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Excellus BlueCross BlueShieldCommercial · Coverage · Eyes (Ophthalmology) · NY · OphthalmologyMedium impact

Amniotic Membrane Grafting/Transplantation (AMG/AMT) for Ophthalmologic Conditions - (Effective Date - 2026-12-15) 9.01.20

Effective date
Dec 15, 2026
Identified
Sep 16, 2026

Summary

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield medical policy 9.01.20 covers human amniotic membrane grafting and transplantation for eye conditions and takes effect December 15, 2026 as a new policy. The membrane must be cleared or registered with the FDA as a tissue product for application on the eye, and its use must be consistent with FDA labeling. Grafts are considered medically necessary for listed ophthalmic indications, including acute ocular surface injury, refractory band keratopathy, bullous keratopathy with an epithelial defect, refractory persistent corneal epithelial defect, severe dry eye (DEWS 3 or 4), and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/erythema multiforme.

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What to do

Action · 6 steps
01Starting December 15, 2026: Claims for amniotic membrane grafting for eye conditions need an amniotic membrane product that is FDA cleared or registered as a tissue product for application on the eye and used consistent with FDA labeling.
02Document one of the listed ophthalmic indications for each graft.
03For severe dry eye, document DEWS grade 3 or 4 with ocular surface damage and inflammation that remains symptomatic after steps 1, 2 and 3 of the dry eye disease management algorithm.
04Mild or moderate dry eye that does not meet these criteria is considered not medically necessary.
05When an unspecified diagnosis code is used, the supporting documentation must clearly describe in detail the indication the membrane is used to treat.
06Codes may not be covered under all circumstances, and these criteria apply only when the member's contract covers the service.

Codes mentioned

6577865779657806578165782V2790Q4334Q4335Q4369H04.121H04.129H11.001H11.069H15.89H15.9H16.001H16.079H16.121H16.129H16.231H16.239H18.10H18.13H18.421H18.429H18.831H18.839H18.891H18.899L51.0L51.1L51.3L51.9T26.00XAT26.92XS

Original notice

Amniotic Membrane Grafting/Transplantation (AMG/AMT) for Ophthalmologic Conditions - (Effective Date - 2026-12-15) 9.01.20
excellusbcbs.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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