Medical Policy and Coding Updates November 2019

  • Effective February 9, 2020

    Updates to AIM Specialty Health® Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines

    Effective for dates of service on and after February 9, 2020, the following updates by section will apply to the AIM Specialty Health® Advanced Imaging Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines:

    Abdomen and Pelvis Clinical Appropriateness Guideline contains updates to the following:

    Foreign body (pediatric only): Gastrointestinal bleeding, Henoch-Schoenlein purpura, hematoma or hemorrhage – intracranial or extracranial, perianal fistula/abscess (fistula in ano), ascites, biliary tract dilatation or obstruction, cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, cocal liver lesion, hepatomegaly, jaundice, azotemia, adrenal mass, indeterminate, hematuria, renal mass, urinary tract calculi, adrenal hemorrhage, adrenal mass, lymphadenopathy, splenic hematoma, undescended testicle (cryptorchidism)

    Abdominal and/or pelvic pain:

    • Combine pelvic pain with abdominal pain criteria into a new “abdominal and/or pelvic pain” indication
    • Require ultrasound or colonoscopy for select adult patients based on clinical scenario
    • Ultrasound-first approach for pediatric abdominal and pelvic pain

    Lower extremity edema: Add requirement to exclude DVT prior to abdominopelvic imaging.

    Splenic mass, benign; splenic mass, indeterminate; splenomegaly: New indications for diagnosis, management, and surveillance of splenic incidentalomas following the American College of Radiology White Paper (previously reviewed against “tumor, not otherwise specified”)

    Pancreatic mass: Criteria for solid and cystic pancreatic masses are now appear separately and follow up intervals for cystic pancreatic masses are now defined.

    Diffuse liver disease: Add criteria to address MR elastography.

    Inflammatory bowel disease: Limit requirement for upper endoscopy to patients with relevant symptoms and include new requirement for fecal calprotectin or CRP to differentiate IBS from IBD.

    Enteritis or colitis not otherwise specified: Incorporate intussusception (pediatric only), and ischemic bowel.

    Prostate cancer: This indication is now found in the Oncologic Imaging Guideline.

    Effective for dates of service on and after February 9, 2020, the following updates by section will apply to the AIM Specialty Health® Radiation Therapy Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines:

    Special treatment procedure and special physics consult: Oral cone endocavitary indication is removed.

    Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) or stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for bone metastases: Description of adjacent normal tissues is now broader.

    Single fraction treatment: Poor performance status criteria is now removed.

    Central nervous system cancers: Now includes evidence review.

    Spine lesions; primary or metastatic lesions of the spine, metastatic lesions in the lung: Incorporate note calling out separate criteria for curative intent treatment of extracranial oligometastatic disease.

    SBRT in the treatment of extracranial oligometastatic disease: Add new section with discussion and indications.

    Prostate cancer – hypofractionation: Add fractionation guideline with EBRT/IMRT.

    Prostate cancer – postoperative radiotherapy and SBRT: Add indication based on ASTRO/ASCO/AUA recommendation.

    Prostate cancer – use of hydrogel spacer: Add discussion and medical necessity statement about hydrogel spacers for prostate irradiation.

    Effective for dates of service on and after February 9, 2020, the following updates by section will apply to the AIM Specialty Health® Sleep Disorder Management Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines:

    Polysomnography and Home Sleep Testing: Established sleep disorder (OSA or other) – follow-up laboratory studies: Expand contraindications including the addition of chronic narcotic use based on The American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline recommendation.

    Management of OSA using APAP and CPAP Devices:

    • Expand treatment of mild OSA with APAP and CPAP to patients with any hypertension based on The American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline recommendation
    • Expand contraindications including the addition of chronic narcotic use based on The American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline recommendation

    Effective January 3, 2020

    Cryosurgical Ablation of Miscellaneous Solid Tumors Other Than Liver, Prostate, or Dermatologic Tumors, 7.01.92
    This policy has been renumbered from policy 7.01.526. Cryosurgical ablation for benign breast fibroadenomas changed from medically necessary to investigational.

    Drugs for Rare Diseases, 5.01.576
    Cerdelga® (eliglustat) and Elelyso® (taliglucerase alfa) have been added to the policy for the treatment of Type I Gaucher’s disease. Xuriden® (uridine triacetate) has been added to the policy for the treatment of hereditary orotic aciduria. Lumizyme® (alglucosidase alfa) criteria have been updated to include all ages for the treatment of Pompe disease. All drugs may be considered medically necessary when criteria are met.

