CMS increases reimbursement for two spherical aberration-reducing lenses

Baltimore-The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has awarded new technology IOL (NTIOL) status to two lenses designed to reduce spherical aberrations (SofPort Advanced Optics, SofPort Advanced Optics with Violet Shield, Bausch & Lomb). To garner NTIOL designation, both lenses showed the same or better clinical benefit as the lens that set up the NTIOL subset.

Based on this new designation, Medicare will increase by $50 its reimbursement to ambulatory surgery centers for cataract procedures performed with either lens. The increased payment will be effective until Feb. 26, 2011.

“Achievement of NTIOL designation validates Bausch & Lomb’s IOL development program and demonstrates our continued commitment to providing cataract surgeons with products that enhance the quality of the lives of their patients,” said Henry C. Tung, MD, Bausch & Lomb vice president–global surgical.