**Abstract:**  
  
A cataract is an opacity or cloudiness in the lens of the eye(s), blocking the
passage of light through the lens, sometimes resulting in impaired vision.
Cataract development occurs in 60% of adults 65 years of age or greater. There
are multiple factors associated with cataract development. Some causes of
cataracts may include: ultraviolet- radiation exposure, complications of
diabetes, drug and/or alcohol use, smoking, and the natural process of aging.
Medicare coverage for cataract extraction and cataract extraction with
intraocular lens implant is based on services that are reasonable and
medically necessary for the treatment of beneficiaries with cataract(s). This
policy defines coverage and describes criteria necessary to justify the
performance of cataract extraction(s) or other select lensectomies.  
  
 **Indications and Limitations:  
  
Indications:**  
  
Medicare coverage for cataract extraction and cataract extraction with
intraocular lens implant is based on services that are reasonable and
medically necessary for the treatment of beneficiaries who have a cataract,
and who meet all of the following criteria:  
  
The patient has impairment of visual function due to cataract(s) and the
following criteria are met and clearly documented:  
  

  * Decreased ability to carry out activities of daily living including (but not limited to): reading, watching television, driving, or meeting occupational or vocational expectations; and
  * The patient has a best corrected visual acuity of 20/50 or worse at distant or near; or additional testing shows one of the following:  

    * Consensual light testing decreases visual acuity by two lines, or
    * Glare testing decreases visual acuity by two lines
  * The patient has determined that he/she is no longer able to function adequately with the current visual function; and
  * Other eye disease(s) including, but not limited to macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, have been ruled out as the primary cause of decreased visual function; and
  * Significant improvement in visual function can be expected as a result of cataract extraction; and
  * The patient has been educated about the risks and benefits of cataract surgery and the alternative(s) to surgery (e.g., avoidance of glare, optimal eyeglass prescription, etc.); and
  * The patient has undergone an appropriate preoperative ophthalmologic evaluation that generally includes a comprehensive ophthalmologic exam and ophthalmic biometry.

Cataract extraction may be covered when an unimpeded view of the fundus is
mandatory for proper management of patients with diseases of the posterior
segment of the eye(s).  
  
Cataract extraction may be covered during vitrectomy procedures if it is
determined that the lens interferes with the performance of the surgery for
far peripheral vitreoretinal dissection and excision of the vitreous base, as
in cases of proliferative vitreoretinopathy, complicated retinal detachments,
and severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy.  
  
For patients with a best corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better, cataract
extraction will be considered if all other criteria have been met and there is
substantial documentation of the medical necessity of the procedure for that
patient.  
  
If the decision to perform cataract extraction in both eyes is made prior to
the first cataract extraction, the documentation must support the medical
necessity for each procedure to be performed.  
  
Bilateral cataract extraction performed on both eyes, on the same date of
service is termed immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS).
ISBCS as an approach to bilateral cataract extraction may afford certain
clinical benefits but carries with it, the possibility of bilateral visual
loss. The decision to perform ISBCS should be an individual decision, made
jointly by the patient and physician. The medical record must document the
rationale for ISBCS and that the patient has been apprised of the risks and
benefits of both this approach and of the available alternatives.  
  
If the first cataract extraction is performed and a subsequent contralateral
cataract extraction is considered, the criteria for coverage of the procedure
in the contralateral eye are the same as the criteria for the first cataract
extraction.  
  
**Complex Cataract Surgery (CPT code 66982)**  
  
The code for complex cataract surgery (CPT code 66982) is intended to
differentiate the extraordinary work performed during the intraoperative or
postoperative periods in a subset of cataract operations including, and not
limited to, the following:  
  

  * A miotic pupil which will not dilate sufficiently to allow adequate visualization of the lens in the posterior chamber of the eye and which requires the insertion of four (4) iris retractors through four (4) additional incisions, Beechler or similar expansion device, a sector iridectomy with subsequent suture repair of iris sphincter,synechialysis tuilizing papillary stretch maneuvers or sphincterotomies created with scissors.
  * The presence of a disease state that produces lens support structures that are abnormally weak or absent. This requires the need to support the lens implant with permanent intraocular sutures and/or a capsular support ring (approved by the FDA) may be necessary to allow placement of an intraocular lens.
  * Pediatric cataract surgery may be more difficult intraoperatively because of an anterior capsule which is more difficult to tear, cortex which is more difficult to remove, and the need for a primary posterior capsulotomy or capsulorhexis. Furthermore, there is additional postoperative work associated with pediatric cataract surgery.
  * Extraordinary work may occur during the postoperative period. This is the case with pediatric cases mentioned above and very rarely when there is extreme postoperative inflammation and pain.

The "Documentation Requirements" section of the policy provides a list of
diagnosis codes to be reported with CPT code 66982 in specified circumstances.  
  
 **Other Comments:**  
  
For claims submitted to the Part A MAC: This coverage determination also
applies within states outside the primary geographic jurisdiction with
facilities that have nominated CGS to process their claims.  
  
Bill type codes only apply to providers who bill these services to the Part A
MAC. Bill type codes do not apply to physicians, other professionals and
suppliers who bill these services to the carrier or Part B MAC.  
  
Limitation of liability and refund requirements apply when denials are likely,
whether based on medical necessity or other coverage reasons. The
provider/supplier must notify the beneficiary in writing, prior to rendering
the service, if the provider/supplier is aware that the test, item or
procedure may not be covered by Medicare. The limitation of liability and
refund requirements do not apply when the test, item or procedure is
statutorily excluded, has no Medicare benefit category or is rendered for
screening purposes.  
  
For outpatient settings other than CORFs, references to "physicians"
throughout this policy include non-physicians, such as nurse practitioners,
clinical nurse specialists and physician assistants. Such non-physician
practitioners, with certain exceptions, may certify, order and establish the
plan of care for cataract extraction services as authorized by State law. (See
Sections 1861[s][2] and 1862[a][14] of Title XVIII of the Social Security Act;
42 CFR, Sections 410.74, 410.75, 410.76 and 419.22; 58 FR 18543, April 7,
2000.)