AUG 04, 2023
YAG Laser Capsulotomy in the Global Period
If a YAG laser capsulotomy is performed one month after cataract surgery in the same eye, is it reimbursable?
Answer:
This may be payer policy-dependent. Some payers, including MACs, have policies that prohibit or limit the coverage of YAG laser capsulotomy, CPT code 66821, performed during the global period. In the absence of these policy restrictions, and when medically necessary, report CPT code 66821 with modifier 78.
Access Medicare policies at aao.org/lcds and review YAG laser capsulotomy resources at aao.org/cataract-surgery.
If you missed the 2023 Fundamentals of Ophthalmic Coding Course, presented June 27 in collaboration with the Academy’s YO Committee, you can purchase the recording through Aug. 25.