Chapter 4
Section 3.2
Robotic Surgery
Issue Date: August 14, 2018
Revision: C-30, August 15, 2018
2.0 DESCRIPTION
Surgical use of robotics, or computer-assisted
surgical systems, is aimed at improving surgical outcomes through
increased precision in a setting of minimal invasiveness. It is
a method of performing the procedure and not a separate service.
This policy includes any type of robotically-assisted surgery.
3.0 POLICY
Robotic-assisted surgery shall be cost-shared
to the same extent as conventional surgery when the device being
used has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). However, additional reimbursement shall not be provided for
the use of robotic surgical devices. Additional professional or
technical reimbursement shall not be made when a surgical procedure
is performed using robotic assistance. Separate reimbursement shall
not be allowed for the robotic surgical technique.
4.0 EXCLUSION
Robotic surgery shall not be cost-shared for
surgical procedures otherwise excluded under TRICARE.
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