J8540
J8540 – Dexamethasone, oral, 0.25 mg · NDC Crosswalk & Billing Units
HCPCS Level II J-code · Medicare Part B drug billing
J-code
● 132 NDCs crosswalked per 0.25 MG $0.026/unit ASP+6%
📋 J8540 summary
J8540 is a HCPCS Level II J-code used to bill Dexamethasone, oral, 0.25 mg, billed per 0.25 MG. The number of billing units to report depends on the dose administered and the NDC/package billed — use the calculator below.
Brand names associated with J8540: Dexamethasone Intensol*, Dexamethasone Intensol, Dexamethasone
Code J8540
Billing unit 0.25 MG Payment limit $0.026/unit NDC-Crosswalk 132
Quarter Q3 2026
RxCUI Atlas Trace the drug concept →
⚠ An NDC↔HCPCS crosswalk and a published payment limit do not guarantee payer coverage or payment. Always verify the current payer policy and claim format before billing.
🗂️ Key billing facts
HCPCS codeJ8540
DescriptorDexamethasone, oral, 0.25 mg
Billing unit0.25 MG
Payment limit / unit$0.026
Est. ASP / unit$0.025 est.
Mapped NDCs132
Data periodQ3 2026
Last updated2026-08-20
💊 About Dexamethasone DRUG GUIDE
Dexamethasone is used to treat a wide range of conditions depending on the form and route.
Oral tablets and solutions treat severe allergic reactions (such as asthma, contact dermatitis, and seasonal allergic rhinitis), inflammatory skin diseases, endocrine disorders including adrenal insufficiency and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, gastrointestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis and regional enteritis, blood disorders, rheumatic conditions, kidney disease, and respiratory conditions including tuberculosis complications.
Hemady (oral tablet) is specifically approved, in combination with other medicines, for multiple myeloma in adults.
TaperDex (6-day and 12-day oral tablet packs) are used for the same broad range of allergic, inflammatory, and endocrine conditions.Injectable forms (intramuscular and intravenous) are used when oral treatment is not possible, covering endocrine emergencies, shock, rheumatic disorders, and more.
Clinical overview from our editorial drug guide for Dexamethasone. For billing reference, see the sections above.
🧾 Billing & reimbursement HCPCS · CMS · EFF. Q3 2026
📅 Payment limits effective Q3 2026 — from the CMS Medicare Part B Payment Limit File (revised quarterly).
Medicare payment limit / unit
$0.026
Est. ASP / unit
$0.025 est.
Est. after 2% sequester
$0.025
HCPCS dosage
0.25 MG
The CMS payment limit is the Medicare Part B drug allowance (ASP + 6%, statutory). After the 2% federal sequester the effective payment is ≈ ASP + 4.3%; estimated ASP = payment limit ÷ 1.06. Source: CMS Medicare Part B Payment Limit File (quarterly), Q3 2026.
Full HCPCS code details (official CMS record)
Long descriptionDexamethasone, oral, 0.25 mg
CoverageD — Special coverage instructions apply
Pricing indicator51 — Drug — priced under the ASP methodology
Type of service1 — Medical care
BETOS-2O1E
ASC payment group—
Action codeN — No maintenance this year
Effective date2006-01-01
Date added2006-01-01
Source: CMS HCPCS Level II code file (imported via admin).
🧮 Dosing & billing-units calculator HCPCS UNITS
One billing unit of J8540 = 0.25 mg. Enter a regimen to convert dose → billing units and project a full course.
Billing units = dose ÷ HCPCS unit size. Most payers require whole units — round per the payer's policy. “Est. Medicare pay” uses the current payment limit. For single-dose vials, drug discarded after administration may be separately billable with modifier JW (JZ when none is discarded) where allowed. Always verify payer-specific rounding before billing.
