HCFA to pay $50 more for new technology IOLs
The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) recently issued a regulation that provides additional reimbursement to ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) that implant new technology intraocular lenses (IOLs), or lenses designated by HCFA as those offering clinical advantages to patients. ASCs furnishing an approved new technology IOL will receive an additional $50 per IOL.
HCFA states that the new technology IOL approval and payment adjustments should occur within six months. The notice was published in the June 16 Federal Register.
According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery in Fairfax, VA, new generations of IOLs have the potential to significantly improve the quality of life of cataract patients by reducing their dependence on eyeglasses, correcting postoperative astigmatism, reducing the need for post-cataract laser surgery, or reducing the likelihood of postoperative inflammatory complications.
"For too many years, surgical facilities have been struggling to offer patients the full range of lens options in the face of continuing Medicare budget cuts," says Robert M. Sinskey, MD, president of the society. "It is a relief to know they can now better afford the latest technology."
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