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TRICARE Policy Manual 6010.60-M, April 1, 2015
Surgery
Chapter 4
Section 3.1
Laser Surgery
Issue Date:  September 12, 1986
Authority:  32 CFR 199.4(c)(2)(i)
Revision:  C-98, March 22, 2022
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 shall be cost-shared to the same extent as conventional surgery when the device being used has been approved by the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
3.0  EXCLUSIONS
Laser surgery shall not be cost-shared for surgical procedures otherwise excluded under TRICARE, including:
•  Pain relief, biostimulation;
•  Arthritis or low back pain;
•  Corneal sculpting;
•  Body sculpting;
•  Noncovered surgical services, such as removal of tattoos, or laser hair removal that does not correct or improve materially a bodily function;
•  Noncovered cosmetic dermatology, such as removal or telangiectasias, spider angiomas;
•  Facial rejuvenation.
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