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CMS-1403-FC
item. In addition, the specialty society requested that a
sheath (pricing information provided by the specialty at
$10.50) for the light guide be included as a typical supply
for this procedure. We have reviewed the components of the
existing infrared coagulator in the PE database and note
its price of $3087.50 includes an infrared power unit and a
hand applicator. Using our existing pricing information,
we have added the price of $572 for the indicated
(6mm x 220mm) light guide (the price resulting from
averaging the costs of the Teflon and Sapphire tips) to the
infrared coagulator for a total price of $3,659. We did
not accept the AMA RUC-recommended sheath to cover the
light guide that the specialty proposed to add to the PE
database for this service and 4 other procedures as we do
not believe it to be typically used in furnishing these
services. Because the light guide was not a component of
the infrared coagulator item at the time we re-priced our
entire equipment file for CY 2005, and because this same
equipment item is used for 4 other endoscopy procedures --
including CPT codes 46606, 46608, 46610, and 46612 -- we
ask commenters to provide us with information and
documentation as to whether the light guide is typical to
any of these 5 procedures. Additionally, we also invite
comments about the typical use of the sheath in
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