What insurance policy changes affect CPT 66982?

There are 8 tracked policy changes affecting CPT 66982, including updates from Health Net, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Each change may modify coverage criteria, reimbursement rates, or prior-authorization requirements.

Which payers have updated policy for CPT 66982?

Payers that have issued tracked updates for CPT 66982 include: Health Net, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, WellCare, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi.

How do I get notified when CPT 66982 policy changes?

Create a free account at PolicyChanges.app and save a search filtered to CPT 66982. You will receive a daily digest email whenever a new policy change references this code.

Why do payers change policies for CPT 66982?

Payers revise policies for individual billing codes to align with updated clinical guidelines, CMS rule changes, fraud and abuse prevention measures, or network cost-management goals. Changes can affect medical necessity criteria, place-of-service restrictions, bundling rules, or whether a code requires prior authorization.

66982 — Removing a clouded lens capsule during cataract surgery when the back membrane is involved, done without an implant.: Insurance Policy Changes

66982 Insurance Policy Changes

CPT 66982, in plain terms, covers Removing a clouded lens capsule during cataract surgery when the back membrane is involved, done without an implant. CPT 66982 is referenced in 8 tracked payer policy changes from Health Net, Aetna, and 3 other payers. For billers and coders, staying current on payer-specific coverage criteria, reimbursement rules, and prior-authorization requirements for CPT 66982 is critical to clean claim submission. Each entry below links to the full policy analysis with effective dates and action steps.

High impact

Viscocanalostomy and Canaloplasty (CPB 0435, reviewed 2026-02-12)

Aetna·Effective Feb 12, 2026

Aetna's updated CPB 0435 clarifies coverage for canaloplasty procedures in glaucoma treatment. Canaloplasty alone (CPT 66174, 66175) remains covered for primary open-angle glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, and pseudo-exfoliation glaucoma. However, multiple combination procedures—including canaloplasty with trabeculotomy, viscodilation systems (OMNI, STREAMLINE, Trab360), cataract surgery combinations, and newer techniques (GATT/ABiC, Ologen implants)—are classified as experimental/investigational and NOT covered. Billing teams must immediately update claim edits to deny these combination procedures.

66982 Insurance Policy Changes

26-075 Updates to the Prior Authorization Requirements

Viscocanalostomy and Canaloplasty (CPB 0435, reviewed 2026-02-12)

Therapeutic Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses

[Texas] Important Prior Authorization Updates: Effective April 1, 2026 (PDF)

Corneal Pachymetry (CPB 0681, reviewed 2025-10-15)

Prosthetics

22-077 Medical Policies - 4th Quarter 2021

22-079 Medical Policies - 4th Quarter 2021