Glaukos has received a permanent HCPCS J-code from the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for Epioxa, a move the company says should help simplify billing and reimbursement for its epithelium-on corneal cross-linking therapy for keratoconus. The new code, J2789, is due to take effect on July 1, 2026.
For corneal specialists, the development is significant less for the coding change itself than for what it may mean commercially: broader payer acceptance and smoother reimbursement workflows as Glaukos continues its launch efforts. In the company’s announcement, CEO Thomas Burns described the decision as an important milestone for market access, saying it should support efforts of Glaukos to expand coverage and improve access for patients with keratoconus.
J-codes are used by US providers and payers to report physician-administered drugs and streamline reimbursement. A product-specific code can reduce administrative ambiguity compared with temporary or miscellaneous coding routes, which often complicate claims submission and payment.
Epioxa HD and Epioxa are riboflavin 5’-phosphate ophthalmic solutions indicated for use in epithelium-on corneal collagen cross-linking in adults and in pediatric patients aged 13 years and older, when used with the O2n System and Boost Goggles. Unlike traditional epi-off cross-linking, the treatment is designed to avoid epithelial removal, positioning it as an incision-free alternative intended to reduce pain, streamline recovery, and maintain meaningful clinical effect.
Glaukos is framing the therapy as a major step forward in keratoconus care, particularly for a disease it says remains underdiagnosed and under-treated. The company also highlighted common adverse reactions seen with treatment, including conjunctival hyperemia, corneal haze, photophobia, punctate keratitis, eye pain, irritation, tearing, and transient reduction in visual acuity.
While reimbursement gains will depend on how quickly individual payers adopt the code and translate it into coverage policy, the CMS decision strengthens the infrastructure around Epioxa’s US rollout – and could make access to epi-on cross-linking more straightforward for both surgeons and patients.
Source: BusinessWire.
