Feraheme (ferumoxytol) — HCPCS Q0138

Covis Pharma · 510 mg / 17 mL (30 mg/mL) single-dose vial · IV infusion (≥15 min) · Iron-deficiency anemia in adults

Feraheme is an IV iron oxide nanoparticle formulation for iron-deficiency anemia. Billed under HCPCS Q0138 (non-ESRD use) at 1 mg per unit, or Q0139 for ESRD patients on dialysis. Standard course: 510 mg IV × 2 doses, 3–8 days apart (1,020 mg total elemental iron). Q2 2026 Medicare reimbursement: $0.229/mg ($116.79 per 510 mg dose, ASP + 6%) — the lowest per-mg cost among major IV irons. Boxed Warning for serious hypersensitivity reactions mandates ≥15-minute infusion + ≥30-minute observation, with resuscitation equipment available.

ASP data:Q2 2026 (live)
Payer policies:verified May 2026
Manufacturer guide:Covis 2026
FDA label:post-2015 Boxed Warning
Page reviewed:

Instant Answer — the 5 things you need to bill Q0138

HCPCS
Q0138
1 mg = 1 unit (non-ESRD)
Per-dose units
510
510 mg × 2 doses, 3–8 days apart
Modifier
JZ
Required (single-dose vial)
Admin CPT
96365
Therapeutic IV (≥15 min)
Medicare ASP+6%
$0.229
per mg, Q2 2026 · $116.79/510 mg
HCPCS descriptor
Q0138 — "Ferumoxytol, non-ESRD use, 1 mg" Permanent
ESRD code
Q0139 — "Ferumoxytol, ESRD on dialysis, 1 mg" — same drug, different code by indication
Adult dosing
510 mg IV over ≥15 minutes, repeat 510 mg dose 3–8 days later (total 1,020 mg per course)
Observation requirement
≥30 minutes post-infusion with resuscitation equipment available (Boxed Warning)
NDC
59338-775-01 single-dose vial carton (510 mg / 17 mL)
Vial
510 mg / 17 mL (30 mg/mL), single-dose vial — whole-vial dose
Route
IV infusion in 50–200 mL of 0.9% NaCl or 5% Dextrose, over at least 15 minutes
Premedication
Not routinely required; observe vitals during and 30 minutes after infusion
Boxed warning
Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis (some fatal) — trained personnel + resuscitation equipment required; patients with prior IV iron hypersensitivity at increased risk
FDA approval
June 2009 (NDA 022180); Boxed Warning + 15-min infusion mandate added March 2015
⚠️
BOXED WARNING — Serious hypersensitivity reactions: Including anaphylaxis, some fatal, have occurred in patients receiving Feraheme. Following 2015 post-marketing safety review, the FDA mandates: (1) IV infusion over at least 15 minutes (no IV push), (2) administration only by trained healthcare professionals with immediate access to resuscitation equipment, (3) patient observation for hypersensitivity for at least 30 minutes after the end of infusion. Do not administer to patients with a history of allergic reaction to any IV iron product. See full safety section.
ℹ️
Q0138 vs Q0139 — biller decision required. Same drug (ferumoxytol), two different HCPCS codes by indication. Q0138 = non-ESRD use (IDA in patients with normal renal function or non-dialysis CKD). Q0139 = ESRD patients on dialysis (typically billed by dialysis facility under ESRD bundled payment; verify scenario). Using the wrong code is a top denial reason. Confirm patient's ESRD/dialysis status before coding. See full code comparison.
🧬
MRI imaging interaction — up to 3 months. Feraheme contains superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles that can alter MRI imaging (T1, T2, T2*-weighted) for up to 3 months post-administration. Document Feraheme administration date and dose prominently in the medical record. Coordinate with radiology if MRI is needed within the 3-month window. See MRI interaction details.
Phase 1 Identify what you're billing Confirm ESRD vs non-ESRD code, dose, and class context before billing.

Q0138 (non-ESRD) vs Q0139 (ESRD) — biller decision CMS verified May 2026

Same drug, two HCPCS codes. The choice is driven by the patient's ESRD/dialysis status, not the dose or setting.

Ferumoxytol is unique among IV irons in having two parallel permanent HCPCS codes that distinguish indication: Q0138 for non-ESRD iron-deficiency anemia and Q0139 for ESRD patients on dialysis. The drug, dose (510 mg), NDC, and administration are identical — only the billing code differs.