    Irreversible Electroporation (NanoKnife® System), 7.01.572
    The use of irreversible electroporation (NanoKnife® System) is considered investigational for all indications, including but not limited to ablation of soft tissue or of solid organs, such as the liver or pancreas.

    Leadless Cardiac Pacemakers, 2.02.32
    The Micra™ transcatheter pacing system is a leadless cardiac pacemaker that may be considered medically necessary for patients who are unable to receive a conventional singular ventricular pacemaker and when additional criteria are met.

    Miscellaneous Oncology Drugs, 5.01.540
    The interferon agents Intron® A (interferon alfa-2b) and Sylatron™ (peginterferon alfa-2b) have been added to the policy. Asparlas™ (calaspargase pegol - mknl) has been added to the policy for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Bavencio® (avelumab) criteria are moved from this policy to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, 5.01.591. All drugs may be considered medically necessary when criteria are met.


    Effective January 1, 2020

    Hip Arthroplasty, 7.01.573
    Hip arthroplasty may be considered medically necessary for the treatment of osteoarthritis, replacement/revision of previous arthroplasty, or other specific conditions.

    Pilot Policy for Designated Centers of Excellence: Total Knee or Total Hip Replacement, 7.01.568
    Total knee or total hip replacement (arthroplasty) for the treatment of osteoarthritis may be considered medically necessary when criteria are met and the surgery is performed in a Designated Center of Excellence. This policy only applies to members whose plan includes the Total Joint Replacement Centers of Excellence Program.


    Effective December 5, 2019

    C5 Complement Inhibitors, 5.01.571
    Ultomiris™ (ravulizumab-cwvz) is added to the site of service review. Soliris® (eculizumab) medical necessity criteria are updated for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), and is now indicated for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adult patients.

    Radicava® (edaravone), 5.01.578
    Medical necessity criteria are updated and require the diagnosis of definite and probable amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

    Steroid-Eluting Sinus Stents, 7.01.134
    Steroid-eluting sinus stents used after sinus surgery and the use of drug-eluting sinus stents in all situations is considered investigational.


    Effective November 10, 2019

    Updates to AIM Specialty Health® Clinical Appropriate Guidelines

    Effective for dates of service on and after November 10, 2019, the following updates will apply to the AIM Specialty Health® Advanced Imaging Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines.

    Cardiac Imagining Guideline contains updates to the following:
    Post-cardiac transplantation evaluation when any of the following applies: evaluation of new or worsening cardiac signs, symptoms or new EKG abnormalities; or, surveillance of a stable patient (no new or worsening cardiac signs or symptoms) within the first 6 months of transplant; or, surveillance of a stable patient (no new or worsening cardiac signs or symptoms) at 3-month intervals at 6 to 24 months post-transplant; or, annual surveillance of a stable patient (no new or worsening cardiac signs or symptoms) more than 24 months post-transplant.

    Head and Neck Imagining Guideline contains updates to the following:
    Sinusitis/rhinosinusitis (adult and pediatric): Defined a minimal treatment requirement for uncomplicated sinusitis prior to imaging. Defined indications for preoperative planning for image navigation following a clinical policy statement on appropriate use from the AAO-HNS. Removed CT screening for immunocompromised patients based on lack of evidence. Aligned pediatric and adult sinusitis guidelines and pediatric sinusitis guidelines with ACR and AAO-HNS.

    Trauma (adult and pediatric): Radiograph requirement added for suspected mandibular trauma. MRI TMJ in trauma for suspected internal derangement in surgical candidates.

    Neck mass: Align adult neck imaging guideline with a high-quality guideline from the American Academy of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) including mass size and feature requirements for advanced imaging.

    Parathyroid adenoma (adult and pediatric): Further defined the patient population that needs evaluation for parathyroid adenomas. Positron CT as a diagnostic test after both ultrasound and parathyroid scintigraphy. Remove MRI as a modality to evaluate for parathyroid adenomas based on lack of evidence for diagnostic accuracy.

    Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (adult and pediatric): Added requirement for conservative treatment and planned intervention for suspected osteoarthritis.

    Hearing loss: More clearly delineated appropriate modalities based on types of hearing loss in pediatric patients.