🔁 NDCs that bill under J8540 LEAST EXPENSIVE FIRST
132 NDCs map to J8540. Bill units = how many HCPCS units one package represents. Est. pay / pkg = payment limit ($0.026/unit) × that package's bill units.
| NDC (11-digit) | Drug | Labeler | Package | Strength | Bill units | Est. pay / pkg | NADAC / unit | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00054-3177-63 | Dexamethasone .5 mg/5mL SOLUTION | Hikma | 500 mL in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (0054-3177-63) | .5 mg/5mL | 200 | $5.20 | $0.029 | ● Active | CMS ASP |
| 60505-6249-01 | Dexamethasone .5 mg/1 TABLET | Apotex | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (60505-6249-1) | .5 mg/1 | 200 | $5.20 | $0.074 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 70954-0398-10 | Dexamethasone .5 mg/1 TABLET | ANI | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (70954-398-10) | .5 mg/1 | 200 | $5.20 | $0.074 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 72603-0212-01 | Dexamethasone .5 mg/.5mg TABLET | NorthStar | 100 mg in 1 BOTTLE (72603-212-01) | .5 mg/.5mg | 200 | $5.20 | $0.074 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 72888-0235-01 | DEXAMETHASONE .5 mg/1 TABLET | Advagen | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72888-235-01) | .5 mg/1 | 2 | $0.05 | $0.074 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 72578-0168-01 | Dexamethasone .5 mg/1 TABLET | Viona | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72578-168-01) | .5 mg/1 | 2 | $0.05 | $0.074 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 00054-4179-25 | Dexamethasone .5 mg/1 TABLET | Hikma | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (0054-4179... | .5 mg/1 | 2 | $0.05 | $0.074 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 00054-8179-25 | Dexamethasone .5 mg/1 TABLET | Hikma | 100 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (0054-8179-25... | .5 mg/1 | 2 | $0.05 | $0.074 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 00054-8180-25 | Dexamethasone .75 mg/1 TABLET | Hikma | 100 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (0054-8180-25... | .75 mg/1 | 300 | $7.80 | $0.091 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 60505-6250-01 | Dexamethasone .75 mg/1 TABLET | Apotex | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (60505-6250-1) | .75 mg/1 | 300 | $7.80 | $0.091 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 70954-0399-10 | Dexamethasone .75 mg/1 TABLET | ANI | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (70954-399-10) | .75 mg/1 | 300 | $7.80 | $0.091 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 72603-0213-01 | Dexamethasone .75 mg/.75mg TABLET | NorthStar | 100 mg in 1 BOTTLE (72603-213-01) | .75 mg/.75mg | 300 | $7.80 | $0.091 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 72888-0236-01 | DEXAMETHASONE .75 mg/1 TABLET | Advagen | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72888-236-01) | .75 mg/1 | 3 | $0.08 | $0.091 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 72578-0169-01 | Dexamethasone .75 mg/1 TABLET | Viona | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72578-169-01) | .75 mg/1 | 3 | $0.08 | $0.091 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 00054-4180-25 | Dexamethasone .75 mg/1 TABLET | Hikma | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (0054-4180... | .75 mg/1 | 3 | $0.08 | $0.091 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 70954-0872-10 | Dexamethasone .5 mg/5mL ELIXIR | ANI | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (70954-872-10) / 237... | .5 mg/5mL | 0.4 | $0.01 | $0.101 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 85742-0004-03 | DEXAMETHASONE .5 mg/5mL ELIXIR | Kanchan | 237 mL in 1 BOTTLE (85742-004-03) | .5 mg/5mL | 0.4 | $0.01 | $0.101 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 62135-0114-37 | Dexamethasone .5 mg/5mL ELIXIR | Chartwell | 237 mL in 1 BOTTLE (62135-114-37) | .5 mg/5mL | 0.4 | $0.01 | $0.101 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 60505-6251-01 | Dexamethasone 1 mg/1 