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 United States (US) 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.