Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Heads up: Your IVIG codes are changing -- again In July, oncology coders needed to update their charge tickets and software to replace IVIG code J1567 with four new temporary Q codes (see vol. 9 no. 12). You-ll still need those codes for a couple of months -- but starting Jan. 1, 2008, you-ll have to get used to four brand-new J codes. Why the change? CMS is continuing its plan to ensure accurate payment for single-source drugs (those with no therapeutic equivalent) and biologicals by using unique HCPCS codes. In July, Q4087, Q4088, Q4091 and Q4092 debuted, taking the place of J1567 (Injection, immune globulin, intravenous, non-lyophilized [e.g., liquid], 500 mg). In 2008, new J codes will replace those temporary Q codes. Medicare also provided two new HCPCS codes, Q4089 and Q4090, for intramuscular injections, payable after July 1, 2007. Those codes are also vanishing in favor of new codes in 2008 (see below). Don't miss: HPCS 2008 also has new codes for Vectibix, Soliris, Tysabri and Reclast injections, as well as a supply code for an implantable radiation dosimeter. New and Revised Hematology & Oncology HCPCS Codes 2007 2008 Description Brand name N/A A4650 Implantable radiation dosimeter, each DVS C1879 A4648 Tissue marker, implantable, any type, each   C9235 J9303 Injection, panitumumab, 10 mg Vectibix C9236 J1300 Injection, eculizumab, 10 mg Soliris Q4079 J2323 Injection, natalizumab, per 1 mg Tysabri Q4087 J1568 Injection, immune globulin (Octagam), intravenous, non-lyophilized (e.g., liquid), 500 mg Octagam Q4088 J1569 Injection, immune globulin (Gammagard liquid), intravenous, non-lyophilized (e.g., liquid), 500 mg Gammagard Q4089 J2791 Injection, Rho(D) immune globulin (human), (Rhophylac), intramuscular or intravenous, 100 iu Rhophylac Q4090 J1571 Injection, hepatitis B immune globulin (HepaGam B), intramuscular, 0.5 ml HepaGam B Q4091 J1572 Injection, immune globulin (Flebogamma), intravenous, non-lyophilized (e.g., liquid), 500 mg Flebogamma Q4092 J1561 Injection, immune globulin (Gamunex), intravenous, non-lyophilized (e.g., liquid), 500 mg Gamunex Q4095 J3488 Injection, zoledronic acid (Reclast), 1 mg Reclast Source: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services