Amgen is pleased to report that Aranesp has maintained it's J-Code (J0880 5 mcg) for 2004 for the physician office setting. CMS notified its contractors that it had reinstated J0880 5mcg effective January 1, 2004. Although the new Q-code (Q0137 1 mcg) can be used, Amgen will not be advocating it's use in the physician office.

Drug Coding Use for Setting of Care

Physician Office: (Non-ESRD) J0880 5 mcg or Q0137 1mcg

Hospital Outpatient: (Non-ESRD) Q0137 1mcg

Dialysis Indication: (ESRD) Q4054 1mcg

Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal has also added Aranesp to their Contract Drug List effective January 1, 2004. Pharmacy TARs will no longer be required for Aranesp for the following:

• the treatment of anemia associated with chronic renal failure
• patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving chemotherapy

This decision impacts retail access to Aranesp; prescriptions may now be filled in all pharmacy settings without the necessity of a TAR.