Glaukos Receives Permanent J-Code for iDose TR
Glaukos has announced the assignment of a unique, permanent J-code (J7355) by CMS for its iDose TR (travoprost intracameral implant) 75 mcg. This prostaglandin analog is indicated for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) or open-angle glaucoma (OAG). The new J-code, becoming effective on July 1, 2024, signifies a major step forward for the product.
Thomas Burns, Glaukos chairman and chief executive officer, expressed the significance of this development, stating, “The receipt of a product-specific J-code for iDose TR supports our market access initiatives to enable broad access and coverage for patients suffering from open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.” He further emphasized the benefits of the new J-code, noting that it “should provide more streamlined, consistent, and dependable coverage and payment for iDose TR as we advance and ultimately accelerate our initial commercial launch activities.”
Importance of J-Codes
J-codes play a crucial role in the U.S. healthcare system by facilitating the billing and reimbursement process for procedural pharmaceuticals administered by healthcare professionals. iDose TR, along with certain other treatments, will benefit from this streamlined process.
Moreover, on March 21, 2024, CMS issued its April 2024 Update of the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) transmittal. This update includes the assignment of CPT codes 0660T and 0661T for iDose TR to ambulatory payment classification (APC) 5492 (Level 2 Intraocular Procedures), effective April 1, 2024. These codes are designed to cover the procedural component of administering iDose TR.
FDA Approval and Product Innovation
FDA approval for iDose TR was secured in December 2023. This innovative therapy is the first of its kind, offering long-duration, intracameral procedural pharmaceutical therapy that delivers continuous therapeutic levels of a proprietary formulation of travoprost inside the eye for extended periods. By providing 24/7 delivery, iDose TR aims to improve the standard of care for glaucoma patients by addressing the widespread issue of patient non-compliance and reducing the chronic side effects associated with topical glaucoma medications.
Ocular Hypertension & Open-Angle Glaucoma
Ocular Hypertension (OHT) and Open-Angle Glaucoma (OAG) are two eye conditions marked by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), with crucial distinctions in their impact on vision. OHT is characterized by higher-than-normal IOP without visible damage to the optic nerve or vision loss. It's a condition that signals increased risk for developing glaucoma, particularly OAG, which is the most common form of glaucoma.
OAG progresses slowly, causing gradual optic nerve damage and vision loss, often without early symptoms, earning it the nickname "the sneak thief of sight." Managing these conditions involves regular eye examinations to monitor IOP levels, with treatments ranging from medication to surgery aimed at preventing optic nerve damage and preserving vision.
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