CMS ANNOUNCES APPROVAL OF NEW TECHNOLOGY INTRAOCULAR LENS
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced the results of the 2005 review of applications for designation as New Technology Intraocular Lenses (NTIOLs) and approval of a new class of NTIOLs
In 2005, CMS received one request for NTIOL status from Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) Tecnis® Models Z9000, Z9001, and ZA9003. AMO provided data that the Tecnis® IOL compensates for corneal spherical aberrations and improves vision. CMS approved the Tecnis® request, thus creating a new class of NTIOLs, “Reduced Spherical Aberration.”
“Today’s announcement of coverage with additional payment for an innovative type of intraocular lens reflects Medicare’s attention to improved clinical benefits,” said CMS Administrator, Mark McClellan, MD, PhD. “For these lenses, there is clear evidence of improved functional vision and contrast acuity.”
CMS has implemented an annual process under which interested parties may request a particular intraocular lens (IOL) be designated with “New Technology” status and become eligible for an additional $50 payment when provided to a Medicare beneficiary in an ambulatory surgical center.
This payment adjustment is valid for a 5-year period, beginning when CMS recognizes an IOL as the first IOL of a new class providing specific clinical advantages and superiority over existing IOLs.
Since the NTIOL process began in 1999, two NTIOL classes have been approved. These--NTIOL classes--multifocal corrective IOLs and toric (astigmatism correction)--were created in 2000 and expired in 2005. The additional $50 NTIOL payment for these NTIOL classes stopped in May 2005.
Notice of the action announced today went on display at the Office of the Federal Register on Jan. 25, 2006 for publication on Jan. 27, 2006.