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Significant changes in vitreoretinal procedures seen since 2000
The number of intravitreal injections increased “exponentially” between 2000 and 2014, whereas other retinal procedures markedly declined, according to a study.
Researchers analyzed 15 years of National Summary Medicare Fee-for-Service data for each year for CPT codes 67005 to 67229 and for HCPCS codes J7312, J3396, J3300, J2278, J0178 and J7316.
Overall, vitreoretinal procedures increased by nearly 2.5 million. This was primarily attributed to the increase in intravitreal injections, which accounted for 2,922 of 527,050 (0.55%) vitreoretinal procedures in 2000 but for 2,619,950 of 3,014,629 (87%) in 2014.
“The vitreoretinal subspecialty has witnessed significant changes in procedural preferences over the past 15 years. These changes are a reflection of the technological and pharmacologic advances that have reshaped the field and also highlight the adaptability of vitreoretinal specialists in incorporating new technologies and techniques in their practices,” the researchers wrote. For example, procedural preference for the repair of retinal detachment shifted toward vitrectomy (83%) and away from scleral buckling (5%).
The number of scleral buckling procedures decreased most, from 6,502 in 2000 to 1,260 in 2014.
In treating macular edema and proliferative retinopathy, the use of laser photocoagulation also declined, and use of cryotherapy declined for all indications. – by Rebecca L. Forand
Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.
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McLaughlin MD, et al. Ophthalmology. 2017;doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.01.001.