TABLET | Apotex | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (60505-6251-1) | 1 mg/1 | 400 | $10.40 | $0.163 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 72888-0237-01 | DEXAMETHASONE 1 mg/1 TABLET | Advagen | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72888-237-01) | 1 mg/1 | 4 | $0.10 | $0.163 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 72578-0166-01 | Dexamethasone 1 mg/1 TABLET | Viona | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72578-166-01) | 1 mg/1 | 4 | $0.10 | $0.163 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 00054-4181-25 | Dexamethasone 1 mg/1 TABLET | Hikma | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (0054-4181... | 1 mg/1 | 4 | $0.10 | $0.163 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 00054-8174-25 | Dexamethasone 1 mg/1 TABLET | Hikma | 100 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (0054-8174-25... | 1 mg/1 | 4 | $0.10 | $0.163 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 00054-3177-57 | Dexamethasone .5 mg/5mL SOLUTION | Hikma | 240 mL in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (0054-3177-57) | .5 mg/5mL | 2 | $0.05 | $0.165 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 00054-8181-25 | Dexamethasone 1.5 mg/1 TABLET | Hikma | 100 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (0054-8181-25... | 1.5 mg/1 | 600 | $15.60 | $0.180 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 60505-6252-01 | Dexamethasone 1.5 mg/1 TABLET | Apotex | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (60505-6252-1) | 1.5 mg/1 | 600 | $15.60 | $0.180 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 72603-0187-01 | Dexamethasone 1.5 mg/1 TABLET | NorthStar | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72603-187-01) | 1.5 mg/1 | 600 | $15.60 | $0.180 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 72888-0238-01 | DEXAMETHASONE 1.5 mg/1 TABLET | Advagen | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72888-238-01) | 1.5 mg/1 | 6 | $0.16 | $0.180 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 72578-0170-01 | Dexamethasone 1.5 mg/1 TABLET | Viona | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72578-170-01) | 1.5 mg/1 | 6 | $0.16 | $0.180 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 70954-0401-10 | Dexamethasone 1.5 mg/1 TABLET | ANI | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (70954-401-10) | 1.5 mg/1 | 6 | $0.16 | $0.180 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 00054-4182-25 | Dexamethasone 1.5 mg/1 TABLET | Hikma | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (0054-4182... | 1.5 mg/1 | 6 | $0.16 | $0.180 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 00054-4184-25 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | Hikma | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (0054-4184... | 4 mg/1 | 1,600 | $41.60 | $0.188 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 00054-8175-25 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | Hikma | 100 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (0054-8175-25... | 4 mg/1 | 1,600 | $41.60 | $0.188 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 00904-7266-61 | dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | Major | 100 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (0904-7266-61... | 4 mg/1 | 1,600 | $41.60 | $0.188 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 60505-6254-01 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | Apotex | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (60505-6254-1) | 4 mg/1 | 1,600 | $41.60 | $0.188 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 60687-0718-01 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | American | 100 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (60687-718-01... | 4 mg/1 | 1,600 | $41.60 | $0.188 | ● Active | CMS ASP |
