New Glaucoma Codes

In a May 30, 2008 transmittal (R1523CP), CMS assigned two new Category III CPT codes for glaucoma surgery (0191T and 0192T) to APC-234 for the sake of determining the reimbursement rates for hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgery centers. The new rates are $1,476 and $949 respectively. The new codes and rates take effect on July 1, 2008 when these Category III CPT codes are inaugurated. These Medicare rates include payment for the new technology aqueous drainage devices that are implanted. In particular, the most frequently used aqueous drainage device in the USA is the Optonol ExPRESS, for which 0192T will be the appropriate code.