CMS grants Qutenza J-code to NeurogesX

NeurogesX, Inc. (Nasdaq: NGSX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel pain management therapies, today announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has granted a unique, Level II Health Care Common Procedural Coding System (Level II HCPCS), commonly referred to as a J-code, for Qutenza® (capsaicin) 8% patch. J-codes are used by providers to bill Medicare Part B, Medicaid and most private plans for drugs administered in physician's offices and hospital outpatient departments.

The J-code, J7335, "Capsaicin 8% Patch, Per 10 Square Centimeters," will be effective for dates of service on or after January 1, 2011, and will assist providers in obtaining reimbursement for Qutenza. Qutenza is indicated in the United States for the management of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Anthony DiTonno, President and CEO, commented, "We are pleased to have made substantial progress on the reimbursement front since launching Qutenza in April 2010. Within the first month of launch, Qutenza coverage was confirmed under Medicare Part B and we received a temporary C-Code for the hospital outpatient use in July. We believe that a permanent J-code for Qutenza, when it goes into effect in January 2011, will facilitate the reimbursement process for all of our customer segments, from the largest institutions to small private practices."  

The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) National Panel reviewed the Qutenza application submitted to CMS and decided to assign a unique, product-specific J-code for use by all payers. The HCPCS National Panel is made up of members of the private insurance industry, Medicaid, and Medicare.