    Oncologic Imagining Guideline contains updates to the following:
    Colorectal cancer: Removal of FDG-PET/CT for radiation planning to align AIM Appropriateness Criteria with NCCN: ACR appropriateness level 6 (may be appropriate) only for detection of distant metastases. Not addressed for locoregional staging; Low level evidence to support use of PET-CT imaging for radiation treatment planning; and NCCN states that PET-CT is not indicated for pre-operative staging of rectal cancer. PET-CT can also be considered for potentially curable M1.

    Germ cell tumors – testis and ovary: Align AIM Appropriateness Criteria with NCCN for PET-CT, evidence for PET-CT imaging to evaluate residual mass < 3 cm applies to seminoma ONLY. Removed this indication for nonseminoma and malignant ovarian germ cell cancer. Residual nonseminomatous germ cell tumors > 1 cm require surgery.

    Hepatobiliary cancer: Align AIM Appropriateness Criteria with NCCN for management, screening and surveillance.

    Kidney cancer: Align AIM Appropriateness Criteria with NCCN Kidney Cancer Guidelines and ACR Appropriateness Criteria for use of PET imaging in staging and management of Kidney Cancer/Renal Cell Carcinoma. ACR appropriateness level 3 (usually not appropriate) for use of PET imaging in staging of kidney cancer. NCCN states the value of PET in RCC remains to be determined.

    Lung cancer – non-small cell: Use of MRI limited to scenarios where additional imaging would impact management.

    Lymphoma – non-Hodgkin: The majority of mucosal melanomas originate from the head and neck. The qualifier added is intended to prevent inappropriate use of MRI head and neck when of other origin besides head and neck.

    Prostate cancer: Additional criteria for management to address active surveillance in reaction to NCCN recommending an annual limit on mpMRI for active surveillance.

    Suspected metastases not otherwise specified: New criteria for sodium fluoride PET.

    Vascular Imagining Guideline contains updates to the following:
    General vascular: Added diagnostic testing strategy for TAVI/TAVR carotid evaluation with initial ultrasound.

    Aneurysm – intracranial: Further define neurological signs and symptoms suggestive of intracranial aneurysm.

    Carotid stenosis or occlusion: Advanced imaging as an add on test for problem solving when ultrasound suggests a high-grade stenosis.

    Hemorrhage – intracranial or subarachnoid: Define use of vascular imaging as an add on test in patients following intracranial hemorrhage. Sequential diagnostic testing strategy for non-acute stroke or TIA with CTA or MRA as an add on test to change management in select circumstances for unexplained strokes.

    Venous thrombosis or compression – extracranial: Added requirement for nondiagnostic venous ultrasound. Further define isolated headache pattern that may require imaging to exclude venous sinus thrombosis. Adopt a sequential diagnostic testing strategy starting with CT or MRI for low risk groups (no risk factors and negative D-dimer).

    Aortic aneurysm or dissection: Annual evaluation of stable aneurysms (new for advanced imaging, aligns with echocardiography guidelines). New screening indication for high risk adults, annual screening for pediatrics.

    Other vascular indications: New criteria for PAH incorporating a diagnostic testing strategy. Annual evaluation of stable aneurysms (new for advanced vascular imaging) 6-month evaluation of newly diagnosed aneurysms. Further define diagnostic indications for suspected aneurysm for advanced imaging. Align pediatrics with adult guidelines. Added requirement that intra-abdominal bleeding be unexplained for advanced vascular imaging. Remove generalized atherosclerotic disease and follow up based solely on abnormal imaging, requirement for 4 or more antihypertensive medications. More specific clinical indications for CTA/MRA in the diagnosis of suspected stenosis. Duplex ultrasound guideline with CTA/MRA alignment in diagnosis, management, and surveillance for upper extremity. Ultrasound requirement for suspected DVT prior to advanced vascular imaging. Remove Raynaud’s syndrome based on low diagnostic yield and low diagnostic accuracy. Remove CTA/MRA for with ABI less than 0.9 alone for peripheral arterial disease.

    Effective for dates of service on and after November 10, 2019

    The following updates will apply to the AIM Specialty Health® Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines: Radiation Oncology.

    Proton Beam Therapy Guideline contains updates to the following:
    Revised proton beam therapy considerations and indications for sinonasal cancer, melanoma of the uveal tract, and pediatric tumors.


