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Horizon BCBSNJ
Uniform Medical Policy ManualSection:Radiology
Policy Number:157
Effective Date: 03/10/2020
Original Policy Date:02/23/2016
Last Review Date:02/11/2020
Date Published to Web: 04/13/2016
Subject:
Adult Peripheral Nerve Disorders Imaging Policy

Description:
_______________________________________________________________________________________

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The purpose of this policy is to provide general information applicable to the administration of health benefits that Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and Horizon Healthcare of New Jersey, Inc. (collectively “Horizon BCBSNJ”) insures or administers. If the member’s contract benefits differ from the medical policy, the contract prevails. Although a service, supply or procedure may be medically necessary, it may be subject to limitations and/or exclusions under a member’s benefit plan. If a service, supply or procedure is not covered and the member proceeds to obtain the service, supply or procedure, the member may be responsible for the cost. Decisions regarding treatment and treatment plans are the responsibility of the physician. This policy is not intended to direct the course of clinical care a physician provides to a member, and it does not replace a physician’s independent professional clinical judgment or duty to exercise special knowledge and skill in the treatment of Horizon BCBSNJ members. Horizon BCBSNJ is not responsible for, does not provide, and does not hold itself out as a provider of medical care. The physician remains responsible for the quality and type of health care services provided to a Horizon BCBSNJ member.

Horizon BCBSNJ medical policies do not constitute medical advice, authorization, certification, approval, explanation of benefits, offer of coverage, contract or guarantee of payment.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Table of Contents
Abbreviations for Peripheral Nerve Disorders Imaging Guidelines
PN-1: General Guidelines
PN-2: Focal Neuropathy
PN-3: Polyneuropathy
PN-4: Brachial Plexus
PN-5: Lumbar and Lumbosacral Plexus
PN-6: Muscle Disorders
PN-7: Magnetic Resonance Neurography (MRN)
PN-8: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
PN-9: Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (PNST)
PN-10: Nuclear Imaging


Abbreviations for Peripheral Nerve Disorders Imaging Guidelines
AIDSAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
ALSAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
CIDPChronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
CNScentral nervous system
CPKcreatinine phosphokinase
CTcomputed tomography
EMGelectromyogram
LEMSLambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome
MGmyasthenia gravis
MRImagnetic resonance imaging
MRNmagnetic resonance neurography
MRSmagnetic resonance spectroscopy
NCVnerve conduction velocity
PETpositron emission tomography
PNSperipheral nervous system
PNSTPeripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor
POEMSPolyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, M-protein, Skin changes
TOSThoracic Outlet Syndrome



Policy:
(NOTE: For Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and FIDE-SNP, please refer to the Coverage Sections below for coverage guidance.)

PN-1: General Policies


For this condition imaging is medically necessary based on the following criteria:

A current clinical evaluation (within 60 days) is required before advanced imaging can be considered. The clinical evaluation may include a relevant history and physical examination, including a neurological examination, appropriate laboratory studies, non-advanced imaging modalities, electromyography and nerve conduction (EMG/NCV) studies. Other meaningful contact (telephone call, electronic mail or messaging) by an established member can substitute for a face-to-face clinical evaluation.

If imaging of peripheral nerves is indicated, ultrasound is the preferred modality for superficial peripheral nerves. MRI may be used for imaging deep nerves such as the lumbosacral plexus or nerves obscured by overlying bone such as the brachial plexus or for surgical planning. CT is limited to cases in which MRI is contraindicated.

References
1. Bowen BC, Maravilla KR, Saraf-Lavi. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Peripheral Nervous System. In Latchaw RE, Kucharczyk J, Moseley ME. Imaging of the Nervous System. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications. Vol 2, Mosby, Philadelphia, 2005, pp.1479-1497.
2. Walker WO. Ultrasonography in peripheral nervous system diagnosis. Continuum. 2017 Oct; 23 (5, Peripheral Nerve and Motor Neuron Disorders):1276-1294.
3. Ohana M, Moser T, Moussaouï A, et al. Current and future imaging of the peripheral nervous system. Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging. 2014; 95 (1):17-26.
4. Stoll G, Bendszuz M, Perez J, et al. Magnetic resonance imaging of the peripheral nervous system. J Neurol. 2009 Jul; 256(7):1043-51.
5. Stoll G, Wilder-Smith E, and Bendszus M. Imaging of the peripheral nervous system. Handb Clin Neurol. 2013; 115: 137-153.
6. Kim S, Choi J-Y, Huh Y-M, et al. Role of magnetic resonance imaging in entrapment and compressive neuropathy—what, where, and how to see the peripheral nerves on the musculoskeletal magnetic resonance image: part 1. Overview and lower extremity. Eur Radiol. 2007 Jan; 17(1):139-149.
7. Russell JA. General Approach to Peripheral Nerve Disorders. CONTINUUM: Lifelong Learning in Neurology. 2017;23(5):1241-1262. doi:10.1212/con.0000000000000519.



