moisture chamber glasses

[dryeyes2]

Hi everyone,

I tried writing to Rojzen, but I don't think she has been around for a while. I have a question about moisture chamber glasses. I have to have a pair made and I was told I needed a prescription for them. I got that with no problem. However, when it comes to getting insurance (medical insurance not vision)to pay for them, they told me they need a procedure code. The optician I am working with said he could never find one. I was wondering if anyone knew if there is a procedure code for moisture chambers? The MEGs are out of the question. I already purchased my frame and lenses. I am waiting to get the lenses. Plus, personally I think the MEGs are ugly. I don't know if is the colors or what, but they are not my cup of tea. I had hoped they would be less noticable.

I would appreciate it very much if anyone has any ideas about getting medical insurance to pay for them.

Thanks!
dryeyes2

[calli66]

This might help. A friend of mine with Sjogren's told me about these form letters, found on the website Dry Eye Pain, here. The heading is almost at the bottom of the page, titled: "Will insurance pay for moisture chamber goggles?"

There are 3 different letters: one for Panoptx, one for moisture chamber goggles, and one for custom made moisture chamber glasses. She said her insurance would cover them. It probably depends on the kind of insurance you have. But definitely print them out and show them to your optician. My friend had her doctor sign it, and write in the brand of moisture goggles she bought.

Here is a copy of the form letter:

Date:

To whom it may concern:

[patient's name] has been diagnosed to have a dry eye condition that results from inadequate moistening of the eye with tears due to one or more of the following conditions:

370.33 Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
375.15 Tear film insufficiency
710.2 Keratoconjunctivitis sicca associated with Sjogren’s disease
Other – explanation:

In order to preserve the moisture in the eye, a prosthetic device called moisture chamber spectacles are necessary. These custom-made spectacles have side shields that enclose the eye and prevent excessive tear evaporation. This prosthetic device is considered a therapeutic device and is not just for vision correction.

Moisture chamber spectacles are considered a therapeutic device for keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye, which is a condition suffered by [patient's name]. Please afford our patient all the benefits to which he or she is entitled.

Sincerely,

Doctor's signature:

Doctor's name:

Doctor's address:

Doctor's phone:


[Letter reproduced from: "How to Produce Moisture Chamber Eyeglasses for the Dry Eye Patient" by Hart, Dean E.; Simko, Mark; and Harris, Elaine, in the Journal of the American Optometric Association, Vol. 65., No. 7, July 1994, pp. 517-22.]

C

[dryeyes2]

Thanks

Calli66,

Thanks for that information. I am not sure it will work because I do have a diagnosis code and that is what it looks like on this letter. The insurance company said they have to have a procedure code along with the diagnosis code.

It seems absurd to me that medical insurance would not pay for moisture chambers. They pay for crutches don't they? My glasses are expensive enough because of the high prescription and that is with vision insurance. To add an additional 200.00 on top is very frustrating. Plus, I am not sure how long they will actually last.

Thanks for your help.
Best wishes,
dryeyes2