Comparison of Q0138 (non-ESRD) and Q0139 (ESRD) HCPCS codes for ferumoxytol.
Q0138 (non-ESRD)Q0139 (ESRD)
HCPCS descriptorQ0138 — "Ferumoxytol, non-ESRD use, 1 mg"Q0139 — "Ferumoxytol, ESRD on dialysis, 1 mg"
Patient populationAdults with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), with or without non-dialysis CKDAdults with end-stage renal disease on dialysis
Typical billing entityOffice / infusion center / hospital outpatientDialysis facility (often under ESRD bundled payment)
Dose510 mg × 2, 3–8 days apartSame: 510 mg × 2, 3–8 days apart
Drug, NDC59338-775-01 (identical)59338-775-01 (identical)
Medicare ASP+6% Q2 2026$0.229/mgGenerally same ASP file entry — verify per quarterly publication
Top denial reason: Billing Q0138 for an ESRD patient on dialysis (or vice versa). Confirm the patient's renal status and dialysis modality before submitting the claim. ESRD-on-dialysis services often fall under the ESRD bundled payment system — verify whether the drug is separately billable in your scenario.
Cross-link: For ESRD-specific billing under the bundled payment system, see CMS ESRD PPS guidance and your MAC's ESRD billing instructions. This page focuses on Q0138 (non-ESRD) workflow.

Dosing & unit math FDA label verified May 2026

From the FDA prescribing information (post-2015 Boxed Warning revision).

Adult dosing — iron-deficiency anemia

  • 510 mg IV as a single dose, infused over at least 15 minutes
  • Repeat 510 mg dose 3 to 8 days after the initial dose
  • Total course: 1,020 mg elemental iron (one 510 mg vial per dose)
  • 1 mg = 1 unit; bill 510 units per dose, 1,020 units per full course
  • May be readministered (course repeat) if iron-deficiency anemia recurs — verify documentation requirements

Administration requirements (post-2015 label change)

  • Dilute 510 mg in 50–200 mL of 0.9% NaCl or 5% Dextrose
  • IV infusion over at least 15 minutes — do NOT administer as IV push
  • Administer only by trained healthcare professionals with immediate access to resuscitation equipment
  • Monitor for hypersensitivity during infusion; observe patient for at least 30 minutes after the end of infusion (vitals, hypotension, signs of anaphylaxis)
  • Do not re-administer to patients with prior hypersensitivity to any IV iron product

Worked example — full course billing for IDA non-ESRD

# Course of therapy: 510 mg dose 1 + 510 mg dose 2 (3-8 days apart)
Drug units billed per dose: 510 (Q0138)
HCPCS: Q0138 · Modifier: JZ · Vials: 1 × 510 mg (no waste)
Admin: 96365 (therapeutic IV, ≥15 min infusion)

# Per-course totals
Total doses: 2
Total drug units billed: 1,020 (2 × 510)
Drug cost per dose (Q2 2026 ASP+6%): ~$116.79
Drug cost per course (Q2 2026 ASP+6%): ~$233.58 before sequestration
Plus 96365 admin per dose × 2 visits

No premedication routinely required

Routine premedication with diphenhydramine or steroids is not required by the label for Feraheme. Some institutions premedicate patients with prior mild infusion reactions, but blanket premedication is not recommended and may mask early signs of true anaphylaxis.

NDC reference FDA NDC Directory verified May 2026

NDC (10/11-digit)PackageUse
59338-775-01 / 59338-0775-01 510 mg / 17 mL (30 mg/mL) single-dose vial — 1 vial per carton Standard dose — one vial per dose, two doses per course
NDC qualifier on the claim form: Use N4 + 11-digit NDC + unit of measure (ML) + total volume (17 mL per vial) in the shaded portion of CMS-1500 box 24A. Vial-level NDC formats vary by payer — verify with each payer's claim form instructions.

IV iron class comparison CMS Q2 2026 + FDA labels

Feraheme is one of five major IV irons. Per-mg cost, total dose, and admin time differ materially.