    Effective November 1, 2019

    Implantable Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Pain of Peripheral Nerve Origin, 7.01.574
    Trial or permanent placement of an implantable peripheral nerve stimulator for the management of chronic pain is considered investigational.

    Individual plans only

    Effective January 1, 2020

    Biofeedback for Incontinence, 2.01.540
    Biofeedback for the treatment of incontinence in children and adults may be considered medically necessary when criteria are met.

    Cardiac Defibrillator, Subcutaneous Implantable, 2.02.512
    Subcutaneous implantable cardiac defibrillators may be considered medically necessary for cardiac conditions when criteria are met.

    Continuous Home Pulse Oximetry, 1.01.533
    Continuous home pulse oximetry may be considered medically necessary in specific situations when criteria are met.

    Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, 6.01.526
    Digital breast tomosynthesis may be considered medically necessary in screening for breast cancer when criteria are met.

    Endometrial Ablation, 7.01.578
    Endometrial ablation may be considered medically necessary for abnormal uterine bleeding when criteria are met.

    Endovascular Repair/Stent for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, 2.02.513
    Endovascular repair/stent for abdominal aortic aneurysm may be considered medically necessary to repair the aorta and/or its major branches when criteria are met.

    Experimental and Investigational Services, 9.01.504
    Policy outlines the conditions under which experimental and investigational services and devices may be considered medically necessary.

    External Counterpulsation Therapy, 2.02.514
    External counterpulsation therapy may be considered medically necessary for the treatment of chronic disabling stable angina when criteria are met.

    Eye-Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography, 9.03.509
    Eye-anterior segment optical coherence tomography may be considered medically necessary for several eye conditions when criteria are met.

    Glaucoma, Invasive Procedures, 9.03.510
    Ex-PRESS™ Mini Glaucoma Shunt, iSTENT® Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent, and canalopasty may be considered medically necessary for the treatment of glaucoma when criteria are met.

    Hepatitis A Vaccine, 9.01.505
    The hepatitis A vaccine may be considered medically necessary for children and adults when criteria are met.

    High-Resolution Anoscopy, 2.01.539
    High-resolution anoscopy may be considered medically necessary for the identification, management, and treatment of anal dysplasia when criteria are met.

    Home Apnea Monitoring, 1.01.534
    Home apnea monitoring may be considered medically necessary for infants 12 months or younger when criteria are met.

    Home Oxygen Therapy, 1.01.535
    Home oxygen therapy may be considered medically necessary for low blood oxygen levels in severe lung disease when criteria are met.

    Home Prothrombin Time/International Normalized Ratio (PT/INR) Monitoring, 1.01.536
    Home prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR) monitoring may be considered medically necessary for patients taking warfarin with specific heart conditions when criteria are met.

    Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine, 9.01.506
    The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine may be considered medically necessary for the prevention of genital warts and HPV-related disease in females and males when criteria are met.

    Laryngeal Injection for Vocal Cord Augmentation, 2.01.541
    Laryngeal injections may be considered medically necessary for the treatment of glottal incompetence in specific conditions when criteria are met.

    Meningococcal Vaccine, 9.01.507
    Meningococcal vaccines may be considered medically necessary when criteria are met.

    Negative Pressure Wound Therapy, 1.01.532
    Negative pressure wound therapy in a home or an inpatient setting may be considered medically necessary for ulcers and wounds when criteria are met.

    Nerve Block, Paravertebral, Facet Joint, and Sacroiliac Injections, 7.01.575
    Paravertebral, facet joint, and sacroiliac joint injections may be considered medically necessary for the treatment of chronic pain and other conditions when criteria are met.

    Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulators, 7.01.579
    Posterior tibial nerve stimulators (PTNS) may be considered medically necessary for the treatment of urinary incontinence when criteria are met.

    Presbyopia Correcting Intraocular Lenses (PIOLs) and Astigmatism Correcting Intraocular Lenses (ACIOLs), 9.03.511
    Presbyopia correcting intraocular lenses (PIOLs) and astigmatism correcting intraocular lenses (ACIOLs) may be considered medically necessary as part of cataract surgery when criteria are met.

    Prophylactic Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy, 7.01.580
    Prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy may be considered medically necessary for individuals at high risk of ovarian or breast cancer when criteria are met.

