Reimbursement News In Brief

Genzyme keeps separate HCPCS code: Genzyme's Synvisc hyaluronic acid-based product for treating osteoarthritic knee joints will continue to be paid at a higher rate than competing products in 2006, the firm announced Nov. 8. The decision maintains the 2005 rates and reverses CMS' proposal to place all viscosupplement products in the same J-code. Synvisc competes with Johnson & Johnson/Ortho Biotech'sOrthovisc, Sanofi-Aventis' Hyalgan and Smith & Nephew's Supartz (1"The Gray Sheet" June 20, 2005, p. 3). Orthovisc will continue to be paid using miscellaneous codes, according to the firm...