Comparison of major IV iron products with HCPCS, dose, infusion time, ASP, and key safety differences.
Drug (generic) HCPCS Total iron / course Per-dose / schedule Infusion time Q2 2026 ASP+6% Notes
Feraheme (ferumoxytol) Q0138 / Q0139 1,020 mg 510 mg × 2 (3–8 days apart) ≥15 min $0.229/mg Boxed Warning hypersensitivity; affects MRI ≤3 mo; lowest per-mg cost
Injectafer (ferric carboxymaltose) J1439 1,500 mg (typical) 750 mg × 2 (≥7 days apart) ≥15 min ~$1.103/mg Hypophosphatemia risk; widely used; high per-mg cost
Monoferric (ferric derisomaltose) J1437 Up to 1,000–1,500 mg 1,000 mg single dose (or weight-based) ≥20 min (1,000 mg) ~$1.10/mg Single-dose convenience; complete-replacement option
Venofer (iron sucrose) J1756 1,000 mg (typical) 100–200 mg × 5–10 doses 15–30 min per dose ~$0.43/mg Multi-visit; favored in CKD/dialysis; lower per-mg vs Injectafer
INFeD (iron dextran) J1750 Total dose calc by formula Test dose then weight-based total Slow IV infusion ~$0.26/mg Boxed Warning anaphylaxis; oldest product; declining use
Why Feraheme uptake declined post-2015: Original 17-second IV push was a major workflow advantage. The 2015 mandate of ≥15-minute infusion + ≥30-minute observation eliminated that edge, and clinics shifted toward Injectafer and (later) Monoferric for similar chair time but newer safety profile. Feraheme retains an advantage on per-mg drug cost — relevant for budget-driven sites and capitated populations.
ASP figures shift quarterly. Verify each drug's current ASP at billing time. The per-dose and per-course totals on this page are auto-bound to the current CMS Part B Drug Pricing File.
Phase 2 Code the claim Therapeutic IV admin (96365), JZ modifier, IDA-specific ICD-10.

Administration codes CPT verified May 2026

Feraheme is non-chemotherapy. Use therapeutic IV infusion codes, not chemo admin codes.

CodeDescriptionWhen to use
96365 Therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic IV infusion; up to 1 hour, single or initial substance/drug Primary code for Feraheme. ≥15-minute infusion fits within 1-hour window.
96366 Therapeutic IV infusion, each additional hour Rarely needed for monotherapy. Pair with 96365 only if extending beyond 1 hour with another infusion.
96413 / 96415 Chemotherapy administration, IV infusion NOT appropriate. Feraheme is not chemotherapy. Using chemo admin codes will trigger denial or audit.
96374 Therapeutic IV push, single drug NOT appropriate post-2015. The label requires ≥15-minute infusion; IV push is no longer permitted.
30-minute observation is bundled. The mandatory post-infusion observation period is part of the standard of care for Feraheme administration and is bundled into 96365. It is not separately billable as an additional admin code.

Modifiers CMS verified May 2026

JZ — required on virtually every Feraheme claim

Effective July 1, 2023, CMS requires the JZ modifier on all single-dose container claims when no drug is discarded. The Feraheme 510 mg dose uses one 510 mg single-dose vial with no waste. JZ applies to virtually every Feraheme claim with the standard 510 mg fixed dose.

JW — rare with fixed 510 mg dosing

JW reports the discarded portion of a single-dose vial. With Feraheme's fixed 510 mg dose using a single 510 mg vial, partial-vial waste is uncommon. JW would only apply in unusual scenarios (e.g., partial dose interrupted by adverse reaction, with documented administration of less than the full 510 mg). One of JZ or JW must be on every Q0138 / Q0139 claim.

Modifier 25 — same-day E/M

Use modifier 25 on the E/M code when a significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service is performed on the same day as the infusion. Routine pre-infusion clinical assessment is bundled.

340B modifiers (JG, TB)

For 340B-acquired Feraheme, follow your MAC's current 340B modifier policy.

ICD-10-CM by indication FY2026 verified May 2026

Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), with or without underlying CKD or other contributing condition.