    Prophylactic Mastectomy, 7.01.581
    Prophylactic mastectomy may be considered medically necessary for individuals at high risk of breast cancer when criteria are met.

    Rabies Vaccine, Home, 9.01.508
    The rabies vaccine given in a home setting may be considered medically necessary for possible rabies exposure when criteria are met.

    Rotavirus Vaccine, 9.01.509
    The rotavirus vaccine may be considered medically necessary for infants as part of preventive immunization guidelines.

    Services Reviewed Using InterQual® Criteria, 10.01.530
    Services listed in this policy may be considered medically necessary based on InterQual criteria. See policy for details.

    Shingles Vaccine, 9.01.510
    The shingles vaccine may be considered medically necessary in adults ages 50 and older when criteria are met.

    Spinal Orthosis, 1.03.502
    Thoracic-lumbar-sacral orthoses (TLSO), Lumbar-sacral orthoses (LSO), Lumbar Orthoses, and custom spinal orthoses may be considered medically necessary to reduce pain or provide structural support when criteria are met.

    Supervised Exercise Therapy for Peripheral Artery Disease, 8.01.537
    Supervised exercise therapy for symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) may be considered medically necessary when criteria are met.

    Surgical Dressings and Wound Care Supplies, 9.01.511
    Specific surgical dressings and wound care supplies may be considered medically necessary for removing tissue from a wound or treatment of a wound caused by surgery when criteria are met.

    Total Ankle Replacement, 7.01.577
    Total ankle replacement surgery may be considered medically necessary for the treatment of advanced end-stage arthritis or for revision of prior total ankle replacement when criteria are met.

    Transient Elastography, 2.01.536
    Transient elastography may be considered medically necessary for fibrosis with a diagnosis of hepatitis C when criteria are met.

    Trigger Point and Transforaminal Epidural Injections, 2.01.537
    Trigger point injections may be considered medically necessary for myofascial pain syndrome when criteria are met.

    Ultraviolet B Light Therapy in the Home to Treat Skin Conditions, 2.01.542
    Ultraviolet B (UVB) light therapy in the home may be considered medically necessary for specific skin conditions when criteria are met.

    Visual Evoked Response Test, 9.03.512
    Visually evoked response testing may be considered medically necessary to detect problems that affect sight when criteria are met.

    Wireless Capsule Endoscopy, 2.01.538
    Wireless capsule endoscopy may be considered medically necessary for the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, symptomatic small bowel neoplasm, Crohn’s disease, and Celiac disease when criteria are met.

    New medical policies

    Effective November 1, 2019

    Previous content of Solid Organ Transplants is now addressed in the following policies: Kidney Transplant, 7.03.01; Allogenic Pancreas Transplant, 7.03.02; Lung and Lobar Lung Transplant, 7.03.07; Heart and Lung Transplant 7.03.08; and Liver Transplant and Combined Liver-Kidney Transplant, 7.03.09. See entries below for more information.

    Allogeneic Pancreas Transplant, 7.03.02
    Pancreas transplants may be considered medically necessary for patients with severely disabling and potentially life-threatening complications from hypoglycemia unawareness and labile insulin-dependent diabetes when criteria are met. A pancreas transplant after a prior kidney transplant may be considered medically necessary for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes when criteria are met. A combined pancreas and kidney transplant may be considered medically necessary for patients who have insulin-dependent diabetes with uremia when criteria are met.

    Heart Transplant, 7.03.09
    Heart transplants may be considered medically necessary for adults and pediatric patients with end-stage heart failure when criteria are met.

    Heart/Lung Transplant, 7.03.08
    Heart and lung transplants may be considered medically necessary for patients with end-stage cardiac and pulmonary diseases when criteria are met.

    Isolated Small Bowel Transplant, 7.03.04 (replaces policy 7.03.511)
    Small bowel transplants may be considered medically necessary for adults and pediatric patients with intestinal failure, long-term dependence on total parenteral nutrition, and severe complications due to total parenteral nutrition when criteria are met.

    Kidney Transplant, 7.03.01
    Kidney transplants may be considered medically necessary for patients with documented end-stage renal disease when criteria are met.

