New CPT code for telescope implant

Saratoga, CA-The American Medical Association (AMA) has released a new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for the procedure used to implant miniature ophthalmic telescopes (Implantable Miniature Telescope [by Dr. Isaac Lipshitz], VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies).

The new CPT code, 0308T, Insertion of ocular telescope prosthesis including removal of crystalline lens, became effective July 1. The ophthalmic telescope implant is indicated to improve vision in patients who have end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

“The issuance of a specific CPT code by AMA, along with Medicare’s previous granting of a pass-through payment mechanism, helps to solidify hospital and provider reimbursement for the telescope implant procedure,” said Allen W. Hill, chief executive officer of VisionCare. “These reimbursement milestones support the telescope implant as a standard of care for patients who cannot be helped by other AMD therapies and who meet medical eligibility criteria. We look forward to continuing to work with health-care institutions and providers with this additional reimbursement coding in place that facilitates treatment provision to patients whose quality of life can be improved with the telescope implant.”

Providers and patients can find more information about the telescope implant and related treatment program at www.centras ight.com.

For more articles in this issue of Ophthalmology Times eReport, click here.