PN-2: Focal Neuropathy

For this condition imaging is medically necessary based on the following criteria:

Focal Disorder
EMG/NCV Initially?
Advanced Imaging
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
YES
Ultrasound Wrist or MRI Wrist without contrast (CPT® 73321) to estimate size of the carpal tunnel and diameter of the median nerve may be helpful in the evaluation and confirmation of carpal tunnel syndrome pre-operatively when EMG findings are equivocal and clinical findings are uncertain.
See Adult Musculoskeletal Imaging Policy (Policy #152 in the Radiology Section); MS-21: WristImaging Guidelines and Adult Spine Imaging Policy (Policy #159 in the Radiology Section); SP-3: Neck (Cervical Spine) Pain Without/With Neurological Features (Including Stenosis) and Trauma Imaging Guidelines.
Ulnar Neuropathy
YES
Ultrasound for evaluation when clinical findings and EMG/NCV findings are uncertain. MRI Elbow without contrast (CPT® 73221) or MRI Upper Arm or Forearm without contrast (CPT® 73218) for complex cases when diagnosis remains uncertain after EMG and US or for pre-op planning.
Radial Neuropathy
YES
MRI Upper Arm or Forearm without contrast (CPT® 73218) in severe cases when surgery is being considered.
MRI Upper Arm or Forearm without and with contrast (CPT® 73220) if there is a suspicion of a nerve tumor such as a neuroma.
Radial Neuropathy Notes: Leads to wrist drop with common sites of entrapment the inferior aspect of the humerus (Saturday night palsy) or the forearm (Posterior Interosseus Syndrome).
Trauma or fractures of the humerus, radius, or ulna can damage the radial nerve.
Sciatic Neuropathy
YES
MRI Pelvis without contrast (CPT® 72195) may be performed in the evaluation of these entities. CT Pelvis without contrast is not indicated due to lack of soft tissue contrast. It should only be performed in the rare circumstance of contrast allergy and contraindication to MRI such as pacemaking device.
Sciatic Neuropathy Notes: Trauma to the gluteal area with hematoma, injection palsy, hip or pelvic fractures, or hip replacement (arthroplasty) and rarely Piriformis Syndrome involves entrapment of the sciatic nerve at the sciatic notch in the pelvis by a tight piriformis muscle band.
Femoral Neuropathy
NO
MRI Pelvis without contrast (CPT® 72195) may be performed in the evaluation of these entities.
Femoral Neuropathy Notes: May occur as a complication of pelvic surgery in women or those on anticoagulants with retroperitoneal bleeding, or as a mononeuropathy in diabetics
Meralgia Paresthetica
NO
MRI Pelvis without contrast (CPT® 72195) may be performed in cases of diagnostic uncertainty or for pre-op planning. CT Pelvis without contrast is not indicated due to lack of soft tissue contrast. It should only be performed in the rare circumstance of contrast allergy and contraindication to MRI such as pacemaking device.
Meralgia Paresthetica Notes: Sensory loss in the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve as it exits the pelvis under the inguinal ligament (lateral thigh without extension into lower leg), and is usually easily diagnosed based on a careful history and physical exam. EMG/NCV testing is often technically difficult and not required.
Peroneal Neuropathy
YES
MRI Knee without contrast (CPT® 73721) or MRI Lower Extremity other than joint without contrast (CPT® 73718) in severe cases when surgery is considered.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
N/A
See Adult Musculoskeletal Imaging Policy (Policy #152 in the Radiology Section); MS-27: Foot (Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome) Imaging Guidelines.
References
1. Andreisek G, Crook DW, Burg D, et al. Peripheral neuropathies of the median, radial, and ulnar nerves: MR imaging features. RadioGraphics. 2006 Sep-Oct; 26 (5):1267-1287.
2. Iverson DJ. MRI detection of cysts of the knee causing common peroneal neuropathy. Neurology. 2005 Dec 13; 65(11):1829-1831.
3. Cartwright MS, Walker FO. Neuromuscular ultrasound in common entrapment neuropathies. Muscle & Nerve. 2013 Sep 2; 48(5):696-704.
4. Linda DD, Harish S, Stewart BG, et al. Multimodality imaging of peripheral neuropathies of the upper limb and brachial plexus. RadioGraphics. 2010 Sep; 30(5):1373-1400.
5. Hobson-Webb LD and Juel VC. Common Entrapment Neuropathies. Continuum. 2017 Apr; 23 (2):487-511.
6. Tsivgoulis G and Alexandrov AV. Ultrasound in neurology. Continuum. 2016 Oct; 22(5, Neuroimaging):1655-1677.


