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Glaucoma CPT codes for shunt revision under review
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SAN FRANCISCO — Notwithstanding a “hit” in 2013 to cataract surgeons, ophthalmology has fared better than other specialties with regard to reimbursement adjustments over the past 5 years, according to a presenter here.
“We’re actually in the plus category,” Cynthia Mattox, MD, said at the American Glaucoma Society annual meeting.
Cynthia Mattox
However, she warned that glaucoma procedures coming up for review by the Relative Value Scale Update Committee would undergo the same scrutiny as cataract surgery and may be similarly affected.
Among the CPT codes under review are those for insertion and revision of aqueous shunts — 66180 and 66185 — as well as a new code to be established for the Ex-Press shunt (Alcon). A primary reason for a cut to the reimbursements for cataract surgery is because the intraservice time is reduced, she said.
“Going the way of the cataract operation, there may be some cuts coming to our codes,” she said.
Disclosure: Mattox has no relevant financial disclosures.