What is the ICD-10 code for posterior capsular opacification?

Posterior subcapsular polar age-related cataract, unspecified eye. H25. 049 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What is posterior capsular opacification?

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a complication that can occur some time after cataract surgery. The vision problems caused by PCO can make it seem as though your cataract has returned, but it can be easily treated with a quick, painless, outpatient laser procedure to make vision clear again.

Is posterior capsular opacification a cataract?

Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO) is commonly referred to as a “Secondary Cataract”. In some patients, this condition may arise months to years after cataract surgery.

What causes posterior capsule opacification?

Posterior capsular opacification is caused mainly by remnant lens epithelial cell proliferation and migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, collagen deposition, and lens fiber generation. All of these processes are influenced by cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular matrix proteins.

Is posterior capsule opacification covered by insurance?

Medicare covers YAG laser capsulotomy if it’s medically necessary due to complications from cataracts and cataract surgery, which typically includes a diagnosis of posterior capsular opacification.

How do you know if you have posterior capsular opacification?

Posterior Capsule Opacification symptoms are very similar to cataract symptoms. These include: blurring of vision, glare in daytime or when driving and difficulty seeing near objects that were clear after cataract surgery.

What is the treatment for posterior capsular opacification?

Posterior capsule opacification is most often treated using a neodymium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Quick pulses of the laser make precise ablations in the posterior capsule and create a small circular opening in the visual axis.

What is the difference between phacoemulsification and sics?

Manual SICS and phacoemulsification do not differ significantly in complication rates and final CDVA outcomes. However, manual SICS is significantly faster. It may be the preferred technique in settings where surgical volume is high and access to phacoemulsification is limited, such as in eye camps.

Can posterior capsule opacification be avoided?

The laser can also be used to remove the laminin layer of the posterior capsule, which can prevent posterior capsule opacification. The system is available in Europe and has just been FDA approved. The other new technology that may make a difference is the Zepto capsulotomy device.

Why is laser surgery needed after cataract surgery?

Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy reduces glare and improves vision. It lets light pass through cloudy regions of the lens capsule that may develop after cataract surgery.

What is the YAG procedure?

What is YAG laser capsulotomy? YAG laser capsulotomy is surgery to help you see clearly after cataract surgery. You may need this surgery because months or years after cataract surgery, your vision may get fuzzy again. This happens when a membrane in your eye, called the posterior capsule, becomes cloudy.

How can I prevent PCO after cataract surgery?

“One of the most critical points to prevent PCO is to perform a regular, round, well-centered capsulorrhexis, overlapping the IOL optic over 360°. Wherever there is no overlap, there is no bending and LECs can migrate posteriorly,” Dr. Findl said.

Does insurance cover YAG laser capsulotomy?

Medicare covers 80 percent of the costs of YAG laser capsulotomy after you pay your Medicare Part B deductible. YAG laser capsulotomy procedures are typically done in a hospital outpatient department or an ambulatory surgical center. This is why Medicare Part B medical insurance rules apply to the procedure.

What is the cost of YAG laser capsulotomy?

YAG laser capsulotomy cost

The national average cost of a posterior capsulotomy is $2,376, though that number can vary greatly depending on several factors, including where the procedure is done and what health insurance you have.

How do you know if you need YAG laser?

YAG laser treatments are typically only needed once as the capsule does not regrow after it is vaporised by the YAG. Complications after YAG laser are very rare but can include vitreous floaters, raised eye pressure, retinal swelling, lens damage and very rarely retinal detachment.

Does Medicare cover eye floater surgery?

This laser treatment is covered by Medicare and most private insurances. How does it work? Also known as floater laser treatment or laser vitreolysis, Laser Floater Removal is a minimally invasive procedure that can eliminate the visual disturbance caused by floaters.

Can you drive yourself home after YAG laser capsulotomy?

A Yag Laser Capsulotomy is a relatively simple procedure typically performed in my office. The laser procedure is painless and only takes a minute or two. No anesthesia is required and you can drive yourself home.

Does Medicare pay for laser after cataract surgery?

But does Medicare cover laser cataract surgery? Luckily, the answer is yes. Medicare coverage includes surgery done using lasers.