It is important to realize that because differences between methods and devices are subtle now, it s going to require very large, masked, randomized trials to be able to tell whether any of these innovations makes a difference or not, she said. Numerous valved and nonvalved drainage device implants are available. Although no large-scale randomized study has been done to compare the effectiveness of the valved vs. nonvalved drainage devices, the amount of hypotony with valved devices seems similar to nonvalved implants when flow is restricted. Speculation also is mixed on if the size of the implant or the material of the implant affects success rates. In addition, there is some controversy regarding whether antimetabolites improve surgical success rates with drainage devices, because the results of several case series are conflicting, she said.
Experts explain the standard of care issues, for medical, laser, and surgical glaucoma therapies.
Laser glaucoma therapy as a first-line therapy Wound healing Riva s coding tips Medical therapy in glaucoma. Bringing new CPT codes to the table is an onerous task, taking years to accomplish. Medicare does not pay for procedures considered experimental. Use 67255 for the scleral or other reinforcement used in conjunction with shunt placement. Modifiers control payment for Medicare surgery.