Indication / contextICD-10 codeNotes
Iron-deficiency anemia secondary to blood loss (chronic)D50.0Most common; menorrhagia, GI bleed, etc.
Other iron-deficiency anemiasD50.8Specified cause not otherwise listed
Iron-deficiency anemia, unspecifiedD50.9When cause is undocumented or unknown
Acute posthemorrhagic anemiaD62Recent blood loss with iron deficiency
Anemia, unspecifiedD64.9Use only if more specific code not supported
Anemia in chronic kidney diseaseD63.1Pair with N18.x stage when CKD-related
Chronic kidney disease (stage)N18.1–N18.6Stage-specific; use with D63.1 for CKD-anemia link
End-stage renal disease (use Q0139, not Q0138)N18.6 + dialysis statusIf patient is on dialysis, use Q0139, not Q0138
Lab documentation expected for PA: Most payers require documentation of iron-deficiency with baseline ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) values, plus oral iron failure or intolerance, before authorizing IV iron. See payer policies section.

Site of care & place of service Verified May 2026

UnitedHealthcare and several major payers run site-of-care programs for non-emergent IV infusions including IV iron. Office and ambulatory infusion are preferred over HOPD when clinically appropriate.

SettingPOSClaim formNotes
Physician office11CMS-1500 / 837PPreferred when resuscitation equipment available
Ambulatory infusion suite (AIC)49CMS-1500 / 837PPreferred
Hospital outpatient (on-campus)22UB-04 / 837IDisfavored when office/AIC available
Hospital outpatient (off-campus PBD)19UB-04 / 837IDisfavored when office/AIC available
Dialysis facility (ESRD)65UB-04 / 837IUse Q0139, often under ESRD bundled payment
Resuscitation equipment requirement is a site-of-care factor. The Boxed Warning requires immediate access to resuscitation equipment. Confirm your office/clinic meets this standard before scheduling Feraheme infusions; some smaller offices route IV iron to an affiliated AIC or hospital outpatient site for this reason.

Claim form field mapping Verified May 2026

CMS-1500 / 837P submission for non-ESRD Feraheme.

InformationCMS-1500 boxNotes
NPI17bRendering provider
NDC qualifier + 11-digit NDC + UoM + qty24A shaded areaN4 + 59338-0775-01 + ML + 17
HCPCS Q0138 + JZ (or Q0139 + JZ for ESRD)24D (drug line)Use Q0138 for non-ESRD; Q0139 for ESRD on dialysis
Drug units24G510 per dose
CPT 96365 (admin line)24D (admin line)≥15 min infusion fits within 1-hour window
ICD-1021D50.0 / D50.8 / D50.9 / D62 / D63.1 + N18.x as applicable
PA number23Required by most major commercial payers
Phase 3 Get paid PA, lab documentation, oral iron failure, and ASP-driven reimbursement.

Payer policy snapshot Reviewed May 2026

All major commercial payers require PA for IV iron; criteria emphasize IDA dx + lab values + oral iron failure.

PayerPA?Typical criteriaSite-of-care UM
UnitedHealthcare
Specialty Med Coverage Policy — IV iron
Yes IDA diagnosis + ferritin/TSAT below threshold + documented oral iron failure or intolerance (typically ≥3 month trial unless contraindication) Yes (Optum site-of-care steering)
Aetna
CPB IV iron
Yes IDA + lab values + oral iron failure; non-preferred status vs Injectafer/Venofer in some plan tiers — verify formulary Yes for non-emergent IV infusions
BCBS plans
Vary by plan
Yes Generally aligned with payer-specific IV iron LCDs and ACG IDA guidance Plan-specific
Medicare (MAC LCDs) Generally not Standard medical necessity: IDA dx with appropriate ICD-10; ESRD patients use Q0139 under bundled payment N/A

Step therapy — oral iron first

Most commercial PA policies require documented failure of or intolerance to oral iron (typically a 3-month trial) before approving any IV iron, including Feraheme. Contraindications to oral iron (e.g., active GI bleed, malabsorption, IBD with intolerance) generally satisfy this requirement.

Pre-PA checklist: Submit IDA dx (D50.x), recent ferritin (<30 ng/mL typical threshold) and TSAT (<20%) values, documentation of oral iron trial / failure / intolerance, and plan-specific PA form. Missing lab values is a top reason for IV iron PA denial.

Medicare reimbursement CMS Q2 2026 (live)

Quarterly ASP from CMS Part B Drug Pricing File. Refreshes automatically each quarter.