    Liver Transplant and Combined Liver-Kidney Transplant, 7.03.509 (previously titled Solid Organ Transplants)
    Liver transplants may be considered medically necessary for patients with end-stage liver disease, polycystic disease that causes obstruction or functional impairment, inoperable bile duct cancer, or pediatric patients with liver cancer when criteria are met. Combined liver-kidney transplants may be considered medically necessary for patients who meet liver transplantation criteria and who have advanced irreversible kidney disease.

    Lung and Lobar Lung Transplant, 7.03.07
    Lung or lobar lung transplants may be considered medically necessary for patients with irreversible, progressively disabling end-stage pulmonary disease when criteria are met.

    Small Bowel, Liver and Multivisceral Transplant, 7.03.05 (replaces policy 7.03.511)
    Multivisceral transplantation may include the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, pancreas, or colon. Multivisceral transplants and small bowel and liver transplants may be considered medically necessary for adult and pediatric patients with intestinal failure when criteria are met.

    Revised medical policies

    Effective November 1, 2019

    Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals in Oncology, 6.01.525
    Azedra® (Iobenguane I 131) has been added as a first-line treatment for patients 12 years and older with pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma when medical necessity criteria are met.

    Revised pharmacy policies

    Effective November 1, 2019

    Pharmacotherapy of Arthropathies, 5.01.550
    Taltz® (ixekizumab) medical necessity criteria have been updated to include use as a second-line treatment for ankylosing spondylitis when criteria are met. Rinvoq™ (upadacitinib) has been added to the policy and may be considered medically necessary as a first-line agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis when criteria are met. Medical necessity criteria have been updated for the following drugs when used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: Cimzia® (certolizumab pegol), Kevzara® (sarilumab), Kineret® (anakinra), Olumiant® (baricitinib), Orencia® (abatacept), Simponi® (golimumab), Xeljanz® (tofacitinib), and Xeljanz® XR (tofacitinib extended-release).

    Pharmacotherapy of Inflammatory Bowel Disorder, 5.01.563
    Xeljanz® (tofacitinib) oral immediate-release only medical necessity criteria have been updated from a first-line to a second-line agent for the treatment of adults with ulcerative colitis when criteria are met. Simponi® (golimumab) medical necessity criteria have been updated for the treatment of ulcerative colitis to include pouchitis and therapy with an antibiotic, probiotic, corticosteroid, or mesalamine.

    Pharmacotherapy of Type I and Type II Diabetes Mellitus, 5.01.569
    Medical necessity criteria have been updated for preferred and non-preferred injectable noninsulin products. Patients must have a failed a trial of two preferred injectables in addition to metformin prior to the approval of a non-preferred injectable product. Trulicity® (dulaglutide) has been updated from a non-preferred injectable to a preferred injectable. Victoza® (liraglutide) has been updated from a preferred to a non-preferred injectable. Rybelsus® (semaglutide oral) has also been added to the list of non-preferred noninsulin products.

    A deleted policy is one whose number is no longer used but the content is either moved into another policy or replaced with a new policy and number.

    Deleted November 1, 2019

    Isolated Small Bowel Transplant, 7.03.511. This policy is now replaced with policy Isolated Small Bowel Transplant, 7.03.04 and Small Bowel, Liver and Multivisceral Transplant, 7.03.05.

    Added codes

    Effective February 9, 2020

    Effective for dates of service on and after February 9, 2020, the following updates by section will apply to the AIM Specialty Health® Radiation Therapy Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines:

    Now requires review for medical necessity and prior authorization.

    55874

    Added codes

    Effective November 1, 2019

    Implantable Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Pain of Peripheral Nerve Origin, 7.01.574
    Now requires review, considered investigational.

    64555

    64575

    64585

    64590

    64595

    Phrenic Nerve Stimulation For Central Sleep Apnea, 2.02.33
    Now requires review, considered investigational.

    0424T

    0425T

    0426T

    Individual plans only

    Now requires review for medical necessity.