| 66993-0730-02 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | Prasco | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (66993-730-02) | 4 mg/1 | 1,600 | $41.60 | $0.188 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 66993-0730-80 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | Prasco | 10 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (66993-730-80)... | 4 mg/1 | 1,600 | $41.60 | $0.188 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 72603-0189-01 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | NorthStar | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72603-189-01) | 4 mg/1 | 1,600 | $41.60 | $0.188 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 72888-0240-01 | DEXAMETHASONE 4 mg/1 TABLET | Advagen | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72888-240-01) | 4 mg/1 | 16 | $0.42 | $0.188 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 72578-0171-01 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | Viona | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72578-171-01) | 4 mg/1 | 16 | $0.42 | $0.188 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 69452-0277-20 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | Bionpharma | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (69452-277-20) | 4 mg/1 | 16 | $0.42 | $0.188 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 70954-0403-10 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | ANI | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (70954-403-10) | 4 mg/1 | 16 | $0.42 | $0.188 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 60219-2043-01 | dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | Amneal | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (60219-204... | 4 mg/1 | 16 | $0.42 | $0.188 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 47781-0914-01 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | Alvogen | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (47781-914-01) | 4 mg/1 | 16 | $0.42 | $0.188 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 00904-7444-61 | dexamethasone 2 mg/1 TABLET | Major | 100 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (0904-7444-61... | 2 mg/1 | 800 | $20.80 | $0.246 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 60505-6253-01 | Dexamethasone 2 mg/1 TABLET | Apotex | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (60505-6253-1) | 2 mg/1 | 800 | $20.80 | $0.246 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 60687-0773-01 | Dexamethasone 2 mg/1 TABLET | American | 100 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (60687-773-01... | 2 mg/1 | 800 | $20.80 | $0.246 | ● Active | CMS ASP |
| 72603-0188-01 | Dexamethasone 2 mg/1 TABLET | NorthStar | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72603-188-01) | 2 mg/1 | 800 | $20.80 | $0.246 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 72888-0239-01 | DEXAMETHASONE 2 mg/1 TABLET | Advagen | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72888-239-01) | 2 mg/1 | 8 | $0.21 | $0.246 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 72578-0167-01 | Dexamethasone 2 mg/1 TABLET | Viona | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72578-167-01) | 2 mg/1 | 8 | $0.21 | $0.246 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 69452-0276-20 | Dexamethasone 2 mg/1 TABLET | Bionpharma | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (69452-276-20) | 2 mg/1 | 8 | $0.21 | $0.246 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 70954-0402-10 | Dexamethasone 2 mg/1 TABLET | ANI | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (70954-402-10) | 2 mg/1 | 8 | $0.21 | $0.246 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 60219-2056-01 | dexamethasone 2 mg/1 TABLET | Amneal | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (60219-205... | 2 mg/1 | 8 | $0.21 | $0.246 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 00054-4183-25 | Dexamethasone 2 mg/1 TABLET | Hikma | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (0054-4183... | 2 mg/1 | 8 | $0.21 | $0.246 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 00054-8176-25 | Dexamethasone 2 mg/1 TABLET | Hikma | 100 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (0054-8176-25... | 2 mg/1 | 8 | $0.21 | $0.246 