Policyholder Services

When performing Intralase Keratoplasty, can I make the Intralase incision in my office and proceed with the transplant portion of the procedure in a local ASC or hospital?

Although OMIC discourages insureds from using the Intralase machine at one location to make the flap then transporting the patient to another location to complete the LASIK procedure (see Coverage Question “When is OMIC’s position on using the Intralase machine to cut the flat at one location and continuing the LASIK surgery at another site?”), this position does not apply with respect to Intralase Keratoplasty. According to refractive experts OMIC consulted, the risks of complications from keratoplasty incisions made with the Intralase are believed to be lower than those associated with using the Intralase to create a LASIK flap. This is because the keratoplasty incision is non-penetrating and discontinuous, and the eye can be protected by placing safety sutures and a shield (experts caution against using a patch). Risks, however, are increased when a procedure is not completed in one setting, and the patient must be made aware of, understand, and accept such risks, including the risk of being in an accident. In addition, the patient must understand who is responsible for arranging transportation between the facilities.