VisionCare Telescope Implant For End Stage Macular Degeneration Now Available Nationwide With New CPT Code

July 23, 2012

Dr. Ari Weitzner

We’ve previously blogged about VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies, Inc. (VisionCare), developer of the Implantable Miniature Telescope, the first FDA-approved ophthalmic telescope implant to improve vision in patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (the most severe form).

In early June, VisionCare announced the expansion of its CentraSight™ provider teams nationwide. The CentraSight treatment program helps patients follow the steps necessary for proper diagnosis, candidate evaluation, surgical implantation of the telescope, and postoperative care. Click here for the release.

Then in early July, the company announced that the American Medical Association (AMA) has released and made effective a new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code for the procedure used to implant VisionCare’s Implantable Miniature Telescope. The new CPT code, 0308T, Insertion of ocular telescope prosthesis including removal of crystalline lens, was effective July 1, 2012. The company explained that 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. Click here for the release.

These developments are wonderful news as Medicare patients who cannot be helped by available AMD therapies now have hope for improved vision and quality of life. I remember that, a few years ago, an implantable telescope was approved for patients with advanced macular degeneration, but it was quite bulky and required a large incision (about 10mm), which typically leads to astigmatism, and endothelial cell loss. It never caught on, even though in select patients, it really can improve vision.

VisionCare’s implant only requires a 6.5 mm incision, a smaller rhexis, and has silicone haptics instead of PMMA.

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