Code Break: Medicare Accelerates ‘J-Code’ Assignment To Boost Uptake Of New Drugs

04 Sep 2019

Manufacturers can apply for permanent Medicare reimbursement codes on a quarterly basis rather than annually going forward to allow for more frequent coding awards. Recently about two dozen drugs, including three biosimilars, received permanent codes earlier than usual.

Binary Code — CMS Concession On Coding A Welcome Change

Manufacturers of new drugs covered by Medicare Part B can obtain permanent, unique reimbursement codes months earlier than in the past under a new policy implemented by the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to make it easier for providers to adopt innovative treatments.

CMS is moving to a process that allows manufacturers to apply for permanent “J-codes" under the Healthcare Common Procedures Coding...