    Added codes

    Effective January 1, 2020

    Eye-Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography, 9.03.509
    92132

    Biofeedback for Incontinence, 2.01.540
    90911, 90901

    Continuous Home Pulse Oximetry, 1.01.533
    E0445, A4606

    Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, 6.01.526
    77061, 77062, 77063, 77046, 77047, 77048, 77049, 77065, 77066, 77067, G0279

    Endometrial Ablation, 7.01.578
    58353, 58356, 58563

    Endovascular Repair/Stent for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, 2.02.513
    0254T, 34701, 34702, 34703, 34704, 34705, 34706, 34707, 34708, 34709, 34710, 34711, 34712, 34713, 34714, 34715, 34716, 34808, 34812, 34813, 34820, 34833, 34834, 34841, 34842, 34843, 34844, 34845, 34846, 34847, 34848

    External Counterpulsation Therapy, 2.02.514
    G0166

    Glaucoma, Invasive Procedures, 9.03.510
    0191T, 0253T, 66174, 66175, 66183

    Hepatitis A Vaccine, 9.01.505
    90460, 90461, 90471, 90472, 90632, 90633, 90634, 90636

    High Resolution Anoscopy, 2.01.539
    46601, 46607

    Home Apnea Monitoring, 1.01.534
    94774, 94775, 94776, 94777

    Home Oxygen Therapy, 1.01.535
    E0424, E0431, E0433, E0434, E0439, E0441, E0442, E0443, E0444, E1390, E1391, E1392, E1405, E1406, K0738

    Home Prothrombin Time/International Normalized Ratio (PT/INR) Monitoring, 1.01.536
    G0248, G0249, G0250

    Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine, 9.01.506
    90649, 90650, 90651

    Laryngeal Injections for Vocal Cord Augmentation, 2.01.541
    31513, 31570, 31571, 31573, 31574

    Meningococcal Vaccines, 9.01.507
    90621, 90644, 90733, 90734

    Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulators, 7.01.579
    64566

    Presbyopia Correcting Intraocular Lenses (PIOLs) and Astigmatism Correcting Intraocular Lenses (ACIOLs), 9.03.511
    66982, 66983, 66984, V2630, V2631, V2632

    Prophylactic Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy, 7.01.580
    58720, 58940

    Rabies Vaccine, Home, 9.01.508
    90675, 90676, 90375, 90376

    Rotavirus Vaccine, 9.01.509
    90460, 90461, 90471, 90472, 90680, 90681

    Shingles Vaccine, 9.01.510
    90736, 90750

    Supervised Exercise Therapy for Peripheral Artery Disease, 8.01.537
    93668

    Surgical Dressings and Wound Care Supplies, 9.01.511
    A4450, A4452, A4461, A4463, A4649, A6010, A6011, A6021, A6022, A6023, A6024, A6154, A6196, A6197, A6198, A6199, A6203, A6204, A6205, A6206, A6207, A6208, A6209, A6210, A6211, A6212, A6213, A6214, A6215, A6216, A6217, A6218, A6219, A6220, A6221, A6222, A6223, A6224, A6231, A6232, A6233, A6234, A6235, A6236, A6237, A6238, A6239, A6240, A6241, A6242, A6243, A6244, A6245, A6246, A6247, A6248, A6251, A6252, A6253, A6254, A6255, A6256, A6257, A6258, A6259, A6261, A6262, A6266, A6402, A6403, A6404, A6407, A6410, A6411, A6413, A6441, A6442, A6443, A6444, A6445, A6446, A6447, A6448, A6449, A6450, A6451, A6452, A6453, A6454, A6455, A6456, A6457, A6501, A6502, A6503, A6504, A6505, A6506, A6507, A6508, A6509, A6510, A6511, A6512, A6513, A6545

    Total Ankle Replacement, 7.01.577
    27702, 27703

    Transient Elastography, 2.01.536
    91200

    Ultraviolet B Light Therapy in the Home to Treat Skin Conditions, 2.01.542
    E0691, E0692, E0693, E0694, A4633

    Visually Evoked Response Test, 9.03.512
    95930

    Individual plans only

    Now requires review for medical necessity and prior authorization.

    Added codes

    Effective January 1, 2020

    Cardiac Defibrillator, Subcutaneous Implantable, 2.02.512
    33270

    Negative Pressure Wound Therapy, 1.01.532
    A6550, A7000, E2402

    Nerve Block, Paravertebral, Facet Joint, and Sacroiliac Injections, 7.01.575
    20526, 27096, 64450, 64455, 64461, 64462, 64463, 64490, 64491, 64492, 64493, 64494, 64495, 77003, G0260

