CPT/HCPCS Codes


Group 1 Codes:

66821 After cataract laser surgery

Coverage Indications, Limitations, and/or Medical Necessity


Indications

YAG laser capsulotomies (YAG) are performed in cases of opacification of the posterior capsule, generally no less than 90 days following cataract extraction. YAG performed less than 90 days following cataract extraction should meet both the indications and limitations of this LCD. The percentage of patients having this procedure varies greatly among ophthalmologists. Diagnosis of functional visual impairment due to capsular opacification is based on clinical judgment regarding one or more of the following:

Visual loss and/or symptom of glare (visual acuity 20/30 or worse under Snellen conditions, using contrast sensitivity, or simulated glare testing);
Symptoms of decreased contrast;
Amount of posterior capsular opacification; or
Other possible causes of decreased vision following cataract surgery.

Limitations 

This procedure will not be covered within three months post cataract surgery unless justified by one of the following indications:

Posterior capsular plaque/opacity which cannot be safely removed during primary phacoemulsification cataract procedure
Capsular block during which cataract remnants and fluid become trapped within the lens capsule and addressed with YAG laser posterior capsulotomy
Contraction of the posterior capsule with displacement of the intraocular lens

Bill Type Codes:

Contractors may specify Bill Types to help providers identify those Bill Types typically used to report this service. Absence of a Bill Type does not guarantee that the policy does not apply to that Bill Type. Complete absence of all Bill Types indicates that coverage is not influenced by Bill Type and the policy should be assumed to apply equally to all claims.
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Revenue Codes:

Contractors may specify Revenue Codes to help providers identify those Revenue Codes typically used to report this service. In most instances Revenue Codes are purely advisory. Unless specified in the policy, services reported under other Revenue Codes are equally subject to this coverage determination. Complete absence of all Revenue Codes indicates that coverage is not influenced by Revenue Code and the policy should be assumed to apply equally to all Revenue Codes.

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ICD-10 Codes that Support Medical Necessity


ICD-10 CODE DESCRIPTION

H26.491 – H26.493 – Opens in a new window Other secondary cataract, right eye – Other secondary cataract, bilateral
T85.21XA Breakdown (mechanical) of intraocular lens, initial encounter
T85.29XA Other mechanical complication of intraocular lens, initial encounter