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Official Description

Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine, inactivated, for intramuscular use

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 90738 refers to the Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine, which is an inactivated vaccine intended for intramuscular use. This vaccine is designed to provide long-term immunity against the Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus, a pathogen that can cause serious inflammation of the brain. Unlike immune globulins that offer only temporary, passive immunity, vaccines like this one stimulate the recipient's immune system to recognize and combat the virus by producing its own antibodies. When administered, the vaccine introduces an altered version of the JE virus, prompting the immune system to learn how to respond effectively to future exposures. The JE virus is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes and is prevalent in certain rural areas of Asia, making vaccination crucial for individuals living in or traveling to these regions. It is important to note that this code specifically reports the supply of the vaccine itself and does not include the administration of the intramuscular injection, which is a separate consideration in the billing process.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine is indicated for individuals who are at risk of exposure to the JE virus, particularly those living in or traveling to endemic areas. The following conditions warrant vaccination:

  • Travel to Endemic Regions Individuals planning to travel to rural areas in Asia where the JE virus is prevalent are advised to receive the vaccine to protect against potential infection.
  • Occupational Exposure People who work in environments where they may be exposed to the JE virus, such as agricultural workers or researchers, should consider vaccination as a preventive measure.
  • Residents of Endemic Areas Individuals residing in regions where the JE virus is common are recommended to receive the vaccine to reduce their risk of contracting the disease.

2. Procedure

The administration of the Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine involves several key procedural steps to ensure proper delivery and effectiveness:

  • Preparation of the Vaccine Prior to administration, the vaccine must be prepared according to the manufacturer's guidelines. This includes checking the expiration date, ensuring the vaccine is stored at the correct temperature, and gently shaking the vial to mix the contents if necessary.
  • Patient Assessment Before administering the vaccine, the healthcare provider should assess the patient’s medical history, including any previous allergic reactions to vaccines, current medications, and overall health status to ensure that the patient is a suitable candidate for vaccination.
  • Administration of the Vaccine The vaccine is administered via intramuscular injection, typically in the deltoid muscle of the upper arm for adults and older children, or in the anterolateral thigh for infants and young children. The injection site should be cleaned with an antiseptic wipe before administration to minimize the risk of infection.
  • Post-Administration Monitoring After the vaccine is administered, the patient should be monitored for a short period to observe for any immediate adverse reactions, such as allergic responses. This monitoring typically lasts for 15 to 30 minutes.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the administration of the Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine, patients may experience mild side effects, which can include soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or fatigue. These symptoms are generally short-lived and resolve without intervention. Patients should be advised to rest and stay hydrated. It is also important to inform them about the signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat, and to seek immediate medical attention if these occur. Additionally, patients should be educated on the importance of completing the vaccination series, if applicable, and any follow-up appointments that may be necessary for booster doses or further immunization.

Short Descr INACTIVATED JE VACC IM
Medium Descr JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS VACCINE INACTIVATED IM
Long Descr Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine, inactivated, for intramuscular use
Status Code Not Valid for Medicare Purposes
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Items and Services Not Billable to the MAC
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) O1G - Immunizations/Vaccinations
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 228 - Prophylactic vaccinations and inoculations
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
AJ Clinical social worker
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Date
Action
Notes
2009-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2009.
2008-07-01 Added -
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Description
Code
Description
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