Q2 2026 payment snapshot — Q0138

Effective April 1 – June 30, 2026 · Based on 4Q25 ASP submissions

ASP + 6%
$0.229
per mg / per unit
510 mg dose
$116.79
510 units × ASP+6%
Full course (1,020 mg)
$233.58
2 doses × 510 mg
Class context: Feraheme's per-mg ASP+6% (~$0.229) is the lowest among major IV irons. Injectafer (J1439) runs ~$1.103/mg, Monoferric (J1437) ~$1.10/mg, Venofer (J1756) ~$0.43/mg, INFeD (J1750) ~$0.26/mg. After ~2% sequestration: actual paid is roughly ASP + 4.3%.

Coverage

No NCD specific to ferumoxytol. Coverage falls under MAC LCDs for IV iron and the generic drug-coverage framework. All MACs cover Q0138 for FDA-approved on-label IDA indications with appropriate ICD-10 and documentation.

Code history

  • Q0138 — "Ferumoxytol, non-ESRD use, 1 mg"; Q0139 — "Ferumoxytol, ESRD on dialysis, 1 mg"; both permanent codes since shortly after FDA approval (June 2009)

Patient assistance Verify current programs at billing time

  • Covis Patient Support / Feraheme support program: verify current support phone and program details with the manufacturer; the program landscape changed when Covis acquired AMAG Pharmaceuticals
  • Feraheme co-pay assistance: commercial copay support (eligibility excludes Medicare, Medicaid, and federal program patients)
  • Patient assistance program (PAP): free product for uninsured / underinsured patients meeting income requirements
  • Foundations: for Medicare patients, refer to PAN, HealthWell, and similar foundations — verify open IDA / IV iron funds quarterly (these funds are intermittent)
Pending SME review: verify the current Covis Patient Assistance Program details (phone, web URL, eligibility criteria) before publishing patient-facing materials. The AMAG-to-Covis transition has changed the manufacturer support footprint.
Need to model what a specific patient will actually pay after copay assistance, deductible, coinsurance, and OOP max? Run a CareCost Estimate — Q0138 pre-loaded.
Phase 4 Safety, MRI interaction & problems Hypersensitivity Boxed Warning, MRI imaging effect, top denial reasons.

Boxed Warning — serious hypersensitivity reactions FDA verified May 2026

BOXED WARNING: Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic-type reactions, some of which have been fatal, have occurred in patients receiving Feraheme. These reactions have occurred following the first dose or subsequent doses, in patients with no prior history of hypersensitivity to IV iron.

Mandatory administration controls (post-2015 label change)

  • Infusion duration: at least 15 minutes (no IV push)
  • Setting: administer only by trained healthcare professionals with immediate access to resuscitation equipment
  • Observation: at least 30 minutes after the end of infusion, monitoring for hypotension, signs of anaphylaxis, and other hypersensitivity manifestations
  • Contraindication: do not administer to patients with a history of allergic reaction to any IV iron product
  • Increased risk populations: patients with prior IV iron hypersensitivity, multiple drug allergies, or inflammatory conditions are at higher risk

2015 history — why the label changed

Feraheme was originally approved in 2009 with IV push administration over 17 seconds. Following post-marketing surveillance reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions including fatal anaphylaxis, the FDA required a March 2015 label revision adding the Boxed Warning, mandating ≥15-minute infusion, and requiring ≥30-minute observation. This eliminated Feraheme's chair-time advantage relative to other IV irons and reduced uptake at infusion centers, particularly versus Injectafer (which had launched with similar safety profile but newer brand momentum).

Document hypersensitivity screening on every visit. Review prior IV iron history, confirm no contraindications, document availability of resuscitation equipment, and record vitals baseline + during + end of infusion + 30 min post. This documentation is critical for medical-legal defense and audit defense.

MRI imaging interaction — up to 3 months FDA label verified May 2026

Feraheme is unique among IV irons in containing superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles. These particles can affect magnetic resonance imaging for an extended period after administration. T1, T2, and T2*-weighted MRI images can be altered for up to 3 months following the Feraheme dose.

Coordination requirements

  • Document Feraheme administration prominently in the medical record with date and dose; flag this in the active medication list and imaging history
  • Notify radiology if MRI is being scheduled within 3 months of Feraheme administration
  • Consider alternatives: delay non-urgent MRI past the 3-month window, or use alternative imaging modalities (CT, ultrasound) when clinically appropriate
  • For urgent MRI within 3 months: radiologist should be aware of Feraheme administration and adjust imaging protocol / interpretation accordingly
  • The interaction does not affect non-MRI imaging (CT, X-ray, ultrasound, nuclear medicine)
This interaction is unique to Feraheme. No other IV iron (Injectafer, Monoferric, Venofer, INFeD) has a comparable MRI imaging effect because none use SPIO nanoparticle formulation. Patients with anticipated frequent MRI surveillance (e.g., MS, oncology, cardiac) are typically routed to a different IV iron.

