66179
HCPCS/CPT
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Medicare Pricing
Work RVU
13.65
Facility
$923.53
Non-Facility
$923.53
Documentation Required
- Diagnosis and patient age consistent with the covered indication (e.g., pediatric glaucoma for patients <= 18 years; adult OAG with cataract for adults >= 19 years when the procedure is to be performed in combination with cataract surgery). Clinical evidence of glaucoma consistent with definitions used in the policy: evidence of optic nerve damage (optic disc or RNFL structural abnormalities) and/or reliable and reproducible visual field abnormality (standard automated perimetry), as applicable. Severity staging documentation as appropriate (mild, moderate, severe, indeterminate) based on optic disc/RNFL/imaging and SAP visual field results. Documentation that the adult patient has both visually significant cataract and mild to moderate OAG and is 'currently being treated with ocular hypotensive medication' when seeking coverage for the indicated combined procedures (e.g., iStent, Hydrus, ab interno canaloplasty, combined canaloplasty + trabeculotomy). For glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs): documentation that medical and/or prior surgical treatments have failed or are inappropriate (clinical rationale and prior treatment records), consistent with 'refractory glaucoma' indication. Preoperative clinical data such as baseline IOP measurements (e.g., Goldmann applanation tonometry), glaucoma medication regimen, gonioscopy findings, and relevant ocular imaging (OCT RNFL, optic disc photos) to support the diagnosis and necessity of the procedure. Operative note and device details (device type/model, approach — ab interno vs ab externo, concomitant cataract extraction if applicable) and postoperative follow-up documentation (IOP, medications, complications). Documentation that patient is an adult (age 19 years or more) when applicable (explicit age criterion stated for certain procedures) Evidence that the procedure will be performed in combination with cataract surgery when required by the covered indication (e.g., for goniotomy/trabeculotomy/canaloplasty coverage when combined with cataract surgery) Clinical documentation of diagnosis: mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and concurrent cataract when coverage is sought under the combined-procedure indication Documentation that the patient is 'currently being treated with ocular hypotensive medication' when required by the covered indication For glaucoma drainage devices, documentation that glaucoma is 'refractory' and that 'medical and conventional surgical treatments have failed' or are inappropriate Because the policy directs checking member-specific benefit documents, include evidence of plan applicability (member-specific benefit plan) — i.e., confirmation that the member's plan allows the service
Key Coverage Criteria
- Goniotomy or trabeculotomy for pediatric glaucoma (age 18 years or less) Goniotomy, trabeculotomy, canaloplasty (ab interno), or combined canaloplasty (ab interno) and trabeculotomy (e.g., OMNI® Surgical System, Streamline Surgical System) for adults (age 19 years or more) when used in combination with cataract surgery for treating mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and cataract in adults currently being treated with ocular hypotensive medication iStent®, iStent inject®, or Hydrus® Micro [...]
- Aqueous shunts/aqueous drainage devices (CPT/HCPCS Codes 66179, 66183) are considered medically necessary for refractory glaucoma when there is failure, intolerance or contraindication to conventional medical (i.e., topical or oral medication) and surgical (i.e., laser therapy, trabeculectomy) treatment. Devices listed: Ahmed glaucoma valve; Baerveldt glaucoma implant; ExPRESS mini glaucoma shunt; Krupin eye valve; Molteno implant.
- Insertion of a single XEN 45 Gel Stent (CPT Codes 0449T, 66183) is considered medically necessary for the management of refractory glaucoma, including any of the following: primary open angle glaucoma; failure of previous surgical treatment; pseudoexfoliative or pigmentary glaucoma with open angles that is unresponsive to maximum tolerated medical therapy.
- Insertion of iStent Infinite (CPT 0671T) in an individual age 18 years or older with open-angle glaucoma is considered medically necessary when there is failure, intolerance or contraindication to conventional medical and surgical treatment for reduction of intraocular pressure.
- Canaloplasty (CPT Codes 66174, 66175), whether performed ab externo or ab interno, is considered medically necessary in an individual age 18 years or older for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma when there is failure, intolerance or contraindication to conventional medical management (i.e., topical or oral medication).
- CPT codes 66179, 66183, 0449T, and 0671T (as listed in the Coding Information) are considered medically necessary when the applicable policy criteria (as above) are met.
4 Active Policies
UHC-POL-glaucoma-surgical-treatments — Glaucoma Surgical Treatments
UMR-POL-UMR-glaucoma-surgical-treatments — Glaucoma Surgical Treatments
SUREST-POL-SUREST-glaucoma-surgical-treatments — Glaucoma Surgical Treatments
CIGNA-0035 — Glaucoma Surgical Procedures - (0035)
Related Codes
Have a follow-up question?
Ask Verity about documentation requirements, denial risks, or coverage in your state.