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CPT code authorized for UBM use
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SALT LAKE CITY — Physicians can now apply for Medicare reimbursement for use of the Ultrasound Biomicroscope (UBM).
The common procedure terminology (CPT) code 76513 has been authorized by the American Medical Association for use with the UBM, according to Paradigm Medical Industries Inc. (NASDAQ: PMED), manufacturers of the device. That code is also used for immersion ultrasound and other diagnostic procedures, according to Tracy Best, director of regulatory affairs and quality assurance at Paradigm.
The UBM is used for viewing structures in the anterior segment. It can help detect glaucoma pathology and image the results of surgical filtering procedures.
The code provides a reimbursement to physicians of $100 per eye.
Paradigm executives estimate there are about 3,000 glaucoma specialists in the United States who could potentially use the UBM for pre- and postoperative monitoring of surgical filtering procedures.
"There are also 12,000 ophthalmologists who potentially could use our UBM Workstation in the very near future to measure and size new lens implants currently going through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process," said Thomas F. Motter, Paradigm's president and CEO. “The potential use for the UBM could involve anterior chamber lenses (ACLs) that are currently under review by FDA, and would be used for people between the ages of 40 and 55, eliminating the need for reading glasses.”
The UBM has FDA approval. Paradigm is marketing it for about $40,000. The UBM uses disposable products with a per procedure cost of about $20, according to the manufacturer.