Common denials & how to fix them

Denial reasonCommon causeFix
Wrong HCPCS (Q0138 vs Q0139)Non-ESRD billed as Q0139, or ESRD-on-dialysis billed as Q0138Verify ESRD/dialysis status. Resubmit with correct code. Q0138 for non-ESRD; Q0139 for ESRD on dialysis.
Wrong admin code (chemo)96413 billed instead of 96365Resubmit with 96365. Feraheme is non-chemotherapy.
IV push code billed (96374)Pre-2015 IV push admin coded after label changeResubmit with 96365. IV push is no longer label-permitted; admin must be ≥15-minute infusion.
JZ missing on claimSingle-dose vial claim without JZResubmit with JZ. Required since 7/1/2023 on every claim with no waste.
Lab values not documentedPA submitted without ferritin / TSATSubmit baseline lab values + oral iron failure documentation. Resubmit PA.
Oral iron trial not documentedPA submitted without 3-month oral iron trial / contraindicationSubmit oral iron history + reason for failure/intolerance, or documented contraindication (e.g., GI bleed, malabsorption).
Site of careHOPD administration on payer with site-of-care UMMove to office (POS 11) or AIC (POS 49). Submit medical necessity letter if HOPD required (e.g., resuscitation equipment availability).
NDC qualifier / formatWrong NDC qualifier or 10-digit formatUse N4 + 11-digit NDC: 59338-0775-01 + ML + 17.

Frequently asked questions

What is the HCPCS code for Feraheme?

Feraheme (ferumoxytol) is billed under two distinct HCPCS codes by indication: Q0138 ("Ferumoxytol, non-ESRD use, 1 mg") for IDA in patients without ESRD, and Q0139 ("Ferumoxytol, ESRD on dialysis, 1 mg") for ESRD patients on dialysis. Each milligram equals one billable unit, so the standard 510 mg dose is 510 units. Using the wrong code is one of the most common Feraheme denial reasons.

How is Feraheme dosed?

Feraheme is dosed as 510 mg IV × 2 doses, 3–8 days apart, for a total course of 1,020 mg elemental iron. Each 510 mg dose must be administered as an IV infusion over at least 15 minutes. Patients must be observed for at least 30 minutes post-infusion. Per-course billing: 1,020 units of Q0138 (or Q0139 for ESRD).

What administration CPT do I use for Feraheme?

CPT 96365 — "Therapeutic IV infusion, up to 1 hour, single or initial substance" is the primary administration code. Feraheme is non-chemotherapy, so chemo admin codes (96413) are NOT appropriate. The minimum 15-minute infusion fits within 96365. The mandatory 30-minute post-infusion observation is bundled into the admin code.

Why is Feraheme infusion at least 15 minutes — wasn't it originally an IV push?

Yes. From 2009 to 2015, Feraheme was approved for IV push administration over 17 seconds. Following post-marketing reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions including fatal anaphylaxis, the FDA required a March 2015 label change mandating Boxed Warning, ≥15-minute IV infusion, and ≥30-minute post-infusion observation. This change materially increased clinic chair time and reduced uptake versus Injectafer and Monoferric.

Does Feraheme affect MRI imaging?

Yes. Feraheme contains superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles that can alter T1, T2, and T2*-weighted MRI images for up to 3 months after administration. Document Feraheme administration date and dose in the medical record so radiology is aware. Coordinate with radiology if MRI is needed within 3 months. This interaction is unique to Feraheme among IV irons.

What is the Medicare reimbursement for Q0138?

For Q2 2026, the Medicare Part B payment limit for Q0138 is $0.229 per mg (ASP + 6%). The standard 510 mg dose reimburses at approximately $116.79 per infusion; the full course (2 × 510 mg = 1,020 mg) at approximately $233.58. Feraheme is the lowest per-mg cost among major IV irons. Sequestration (~2%) reduces actual paid to roughly ASP + 4.3%. ASP is updated quarterly by CMS.

