Oncology Coding Article - HCPCS Code J0880

American Academy of Medical Administrators

Specialty Groups — Oncology

Medical Oncology Code Changes

ACOA Coding Minute

Confused about coding Aranesp? You may not be alone! After deleting, and then reinstating, HCPCS code J0880 some practices are finding it difficult to know when to use what code for this popular medication.

There are several websites that contain detailed coding information, and the official CMS guideline is located in Transmittal 36, dated December 24, 2003. HGSA includes the following coding chart in their MedicareNewsroom:

DRUG	CODE	CONDITIONS	PLACE OF SERVICE
Aranesp 5 mcg	J0880	Non-ESRD	Office only; physician
Aranesp 1 mcg	Q0137	Non-ESRD	All Non-ESRD settings
Aranesp 1 mcg	Q4054	ESRD on dialysis	All Non-ESRD settings

It is essential for correct code assignment that code J0880 only be reported for Aranesp administered in the office setting.

Additional Medicare websites with similar information include:

http://www.empiremedicare.com/news/njnews/011404epo.htm

http://www.gamedicare.com

Cindy C. Parman, CPC, CPC-H
principal and co-founder of Coding Strategies, Inc. in Atlanta, GA. Cindy is a current member of the Advisory Board for the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and a faculty instructor for AMA Solutions, a subsidiary of the American Medical Association. She serves as the Consulting Editor of the Radiology Coding Alert and is on the Editorial Advisory Board of General Surgery Coding Alert and Pain Management Coding Alert.

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