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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