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 47781-0914-51 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | Alvogen | 10 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (47781-914-51)... | 4 mg/1 | 16 | $0.42 | $0.301 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 00904-7267-61 | dexamethasone 6 mg/1 TABLET | Major | 100 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (0904-7267-61... | 6 mg/1 | 2,400 | $62.40 | $0.365 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 60505-6255-01 | Dexamethasone 6 mg/1 TABLET | Apotex | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (60505-6255-1) | 6 mg/1 | 2,400 | $62.40 | $0.365 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 60687-0729-01 | Dexamethasone 6 mg/1 TABLET | American | 100 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (60687-729-01... | 6 mg/1 | 2,400 | $62.40 | $0.365 | ● Active | CMS ASP |
| 72603-0190-01 | Dexamethasone 6 mg/1 TABLET | NorthStar | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72603-190-01) | 6 mg/1 | 2,400 | $62.40 | $0.365 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 72888-0241-01 | DEXAMETHASONE 6 mg/1 TABLET | Advagen | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72888-241-01) | 6 mg/1 | 24 | $0.62 | $0.365 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 72578-0172-01 | Dexamethasone 6 mg/1 TABLET | Viona | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72578-172-01) | 6 mg/1 | 24 | $0.62 | $0.365 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 69452-0278-20 | Dexamethasone 6 mg/1 TABLET | Bionpharma | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (69452-278-20) | 6 mg/1 | 24 | $0.62 | $0.365 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 70954-0404-10 | Dexamethasone 6 mg/1 TABLET | ANI | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (70954-404-10) | 6 mg/1 | 24 | $0.62 | $0.365 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 60219-2044-01 | dexamethasone 6 mg/1 TABLET | Amneal | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (60219-204... | 6 mg/1 | 16 | $0.42 | $0.365 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 00054-3176-44 | Dexamethasone Intensol 1 mg/mL SOLUTION, CONCENTRATE | Hikma | 30 mL in 1 BOTTLE, GLASS (0054-3176-44) | 1 mg/mL | 120 | $3.12 | $0.750 | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 47781-0916-01 | Dexamethasone 6 mg/1 TABLET | Alvogen | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (47781-916-01) | 6 mg/1 | 24 | $0.62 | $1.001 | ● Active | PDAC |
| 43063-0266-07 | Dexamethasone 2 mg/1 TABLET | PD-Rx | 7 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (43063-266-0... | 2 mg/1 | 56 | $1.46 | — | ● Active | CMS ASP |
| 50090-0088-04 | Dexamethasone | A-S | — | — | 96 | $2.50 | — | — | CMS ASP |
| 50090-0089-00 | Dexamethasone | A-S | — | — | 448 | $11.65 | — | — | CMS ASP |
| 50090-6151-04 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | A-S | 6 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (50090-6151-4) | 4 mg/1 | 96 | $2.50 | — | ● Active | CMS ASP |
| 50090-6152-00 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | A-S | 28 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (50090-6152-0) | 4 mg/1 | 448 | $11.65 | — | ● Active | CMS ASP |
| 55289-0582-04 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | PD-Rx | 4 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (55289-582-0... | 4 mg/1 | 64 | $1.66 | — | ● Active | CMS + PDAC |
| 55289-0582-06 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | PD-Rx | 6 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (55289-582-0... | 4 mg/1 | 96 | $2.50 | — | ● Active | CMS ASP |
| 55289-0582-28 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | PD-Rx | 28 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (55289-582-... | 4 mg/1 | 448 | $11.65 | — | ● Active | CMS ASP |
| 55289-0903-12 | Dexamethasone .75 mg/1 TABLET | PD-Rx | 12 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (55289-903-... | .75 mg/1 | 36 | $0.94 | — | ● Active | CMS ASP |