What is the difference between Q0138 and Q0139?

Same drug (ferumoxytol), different patient population. Q0138 is for non-ESRD use — IDA in patients with normal renal function or non-dialysis CKD. Q0139 is for ESRD patients on dialysis (typically billed by the dialysis facility under the ESRD bundled payment system, though some scenarios allow separate billing). Using the wrong code is a top denial reason. Verify the patient's ESRD/dialysis status before coding.

Do I bill JZ or JW for Feraheme?

Bill JZ on virtually every Feraheme claim. The 510 mg dose uses one 510 mg single-dose vial with zero waste. JW only applies in the rare scenario of partial-vial waste, which is uncommon with the fixed 510 mg dosing. One of JZ or JW must be on every Q0138 / Q0139 claim per CMS's July 2023 single-dose container policy.

How does Feraheme compare to Injectafer, Monoferric, Venofer, and INFeD?

Feraheme has the lowest per-mg ASP+6% (~$0.229/mg) among major IV irons but carries a Boxed Warning for hypersensitivity and the 3-month MRI imaging effect. Injectafer (J1439) is the most-used premium IV iron at ~$1.103/mg with hypophosphatemia risk. Monoferric (J1437) offers single-dose convenience at similar cost. Venofer (J1756) is the multi-visit workhorse, common in CKD/dialysis. INFeD (J1750) is the oldest product, with declining use due to anaphylaxis risk. See class comparison table above.

Reference Sources & methodology Every claim on this page is sourced. Methodology and review history below.

Source documents

  1. DailyMed — FERAHEME (ferumoxytol) Prescribing Information
    FDA-approved label, post-2015 Boxed Warning revision (NDA 022180)
  2. FDA Drug Safety Communication (March 2015) — Feraheme Boxed Warning + Administration Change
    Mandates Boxed Warning, ≥15-minute infusion, and ≥30-minute observation
  3. CMS — Medicare Part B Drug ASP Pricing File
    Q2 2026 quarterly file, effective April 1 – June 30, 2026
  4. CMS HCPCS — Q0138 / Q0139 descriptors
    Permanent codes, non-ESRD vs ESRD distinction
  5. UnitedHealthcare — Specialty Medical Coverage Policy: IV Iron
  6. Aetna CPB — Intravenous Iron Therapy
  7. FDA National Drug Code Directory — NDC 59338-775-01
  8. KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Anemia in CKD
  9. ACG Clinical Guideline — Diagnosis and Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia

About this page

We maintain this page as a living reference. Medicare ASP pricing is bound to our underlying CareCost data layer and refreshes automatically when CMS publishes new quarterly files. Coding and policy content is reviewed at least quarterly and updated whenever a source document changes.

Found an error? Email hello@carecostestimate.com.

Refresh cadence

ElementCadenceHow it's refreshed
Medicare ASP pricingQuarterlyAuto-bound to CareCost ASP layer; updates on CMS file release.
Payer policies (UHC, Aetna, BCBS)Semi-annualManual review against published payer policy documents.
HCPCS / CPT / modifier rulesAnnualReviewed against CMS HCPCS quarterly files and AMA CPT releases.
NDC, dosing, FDA label, Boxed WarningEvent-drivenTied to manufacturer document version + FDA label revision date.
IV iron class comparisonAnnualReviewed against CMS Part B ASP file and current FDA labels for class peers.

Reviewer

Pending SME review. This page is staff-authored from primary sources (FDA, CMS, manufacturer, payer documents — all linked above). Editorial review in progress. Until that review is complete, treat this as a draft reference and verify each cited source for high-stakes claims. In particular, verify the current Covis Patient Assistance Program details before patient-facing use.

Change log

  • — Initial publication. ASP data: Q2 2026. Manufacturer: Covis Pharma (post-AMAG acquisition). FDA label reflects post-2015 Boxed Warning + ≥15-minute infusion mandate. IV iron class comparison includes Injectafer, Monoferric, Venofer, INFeD. Q0138 vs Q0139 distinction emphasized.

Methodology

Every claim on this page is sourced inline. Pricing reflects the current CMS Part B Drug ASP Pricing File. Payer policies are read directly from each payer's published medical/pharmacy policy documents. Boxed Warning and administration requirements are taken from the post-2015 FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase from billing-software vendor blogs.

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