The LCDs are being withdrawn and our patients have retained access to their surgical options. I am exhausted by this fight but relieved that we forced a change against such slim odds. Thank you for staying with me through the quiet, difficult months where this outcome seemed impossible.
January 27, 2024
Final supporters
UPDATE - We have won! The LCDs are all being withdrawn. The chances given that this would happen were 1-3% so we really made an impression. There were so many patients, doctors, and organizations helping and pushing back on these LCDs. I am full of joy knowing that patients will continue to have choices made in conjunction with their doctors. This victory was unexpected but I am beyond grateful that it turned out like this. Congratulations to everyone who helped to secure this success. Sending you all much appreciation for the support! Please take time to review the heartfelt comments below.
In the U.S., there are over 3 million Americans with glaucoma. It is a complex disease and patients respond differently to treatment, thus, there is a need for multiple treatment options. Recently, several MACs (Medicare Administrative Contractor) have announced LCDs (local coverage determinations) that limit the role of MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) in glaucoma treatment. This does not only affect Medicare patients as commercial insurance usually follows medicare determinations. As a glaucoma patient, this is heartbreaking for many reasons including limiting treatment options for patients and requiring doctors to do more invasive surgeries for mild to moderate glaucoma. Companies will also move away from research and development in the glaucoma space if their devices are not reimbursed, and thus, not used by doctors. This is absolutely devastating for patients. Glaucoma affects African-Americans, Hispanics, and those over 60 disproportionately and this will only limit access to care. These changes are scheduled to come into effect on December 24, 2023 so it is imperative that we act now to save our sight!
For more info please read https://www.glaucomaphysician.net/issues/2023/sept...
In addition, you can email the Administrator of Medicare and Medicaid - Chiquita Brooks LaSure at Chiquita.Brooks-LaSure@cms.hhs.gov
@glaucoma_coach
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
December 14, 2023
December 8, 2023
The scale of this response is overwhelming and honestly it has been a long road to get here. Seeing so many people recognize the danger these restrictions posed feels like a genuine shift in our prospects. I am exhausted by the fight but knowing we have this much backing makes the path forward feel real.
Reached 100 supporters
November 28, 2023
160 Comments
I have glaucoma with severe optic nerve damage and am going for my third surgery in a couple of days. Not all surgeries work for people so there need to be a variety of options. Please don't take these options away.
I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of MIGS procedures, not only improving the quality of life but preserving vision for years that didn’t require invasive surgery with months of postoperative visits. Let surgeons be the Doctors that decide the best treatments for patients!
MIGS is not only very effective for some, but makes a lot of sense economically. Not reimbursing for MIGS but reimbursing for much more invasive ophthalmologic surgery for the same reasons is akin to encouraging the use of sutures in place of band-aids.
I am not Medicare age yet but I can’t fathom why MIGS would not be covered. I recently had an istent placed and it has controlled by pressures. Everyone should be allowed this opportunity.
As an eye surgeon myself, I cannot stress how incredibly important this is. If you ever need a glaucoma procedure, I pray that the best and most appropriate options are available to you.
We need help!
If Medicare approves a device or drug, the MACs should not be able to decline it.
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
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The LCDs are being withdrawn and our patients have retained access to their surgical options. I am exhausted by this fight but relieved that we forced a change against such slim odds. Thank you for staying with me through the quiet, difficult months where this outcome seemed impossible.
January 27, 2024
Final supporters
UPDATE - We have won! The LCDs are all being withdrawn. The chances given that this would happen were 1-3% so we really made an impression. There were so many patients, doctors, and organizations helping and pushing back on these LCDs. I am full of joy knowing that patients will continue to have choices made in conjunction with their doctors. This victory was unexpected but I am beyond grateful that it turned out like this. Congratulations to everyone who helped to secure this success. Sending you all much appreciation for the support! Please take time to review the heartfelt comments below.
In the U.S., there are over 3 million Americans with glaucoma. It is a complex disease and patients respond differently to treatment, thus, there is a need for multiple treatment options. Recently, several MACs (Medicare Administrative Contractor) have announced LCDs (local coverage determinations) that limit the role of MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) in glaucoma treatment. This does not only affect Medicare patients as commercial insurance usually follows medicare determinations. As a glaucoma patient, this is heartbreaking for many reasons including limiting treatment options for patients and requiring doctors to do more invasive surgeries for mild to moderate glaucoma. Companies will also move away from research and development in the glaucoma space if their devices are not reimbursed, and thus, not used by doctors. This is absolutely devastating for patients. Glaucoma affects African-Americans, Hispanics, and those over 60 disproportionately and this will only limit access to care. These changes are scheduled to come into effect on December 24, 2023 so it is imperative that we act now to save our sight!
For more info please read https://www.glaucomaphysician.net/issues/2023/sept...
In addition, you can email the Administrator of Medicare and Medicaid - Chiquita Brooks LaSure at Chiquita.Brooks-LaSure@cms.hhs.gov
@glaucoma_coach
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
December 14, 2023
December 8, 2023
The scale of this response is overwhelming and honestly it has been a long road to get here. Seeing so many people recognize the danger these restrictions posed feels like a genuine shift in our prospects. I am exhausted by the fight but knowing we have this much backing makes the path forward feel real.
Reached 100 supporters
November 28, 2023
160 Comments
This change if allowed to happen will result in devastating and costly changes to healthcare for the nation. It will result in many patients who could receive vision saving care to go blind - causing not only individual loss of income and mental health effects but also a huge societal cost.
I have glaucoma with severe optic nerve damage and am going for my third surgery in a couple of days. Not all surgeries work for people so there need to be a variety of options. Please don't take these options away.
I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of MIGS procedures, not only improving the quality of life but preserving vision for years that didn’t require invasive surgery with months of postoperative visits. Let surgeons be the Doctors that decide the best treatments for patients!
MIGS is not only very effective for some, but makes a lot of sense economically. Not reimbursing for MIGS but reimbursing for much more invasive ophthalmologic surgery for the same reasons is akin to encouraging the use of sutures in place of band-aids.
I am not Medicare age yet but I can’t fathom why MIGS would not be covered. I recently had an istent placed and it has controlled by pressures. Everyone should be allowed this opportunity.
As an eye surgeon myself, I cannot stress how incredibly important this is. If you ever need a glaucoma procedure, I pray that the best and most appropriate options are available to you.
We need help!
If Medicare approves a device or drug, the MACs should not be able to decline it.
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This change if allowed to happen will result in devastating and costly changes to healthcare for the nation. It will result in many patients who could receive vision saving care to go blind - causing not only individual loss of income and mental health effects but also a huge societal cost.