| 68788-7267-02 | Dexamethasone .75 mg/1 TABLET | Preferred | 21 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (68788-7267... | .75 mg/1 | 63 | $1.64 | — | ● Active | CMS ASP |
| 68788-7267-03 | Dexamethasone .75 mg/1 TABLET | Preferred | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (68788-7267... | .75 mg/1 | 90 | $2.34 | — | ● Active | CMS ASP |
| 68788-8223-01 | Dexamethasone | Preferred | — | — | 192 | $4.99 | — | — | CMS ASP |
| 68788-8223-03 | Dexamethasone | Preferred | — | — | 480 | $12.48 | — | — | CMS ASP |
| 68788-8223-06 | Dexamethasone | Preferred | — | — | 96 | $2.50 | — | — | CMS ASP |
| 68788-8467-01 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | Preferred | 12 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (68788-8467-1) | 4 mg/1 | 192 | $4.99 | — | ● Active | CMS ASP |
| 68788-8467-03 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | Preferred | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (68788-8467-3) | 4 mg/1 | 480 | $12.48 | — | ● Active | CMS ASP |
| 68788-8824-03 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | Preferred | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (68788-8824-3) | 4 mg/1 | 480 | $12.48 | — | ● Active | CMS ASP |
| 72789-0501-20 | Dexamethasone .75 mg/1 TABLET | PD-Rx | 20 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (72789-501-... | .75 mg/1 | 60 | $1.56 | — | ● Active | CMS ASP |
| 81033-0010-24 | Dexamethasone .5 mg/5mL ELIXIR | Kesin | 20 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 CARTON (81033-010-2... | .5 mg/5mL | 0.4 | $0.01 | — | ● Active | PDAC |
| 72789-0534-28 | DEXAMETHASONE 4 mg/1 TABLET | PD-Rx | 28 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (72789-534-... | 4 mg/1 | 16 | $0.42 | — | ● Active | PDAC |
| 72789-0534-01 | DEXAMETHASONE 4 mg/1 TABLET | PD-Rx | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (72789-534... | 4 mg/1 | 16 | $0.42 | — | ● Active | PDAC |
| 72789-0534-95 | DEXAMETHASONE 4 mg/1 TABLET | PD-Rx | 1000 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (72789-53... | 4 mg/1 | 16 | $0.42 | — | ● Active | PDAC |
| 70868-0920-21 | DEXAMETHASONE 1.5 MG | Unknown | — | — | 6 | $0.16 | — | — | PDAC |
| 68047-0702-35 | Dexamethasone 1.5 mg 1.5 mg/1 TABLET | Larken | 35 TABLET in 1 DOSE PACK (68047-702-35) | 1.5 mg/1 | 6 | $0.16 | — | ● Active | PDAC |
| 68047-0702-51 | Dexamethasone 1.5 mg 1.5 mg/1 TABLET | Larken | 51 TABLET in 1 DOSE PACK (68047-702-51) | 1.5 mg/1 | 6 | $0.16 | — | ● Active | PDAC |
| 68047-0702-21 | Dexamethasone 1.5 mg 1.5 mg/1 TABLET | Larken | 21 TABLET in 1 DOSE PACK (68047-702-21) | 1.5 mg/1 | 6 | $0.16 | — | ● Active | PDAC |
| 42195-0121-06 | TAPERDEX (6-DAY) 1.5 MG | Unknown | — | — | 6 | $0.16 | — | — | PDAC |
| 42195-0149-12 | TAPERDEX (12-DAY) 1.5 MG | Unknown | — | — | 6 | $0.16 | — | — | PDAC |
| 55289-0582-10 | Dexamethasone 4 mg/1 TABLET | PD-Rx | 10 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (55289-582-... | 4 mg/1 | 16 | $0.42 | — | ● Active | PDAC |
| 52959-0392-12 | DEXAMETHASONE 0.75 MG | Unknown | — | — | 3 | $0.08 | — | — | PDAC |
| 52959-0392-21 | DEXAMETHASONE 0.75 MG | Unknown | — | — | 3 | $0.08 | — | — | PDAC |
| 52959-0392-28 | DEXAMETHASONE 0.75 MG | Unknown | — | — | 3 | $0.08 | — | — | PDAC |
| 58468-0218-02 | DEXAMETHASONE 4 MG | Unknown | — | — | 16 | $0.42 | — | — | PDAC |
| 60432-0466-08 | DEXAMETHASONE (RASPBERRY) 0.5 MG/5 ML | Unknown | — | — | 0.4 | $0.01 | — | — | PDAC |
| 66267-0066-12 | DEXAMETHASONE 0.75 MG | Unknown | — | — | 3 | $0.08 | — | — | PDAC |
| 42291-0155-01 | DEXAMETHASONE 4 MG | Unknown | — | — | 16 | $0.42 | — | — | PDAC |
| 48102-0051-01 | DEXAMETHASONE 4 MG | Unknown | — | — | 16 | $0.42 | — | — | PDAC |
| 79043-0200-25 | ZCORT 7-DAY 1.5 MG | Unknown | — | — | 6 | $0.16 | — | — | PDAC |
| 48102-0047-20 | DEXAMETHASONE (10X10) 4 MG | Unknown | — | — | 16 | $0.42 | — | — | PDAC |
| 42195-0721-21 | DEXAMETHASONE THERAPY PACK (6-DAY) 1.5 MG | Unknown | — | — | 6 | $0.16 | — | — | PDAC |
| 71905-0400-11 | DEXABLISS 11-DAY DOSE PACK 1.5 MG | Unknown | — | — | 6 | $0.16 | — | — | PDAC |
