What is Enteral Formula B4150? A Complete Guide to This Standard Nutrition

January 8, 2026 •

3 min read

Over 500,000 Americans require tube feeding annually, and for many, the nutritional support includes enteral formula B4150. This standard, nutritionally complete liquid provides a balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and micronutrients for patients who cannot consume food orally.

Quick Summary

This guide explains enteral formula B4150, a standard, complete feeding product designated by a specific HCPCS code. It covers its composition, intended uses for patients, and key considerations for its administration via a feeding tube.

Key Points

HCPCS Code: B4150 is a specific billing code used in healthcare to identify a standard, nutritionally complete enteral formula with intact nutrients.
Intact Nutrients: The formula contains proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in their whole, un-hydrolyzed form, suitable for individuals with normal digestive function.
Patient Use: It is prescribed for adults and older children who require tube feeding due to conditions like stroke, dysphagia, or chronic illness, provided their GI tract is working.
Standard vs. Specialized: B4150 is a standard formula, differing from specialized options like calorically dense (B4152) or hydrolyzed protein (B4153) formulas that address specific patient needs.
Administration: The formula can be administered via pump-assisted, bolus, or gravity methods, depending on the patient's medical requirements.
Professional Guidance: A physician and dietitian are crucial for determining the appropriate formula, delivery method, and managing potential complications during enteral nutrition.

The Meaning Behind HCPCS Code B4150

In the world of healthcare, precise coding is essential for billing, documentation, and communication. The term "enteral formula B4150" refers to a specific code within the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). For a description of what HCPCS code B4150 specifically designates, refer to {Link: payerprice.com https://payerprice.com/rates/B4150-HCPCS-fee-schedule}. In simpler terms, it is a standard, complete formula intended for tube feeding in adults and older children with a functioning gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

The code specifies that the nutrients are "intact," meaning they are not pre-broken down or hydrolyzed. This is a key distinction from other types of enteral formulas designed for patients with compromised digestive systems. The formula provides all necessary nutrients to maintain life and support healing and recovery. It is often the first-choice option when a standard formula is appropriate due to its balance and cost-effectiveness.

What is an Enteral Formula?

Enteral nutrition (EN) is a method of delivering a specialized liquid food mixture directly into the stomach or small intestine via a feeding tube. It is used for patients who are unable to meet their nutritional needs by mouth, but whose GI tract is still functional. This differs from parenteral nutrition (PN), which bypasses the GI tract entirely and delivers nutrients intravenously. For more information on why EN is generally preferred over PN, see {Link: Kaiser Permanente https://wa-provider.kaiserpermanente.org/static/pdf/hosting/clinical/criteria/pdf/enteral_main.pdf}.

The Composition of a B4150 Formula

As per the code's description, the formula is nutritionally complete with intact nutrients. For details on the composition of a B4150 formula including intact proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and optional fiber, refer to {Link: Kaiser Permanente https://wa-provider.kaiserpermanente.org/static/pdf/hosting/clinical/criteria/pdf/enteral_main.pdf}.

Who Needs a B4150 Formula?

This standard formula is suitable for a wide range of patients requiring tube feeding. For indications for use with patients, including those with neurological conditions, chronic illnesses, critical illness and injury, and post-surgery, refer to {Link: Kaiser Permanente https://wa-provider.kaiserpermanente.org/static/pdf/hosting/clinical/criteria/pdf/enteral_main.pdf}.

Administration Methods for Enteral Formula

Enteral formulas like B4150 are delivered via different methods, depending on the patient's needs and clinical situation. These include pump-assisted feeding, bolus feeding, and gravity feeding.

Key Differences: B4150 vs. Other Enteral Formulas

Choosing the right enteral formula is a critical part of patient care. A comparison table of B4150 with some other common formulas, detailing nutrient form, caloric density, best uses, cost, and digestion, can be found on {Link: Kaiser Permanente https://wa-provider.kaiserpermanente.org/static/pdf/hosting/clinical/criteria/pdf/enteral_main.pdf}.

Potential Complications of Enteral Feeding

While generally safe and effective, enteral feeding does carry some risks. Potential complications requiring careful monitoring by healthcare professionals include aspiration, refeeding syndrome, gastrointestinal distress, tube blockage, and infection. For a description of these potential complications, see {Link: Kaiser Permanente https://wa-provider.kaiserpermanente.org/static/pdf/hosting/clinical/criteria/pdf/enteral_main.pdf}.

Conclusion

Enteral formula B4150 is a critical nutritional tool for many patients who cannot eat by mouth but have a functional digestive system. As a standard, nutritionally complete formula, it provides a balanced mix of nutrients essential for recovery and maintaining health. It is designated by a specific HCPCS code for billing purposes, distinguishing it from specialized or calorically dense alternatives. For more details on ensuring optimal patient outcomes and minimal complications with enteral nutrition, refer to {Link: Kaiser Permanente https://wa-provider.kaiserpermanente.org/static/pdf/hosting/clinical/criteria/pdf/enteral_main.pdf}.

For more detailed information on enteral nutrition and its medical applications, consult authoritative resources such as those from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

Frequently Asked Questions

The HCPCS code B4150 is used for billing and identifies an enteral formula that is nutritionally complete and contains intact nutrients. It may include fiber and is administered via an enteral feeding tube. For the complete description, see {Link: payerprice.com https://payerprice.com/rates/B4150-HCPCS-fee-schedule}.

B4150 is a standard formula with intact nutrients for patients with normal digestion. It differs from formulas with hydrolyzed (pre-digested) proteins (like B4153) or calorically dense formulas (like B4152), which are for patients with compromised digestive function or high energy needs.

While some standard enteral formulas can be used orally, B4150 is specifically coded for administration through an enteral feeding tube. If a formula is given orally, it may be coded differently by insurers, and the B4150 modifier would not apply.

Coverage for enteral formulas like B4150 depends on the patient's insurance policy, but they are often covered when medically necessary and prescribed by a physician. The patient's medical record must document why enteral nutrition is needed to improve their physical condition.

'Intact nutrients' refers to macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) in their whole, complex forms, as opposed to broken-down or pre-digested components. The patient's digestive system must be able to process these nutrients normally.

B4150 is a standard adult enteral formula. Pediatric formulas, which have different nutritional requirements, are designated by other HCPCS codes, such as B4158 and B4160.

For billing purposes under the B4150 code, the formula is measured in units of service, where 1 unit equals 100 calories. A provider will bill based on the total daily caloric needs of the patient.