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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