| 42195-0221-06 | TAPERDEX 6-DAY (USP) 1.5 MG | Unknown | — | — | 6 | $0.16 | — | — | PDAC |
| 70569-0151-11 | DXEVO (11-DAY DOSE PACK) 1.5 MG | Unknown | — | — | 6 | $0.16 | — | — | PDAC |
| 70362-0702-39 | DXEVO (11-DAY DOSE PACK) 1.5 MG | Unknown | — | — | 6 | $0.16 | — | — | PDAC |
| 15014-0211-21 | HIDEX (6-DAY) 1.5 MG | Unknown | — | — | 6 | $0.16 | — | — | PDAC |
| 42195-0127-07 | TAPERDEX 7-DAY 1.5 MG | Unknown | — | — | 6 | $0.16 | — | — | PDAC |
| 42195-0151-10 | DEXAMETHASONE (USP) 1.5 MG | Unknown | — | — | 6 | $0.16 | — | — | PDAC |
| 48102-0045-01 | DEXAMETHASONE 0.5 MG | Unknown | — | — | 2 | $0.05 | — | — | PDAC |
| 48102-0046-01 | DEXAMETHASONE 0.75 MG | Unknown | — | — | 3 | $0.08 | — | — | PDAC |
| 48102-0047-01 | DEXAMETHASONE 4 MG | Unknown | — | — | 16 | $0.42 | — | — | PDAC |
| 58463-0010-08 | DECADRON (RASPBERRY) 0.5 MG/5 ML | Unknown | — | — | 0.4 | $0.01 | — | — | PDAC |
| 58463-0014-01 | DECADRON 0.5 MG | Unknown | — | — | 2 | $0.05 | — | — | PDAC |
| 58463-0015-01 | DECADRON 0.75 MG | Unknown | — | — | 3 | $0.08 | — | — | PDAC |
| 58463-0016-01 | DECADRON 4 MG | Unknown | — | — | 16 | $0.42 | — | — | PDAC |
| 58463-0017-01 | DECADRON 6 MG | Unknown | — | — | 24 | $0.62 | — | — | PDAC |
| 52959-0547-04 | DEXAMETHASONE 4 MG | Unknown | — | — | 16 | $0.42 | — | — | PDAC |
| 49999-0059-06 | DEXAMETHASONE 4 MG | Unknown | — | — | 16 | $0.42 | — | — | PDAC |
| 52959-0547-10 | DEXAMETHASONE 4 MG | Unknown | — | — | 16 | $0.42 | — | — | PDAC |
| 52959-0547-11 | DEXAMETHASONE 4 MG | Unknown | — | — | 16 | $0.42 | — | — | PDAC |
| 52959-0547-12 | DEXAMETHASONE 4 MG | Unknown | — | — | 16 | $0.42 | — | — | PDAC |
| 52959-0547-16 | DEXAMETHASONE 4 MG | Unknown | — | — | 16 | $0.42 | — | — | PDAC |
| 52959-0547-20 | DEXAMETHASONE 4 MG | Unknown | — | — | 16 | $0.42 | — | — | PDAC |
| 52959-0547-30 | DEXAMETHASONE 4 MG | Unknown | — | — | 16 | $0.42 | — | — | PDAC |
| 52959-0547-50 | DEXAMETHASONE 4 MG | Unknown | — | — | 16 | $0.42 | — | — | PDAC |
NDC→HCPCS mappings come from the CMS ASP NDC-HCPCS crosswalk; additional DME MAC / DMEPOS mappings come from PDAC and are labeled separately. NADAC from CMS (weekly). “Status” reflects the product's marketing / obsolete flag in the NDC directory. Presence or absence here does not determine Medicare coverage. Linked NDCs open the full product page.
📊 Medicare utilization & spend CMS · PART B · 2025 (Q1-Q4)
Total Part B spend
$295.16
Claims
53
Beneficiaries
20
Spend / beneficiary
$14.76
Spend / claim
$5.57
Where J8540 ranks among Part B drugs · 2025 (Q1-Q4) · neighbors ±5
Total spending — #905 of 918
#900
EPINEPHRINE J0166
$417.15
#901
DROPERIDOL J1790
$396.42
#902
ACETADOTE* J0132
$395.24
#903
DILTIAZEM HCL-0.9% N... J1163
$358.61
#904
CEFEPIME-DEXTROSE J0703
$304.66
#905
DEXAMETHASONE INTENS... J8540
$295.16
#906
BREVIBLOC* J1805
$241.23
#907
CLINDAMYCIN-0.9% NAC... J0737
$227.02
#908
DIGOXIN* J1160
$194.10
#909
INJ, EPINEPHRINE (BE... J0173
$178.00
#910
BUPRENORPHINE HCL J0592
$176.82
Total claims — #841 of 918
#836
BIOVANCE 1 SQUARE CM... Q4154
57
#837
FRAGMIN J1645
56
#838
ARIXTRA* J1652
56
#839
TEPADINA(J9340)* J9340
56
#840
TEPADINA(J9342)* J9342
54
#841
DEXAMETHASONE INTENS... J8540
53
#842
CANCIDAS* J0637
52
#843
IXINITY J7213
52
#844
ZEVTERA J0681
51
#845
CLINDAMYCIN-0.9% NAC... J0737
51
#846
CROFAB J0840
51
Top Medicare Part B drugs by the selected metric. Click any drug to open its J-code page. Source: CMS Medicare Quarterly Part B Spending by Drug.
Full breakdown by period (1)
| Period | Total spend | Beneficiaries | Claims | $/beneficiary | $/claim |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (Q1-Q4) | $295.16 | 20 | 53 | $14.76 | $5.57 |
Provider-administered (Part B) spend, calculated for the whole HCPCS code (CMS does not publish Medicare spend per individual NDC). Self-administered use is covered under Part D instead. A blank patient count means fewer than 11 people — CMS hides counts that small to protect privacy. Source: CMS Medicare Quarterly Part B Spending by Drug (data.cms.gov), updated quarterly.
