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