    Spinal Orthosis, 1.03.502
    L0450, L0452, L0454, L0455, L0456, L0457, L0458, L0460, L0462, L0464, L0466, L0467, L0468, L0469, L0470, L0472, L0480, L0482, L0484, L0486, L0488, L0490, L0491, L0492, L0621, L0622, L0623, L0624, L0625, L0626, L0627, L0628, L0629, L0630, L0631, L0632, L0633, L0635, L0636, L0637, L0638, L0639, L0640, L0641, L0642, L0643, L0648, L0649, L0650, L0651, L0980, L0982, L0984, L4002

    Trigger Point and Transforaminal Epidural Injections, 2.01.537
    20552, 20553, 64479, 64480, 64483, 64884

    Wireless Capsule Endoscopy, 2.01.538
    91110, 91111

    Individual plans only

    Revised codes

    Effective January 1, 2020

    Now requires review only for medical necessity; no longer requires review for prior authorization.

    Ablation Procedures for Peripheral Neuromas, 7.01.147
    64632

    Advanced Therapies for Pharmacological Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, 5.01.522
    K0455

    Alcohol Injections for Treatment of Peripheral Morton Neuromas, 2.01.97
    64632

    Allergy Testing, 2.01.500
    95060

    Automated Percutaneous and Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy, 7.01.18
    0274T, 0275T, E0650, E0651

    Cardiac Hemodynamic Monitoring for the Management of Heart Failure in the Outpatient Setting, 2.02.24
    93701

    Cardiovascular Risk Panels, 2.04.509
    83698

    Computerized Diagnostic Imaging for Complex Maxillofacial Procedures, 9.02.503
    70332, code, code.

    Continuous Passive Motion in the Home Setting, 1.01.10
    E0936, code, code.

    Cooling Devices Used in the Outpatient Setting, 1.01.26
    E0218, E0236, E0650, E0651

    Cosmetic and Reconstructive Services, 10.01.514
    21088, 21125, 21127

    Dopamine Transporter Imaging with Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography, 6.01.54
    78607

    Dynamic Spinal Visualization and Vertebral Motion Analysis, 6.01.46
    76120, 76125

    Functional Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, 8.03.01
    E0764

    Gender Reassignment Surgery, 7.01.557
    56800, 57295, 57296, 57426

    Image-Guided Minimally Invasive Decompression for Spinal Stenosis, 7.01.126
    0274T, 0275T

    In Vitro Chemoresistance and Chemosensitivity Assays, 2.03.01
    81535, 81536

    Meniscal Allografts and Other Meniscal Implants, 7.01.15
    29868, G0428

    Multimarker Serum Testing Related to Ovarian Cancer, 2.04.62
    81503, 81536, code.

    Orthodontic Services for Treatment of Congenital Craniofacial Anomalies, 9.02.500
    21088, 21142, 21143, 21145, 21146, 21147, 21150, 21151, 21154, 21155, 21159, 21160, 21193, 21194, 21195, 21196, 21198, 21199, 21206, 21208, 21209, 21240, 21242, 21243, 21247, 21270, 40702

    Orthognathic Surgery, 9.02.501
    21088, 21142, 21143, 21145, 21146, 21147, 21150, 21151, 21154, 21155, 21159, 21160, 21193, 21194, 21195, 21196, 21198, 21206, 21208, 21209, 21240, 21242, 21243, 21247, 21270, 40702

    Postsurgical Outpatient Use of Limb Compression Devices for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis, 1.01.525
    E0218, E0650, E0651, E0676

    Protein Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Risk Assessment of Prostate Cancer, 2.04.514
    0021U

    Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) for Non-cardiac Indications, 6.01.502
    78607

    Surgical Treatment of Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, 7.01.554
    21199, 41512, 41530

    Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, 2.01.535
    21073, 21116, 21240, 21242, 21243, 21480, 21485, 21490, 29800, 29804, 70332

    Testing Serum Vitamin D Level, 2.04.135
    82306, 82652

    Total Ankle Replacement, 7.01.577
    27702, 27703

    Total Artificial Hearts and Implantable Ventricular Assist Devices, 7.03.11
    33990, 33991, 33992, 33993

    Transesophageal Endoscopic Therapies for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, 2.01.38
    43201, 43236, 43257

    Transient Elastography, 2.01.536
    91200

    Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Endoscopy for Adults, 2.01.533
    43236

    Wearable Cardioverter-Defibrillators as a Bridge to Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Placement, 2.02.506
    93292, 93745, K0607, K0608, K0609

    Wheelchairs (Manual or Motorized), 1.01.501
    E0988

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