📈 Medicare Part B claims detail CMS PSPS · 2024
Calendar-year 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service activity for this HCPCS code, summed across all carriers, localities and specialties (CMS Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary). A “service” is one billed line/unit — not one claim — so counts run higher than claim counts.
Allowed charges
$123.73
Medicare paid
$97.02
Submitted services
131,561
Denial rate
98.3%
Allowed / service
$0.06
Submitted charges
$142.2K
Source: CMS Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary (PSPS), CY2024 — Medicare Part B carrier + DME fee-for-service claims (excludes Medicare Advantage). Figures are for the whole HCPCS code, which may cover uses beyond this drug. ⚠ CMS hides any figure covering fewer than 11 patients (a privacy rule), so totals — especially denials and low-volume codes — run a little low.
🗺️ Where J8540 is utilized
⏳
The geographic utilization map is building for this code — it aggregates millions of CMS Part B claim lines, then caches the result. Refresh in a moment; if it doesn’t appear, this code may have no reportable Part B utilization.
📊 What bills under J8540
J-codes are billing codes often used for drugs billed under the medical benefit. This connects the billing code to the NDC package records it covers, by ingredient and labeler.
NDC products by ingredient
NDC products by labeler
🗃️ Data sources & freshness
Every figure on this page is computed from public datasets. Here's what each section draws on and how current it is.
HCPCS code & descriptor
CMS HCPCS Level II code file
Loaded
Payment limit & billing unit
CMS Medicare Part B ASP Pricing File (quarterly)
Q3 2026 · as of 2026-08-20
NDC ↔ HCPCS crosswalk
CMS ASP NDC-HCPCS crosswalk + DMEPDAC (PDAC)
132 NDCs mapped
NADAC acquisition cost
CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (weekly)
Available for mapped NDCs
Utilization & spend
CMS Part B Spending by Drug · PSPS · Physician & Other Practitioners
Latest data year 2025
Figures are estimates for reference and may lag the source files. Always verify against the current CMS files and your payer's policy before submitting claims.
⚠️ Practical billing caveats
- A crosswalk is not coverage. An NDC mapping or a published payment limit does not guarantee a payer will cover or pay this code. Check the specific plan's policy.
- Units ≠ milligrams. Bill the number of HCPCS units (dose ÷ the code's unit size), not the milligram dose. Use the calculator above.
- Discarded drug. For single-dose vials, drug discarded after administration may be separately billable with modifier JW (and JZ when nothing is discarded) where the payer allows.
- Rounding & partial units. Many payers require whole units; round per the payer's policy, not automatically up.
- The code can cover more than this drug. Some HCPCS codes span multiple products or strengths — confirm the exact code for the product administered.
- Figures lag. ASP limits change quarterly and utilization data are released with a delay. Verify against the current CMS files before billing.
❓ J8540 billing FAQ
What is HCPCS code J8540?
J8540 is a HCPCS Level II J-code used to bill Dexamethasone, oral, 0.25 mg under Medicare Part B and most medical (not pharmacy) benefits.
What is the billing unit for J8540?
One unit of J8540 represents 0.25 MG. Report the number of units equal to the dose administered divided by 0.25 MG.
How many units of J8540 should I bill?
Divide the dose administered by the code's unit size (0.25 MG) to get the number of billing units, then round per your payer's policy. The calculator on this page converts a dose into billing units and projects a full course.
How much does Medicare pay for J8540?
The Medicare Part B payment limit is $0.026 per unit (Q3 2026), based on ASP + 6%. After the 2% sequester the effective payment is about $0.025 per unit. Payment limits are revised quarterly.
Which NDCs bill under J8540?
132 NDCs currently map to J8540 in the CMS ASP NDC-HCPCS crosswalk. See the NDC crosswalk table above for each product, package, billing units and estimated reimbursement.
Does a crosswalk mean J8540 is covered?
No. An NDC-to-HCPCS crosswalk and a published payment limit do not guarantee coverage or payment. Coverage depends on the payer, the diagnosis and the site of care — always verify the current policy before billing.
For professional billing reference only — verify against the current CMS files before submitting claims.