Sodium Hyaluronate
The pharmaceutical form of hyaluronic acid used in viscosupplementation injections for knee osteoarthritis. Sodium hyaluronate is the active ingredient listed on product labels for gel injection brands like Hyalgan, Euflexxa, and Supartz FX.
Extended Definition
Sodium hyaluronate is the chemical name for the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid (HA) — the substance used in viscosupplementation (gel) injections to treat knee osteoarthritis. When you see “sodium hyaluronate” on a medication label, prescription, or HCPCS billing code, it refers to the same substance patients call gel injections, HA shots, or hyaluronate injections.
Product Labels and the Term “Sodium Hyaluronate”
FDA-approved viscosupplementation products list their active ingredient as sodium hyaluronate:
| Brand | Active Ingredient Listed |
|---|---|
| Hyalgan | Sodium hyaluronate |
| Supartz FX | Sodium hyaluronate |
| Euflexxa | 1% sodium hyaluronate |
| Orthovisc | High molecular weight sodium hyaluronate |
| Durolane | Stabilized sodium hyaluronate (NASHA) |
Synvisc and Synvisc-One use a chemically modified form called hylan G-F 20 (cross-linked hyaluronan), while Monovisc uses cross-linked sodium hyaluronate.
Insurance and Billing
For billing and insurance purposes, sodium hyaluronate injections are covered by Medicare Part B for knee osteoarthritis when medically necessary. Each brand has a specific HCPCS J-code:
- J7318: Durolane (1 mg per unit)
- J7320: Gel-One (1 mg per unit)
- J7321: Hyalgan or Supartz (10 mg per dose)
- J7322: Monovisc (1 mg per unit)
- J7323: Euflexxa (1 mg per unit)
- J7324: Orthovisc (1 mg per unit)
Understanding that “sodium hyaluronate injection” and “gel injection” are the same treatment helps when reviewing insurance documentation, Explanation of Benefits statements, or discussing coverage with your insurer.