DESCRIPTION
Laser devices used to obtain capillary blood samples are designed to pierce the skin with a laser. The battery-powered laser device can be placed on a table. The individual inserts a finger into a slot on the device and then activates the laser with a push of a button. A laser light produces a hole by vaporizing water in the skin. The blood sample is obtained by applying pressure, which causes blood to be pushed into the wound and out onto the surface of the skin. An example of a laser device is the LasetteŽ Plus.
POLICY
The use of a laser device for obtaining a blood sample is considered investigational.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
We develop Medical Policies to provide guidance to Members and Providers. This Medical Policy relates only to the services or supplies described in it. The existence of a Medical Policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits or a contract for the service (or supply) that is referenced in the Medical Policy. For a determination of the benefits that a Member is entitled to receive under his or her health plan, the Member's health plan must be reviewed. If there is a conflict between the Medical Policy and a health plan, the express terms of the health plan will govern.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
No randomized controlled studies were found in the published literature that would validate the efficacy of using laser devices to obtain blood samples.
SOURCES
American Diabetes Association. (2011). Standards of medical care in diabetes - 2011. Diabetes Care, 34 (Suppl. 1), S11-S61.
U. S. Department of Health & Human Services. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (July, 2011). Local coverage article for glucose monitor. Retrieved December 6, 2011 from https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/article-details.aspx?articleId=33745&ver=26&ContrId=140&ContrVer=2&CntrctrSelected=140*2&CoverageSelection=Both&ArticleType=All&PolicyType=Final&s=Tennessee&KeyWord=Glucose+Monitor&KeyWordLookUp=Title&KeyWordSearchType=And&from2=search.asp&bc=gAAAABAAAAAA&.
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2003, December). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K033799. Retrieved December 6, 2011 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf3/K033799.pdf.
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (1999, January). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K983673. Retrieved December 6, 2011 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf/K983673.pdf.
ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 3/1/2002
MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 1/12/2012
ID_BT
Policies included in the Medical Policy Manual are not intended to certify coverage availability. They are medical determinations about a particular technology, service, drug, etc. While a policy or technology may be medically necessary, it could be excluded in a member's benefit plan. Please check with the appropriate claims department to determine if the service in question is a covered service under a particular benefit plan. Use of the Medical Policy Manual is not intended to replace independent medical judgment for treatment of individuals. The content on this Web site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice in any way. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider if you have questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
This document has been classified as public information.