.

Chapter 10: Diseases of the respiratory system · All diagnoses · HCPCS lookup