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Implantation of Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments
Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Implantation of intrastromal corneal ring segments may be considered medically necessary for the treatment of keratoconus in patients 21 years of age or older who meet specific criteria. The procedure is considered not medically necessary as a treatment of myopia and investigational for all other conditions. For Federal Employee Program members, the policy notes that FDA-approved devices may be assessed only on the basis of medical necessity.
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What to do
Action · 3 steps
01Stop scheduling or billing intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation for myopia, because the policy considers it not medically necessary, and for any condition other than keratoconus, because the policy considers it investigational.
02For keratoconus, the procedure may be considered medically necessary only for patients 21 years of age or older who have experienced a progressive deterioration in vision such that they can no longer achieve adequate functional vision with contact lenses or spectacles, for whom corneal transplantation is the only alternative to improve functional vision, and who have a clear central cornea with a corneal thickness of 450 microns or greater at the proposed incision site.
03Under the policy guidelines, investigational technology is not considered medically necessary.
Codes mentioned
65785H18.601H18.629
Original notice
Implantation of Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments
bcbsms.com · Always check the source before changing claims.