National Monitoring Policy for EPO and Aranesp for End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Patients Treated in Renal Dialysis Facilities
Medicare is instituting a new national monitoring
policy for claims for erythropoietin and darbepoetin (EPO and Aranesp) for ESRD
patients treated in renal dialysis facilities. Under the new monitoring policy, Medicare
expects a 25 percent reduction in the dosage of the drug for patients whose hematocrit
exceeds 39.0 (hemoglobin of 13.0). If the dosage is not reduced, payment will be made
for the drugs as if the reduction had occurred. Also a new maximum limitation for each
drug per month is created.
Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Issue Date: November 10, 2005
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