CMS Issues J-Code for Xipere to Treat Macular Edema

Yolande Barnard

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued a product specific J-Code for Xipere (triamcinolone acetonide) effective July 1, 2022. J-Codes are reimbursement codes used by both commercial insurers and government payers to identify therapies that are administered by a healthcare professional incident to the office visit.

“The issuance of the permanent J-Code will help facilitate access to XIPERE for Americans suffering from macular edema associated with uveitis and help streamline the reimbursement process,” Yolande Barnard, senior vice president and general manager, U.S. Pharmaceuticals, Bausch + Lomb, said in a press release.

The FDA approved Xipere in October 2021 for treatment of macular edema associated with uveitis, a form of eye inflammation. Developed by Bausch + Lomb and Clearside Biomedical, Xipere provides a targeted delivery to the retina and choroid. Macular edema is the buildup of fluid in the macula, which causes retinal swelling and distorted vision, and if left untreated, may lead to permanent vision loss.

Related: FDA Approves Targeted Therapy for Macular Edema

Xipere became commercially available in March 2022. The new J-Code is J3299 “Injection, Triamcinolone acetonide (XIPERE).”