Question: Texas Subscriber Answer: The ICD-9 code that proves medical necessity must be included on the claim. Cigna, the DMERC for Region C, which includes Texas, lists 379.31 (Aphakia), 743.35 (Congenital aphakia), and V43.1 (Organ or tissue replaced by other means; lens) as acceptable diagnoses. Bill V2219 or V2319 in addition to the code for the basic lens (e.g., V2201, Sphere, bifocal, plus or minus 4.12 to plus or minus 7.00d, per lens). DMERCs will allow only one pair of glasses after each cataract surgery. In Texas, Cigna will allow $46.39 for V2219 and $50.56 for V2319. If those amounts are less than what appears on your bill, the DMERC transfers the balance to the "patient responsibility" column - if you appended modifier -GA (Waiver of liability statement on file) to the V code. Be sure to have the patient sign an advance beneficiary notice of non coverage (ABN) before you submit the bill to the DMERC. This will free you to collect the unpaid balance for the bifocal segs from the patient.