Summary & Overview
HCPCS Q0139: Ferumoxytol Injection for Iron Deficiency Anemia, ESRD on Dialysis
HCPCS Level II code Q0139 denotes a 1 mg unit of ferumoxytol given by injection for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving dialysis. This code is clinically significant because intravenous iron therapy is a core component of anemia management in dialysis-dependent patients; accurate coding affects clinical documentation, payment, and care coordination across dialysis centers and outpatient infusion settings. Nationally, use of ferumoxytol influences drug utilization patterns and cost for chronic kidney disease care pathways.
Key payers addressed in the analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise review of clinical context for ferumoxytol in ESRD on dialysis, common billing considerations for infusion services in dialysis clinics, and a summary of payer coverage landscapes where available. The publication outlines typical sites of service and the service type tied to Q0139, and identifies common modifiers provided in the input. Where specific payer policies, fee benchmarks, or related codes are not provided, the text notes that data is not available in the input. This piece is intended to inform billing managers, compliance staff, and clinicians about the coding and administrative context for ferumoxytol injections in dialysis care.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code Q0139 describes an injection of ferumoxytol administered for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. The code is reported per 1 mg of ferumoxytol and is specifically noted for use in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis.
Service type: Therapeutic intravenous iron infusion/injection for iron deficiency anemia
Typical site of service: Dialysis clinic or outpatient dialysis center
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving maintenance hemodialysis at an outpatient dialysis center who has iron deficiency anemia inadequately responsive to oral iron or other IV iron formulations. The patient presents for an in-center dialysis treatment session during which the dialysis nurse documents low hemoglobin and low transferrin saturation or ferritin values consistent with iron deficiency. The nephrologist orders intravenous ferumoxytol for iron repletion, dosed and documented per product labeling. The medication Q0139 (ferumoxytol, 1 mg) is prepared by pharmacy or an authorized medication handling service and delivered to the dialysis nurse. Administration occurs via slow IV push or infusion through the dialysis vascular access or separate peripheral/central venous access during the dialysis session. Vital signs and adverse reaction monitoring are performed before, during, and after the injection, with documentation of dose, lot number, site, and patient tolerance. Post-administration monitoring includes observation for hypersensitivity, documentation of any premedication (e.g., antihistamine), and recording of subsequent hemoglobin and iron studies to guide further dosing.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier | Standard use when no special circumstances apply |