J8561:
Afinitor and Zortress Have a Common Code
Published on Tue Jan 17, 2012
As an oncology coder, you may be interested to know that HCPCS 2012 added J8561 (Everolimus, oral, 0.25 mg), which applies to Afinitor and Zortress. Afinitor is used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) previously treated unsuccessfully with other medications and to treat the brain tumor subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) when surgery isn't an option for patients with tuberous sclerosis.Physicians prescribe Zortress with other medications to prevent transplant rejection.Key point: This code is specific to an oral medication sold and reported by pharmacies.