Chapter 4
Section 3.1
Laser Surgery
Issue Date: September
12, 1986
Revision:
1.0 DESCRIPTION
Surgery
using a laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation)
device instead of conventional surgical tools, such as scalpels.
2.0 POLICY
Laser
surgery may 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).
3.0 EXCLUSIONS
Laser
surgery may not be cost-shared for surgical procedures otherwise
excluded under TRICARE, including:
• Pain relief, biostimulation;
• Noncovered surgical
services, such as removal of tattoos;
• Arthritis or
low back pain;
• Corneal sculpting;
• Body sculpting;
• Noncovered surgical
services, such as removal of tattoos, hair removal;
• Noncovered cosmetic
dermatology, such as removal or telangiectasias, spider angiomas;
• Facial rejuvenation.
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