PN-3: Poly Neuropathy

For this condition imaging is medically necessary based on the following criteria:

Poly-Disorder
EMG/NCV Initially?
Advanced
Imaging
Comments
PNS/CNS Crossover Syndromes
YES
MRI Brain and/or Spinal Cord without and with contrast if clinical findings point to abnormalities in those areas.
Guillain-Barré syndrome
AIDS Related Cytomegaloviral Neuropathy/
Radiculopathy
YES
MRI Lumbar Spine without and with contrast (CPT® 72158) if suspected.
Urinary retention and a clinically confusing picture in the legs.
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
YES
MRI Lumbar Spine without and with contrast (CPT® 72158) if uncertain following EMG.
Multifocal Motor Neuropathy
YES
MRI Brachial Plexus without and with contrast (CPT® 71552 or CPT® 73220) if uncertain following EMG.
POEMS (Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, M-protein, Skin changes)
YES
Advanced imaging is for the non-neurological entities of this rare osteosclerotic plasmacytoma syndrome.
See Adult Oncology Imaging Policy (Policy #155 in the Radiology Section); ONC-25: Multiple Myeloma and Plasmacytomas Imaging Guidelines.
Subacute Sensory Neuronopathy & Other Paraneoplastic Demyelinating Neuropathies
YES
Advanced imaging should be guided by specific clinical concern (See relevant guideline). For evaluation of suspected paraneoplastic syndromes: See Adult Oncology Imaging Policy (Policy #155 in the Radiology Section); ONC-30.3: Paraneoplastic Syndromes Imaging Guidelines
References
1. Anders HJ, Goebel FD. Cytomegalovirus polyradiculopathy in patient with AIDS. Clin Infect Dis. 1998 Aug 27; 27 (2):345-352.
2. Duggins AJ, McLoed JG, Pollard JD, et al. Spinal root and plexus hypertrophy in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Brain. 1999 July 1; 122(7):1383-1390.
3. Amato AA, Barohn RJ, Katz JS, et al. Clinical spectrum of chronic acquired demyelinating polyneuropathies. Muscle & Nerve. 2001 Mar; 24(3):311-324.
4. Darnell RB, Posner JB. Paraneoplastic Syndromes Involving the Nervous System. N Engl J Med. 2003; 349:1543-1554.
5. Antoine JC, Bouhour F, Camdessanche JP. [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the diagnosis of cancer in patients with paraneoplastic neurological syndrome and anti-Hu antibodies. Ann Neurol. 2000 July; 48(1):105-108.


PN-4: Brachial Plexus


For this condition imaging is medically necessary based on the following criteria:

Brachial plexus studies can be coded either as MRI Upper Extremity other than joint without or without and with contrast (CPT® 73218 or CPT® 73220), MRI Chest without or without and with contrast (CPT® 71550 or CPT® 71552) or MRI Neck without or without and with contrast (CPT® 70540 or CPT® 70543) (if upper trunk) after EMG/NCV examination for:

    ® Malignant infiltration (EMG not required)
    ® Radiation plexitis to rule out malignant infiltration
    ® Brachial plexitis (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome or painful brachial amyotrophy).
      ¡ Self-limited syndrome characterized by initial shoulder region pain followed by weakness of specific muscles in a pattern which does not conform to involvement of a single root or distal peripheral nerve
      ¡ Consider MRI Cervical Spine if radiculopathy.
      ¡ See Adult Spine Imaging Policy (Policy #159 in the Radiology Section); SP-3: Neck (Cervical Spine) Pain Without/With Neurological Features (Including Stenosis) and Trauma Imaging Guidelines
    ® Traumatic injury
    ® Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) failed a 2 to 3 month trial of conservative management and are being considered for surgical treatment.
    ® See Adult Chest Imaging Policy (Policy #150 in the Radiology Section); CH-31: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) Imaging Guidelines
    ® Preoperative study which requires evaluation of the brachial plexus

References

1. Adkins MC, Wittenberg KH. MR imaging of nontraumatic brachial plexopathies: frequency and spectrum of findings. RadioGraphics. 2000 July; 20 (4):1023-1032.
2. Bykowski J, Aulino JM, Berger KL, et al. (2016). ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Plexopathy. American College of Radiology (ACR).
3. Van Es HW. MRI of the brachial plexus. Eur Radiol. 2001 Jan; 11(2):325-336.
4. Foley KM, Kori SH, Posner JB. Brachial plexus lesions in patients with cancer: 100 cases. Neurology. 1981 Jan; 31 (1):45-50.
5. Cascino TL, Harper CM, Thomas JE, et al. Distinction between neoplastic and radiation-induced brachial plexopathy, with emphasis on the role of EMG. Neurology. 1989 April; 39(4):502-506.
6. Husband JE, MacVicar AD, Padhani AR, et al. Symptomatic brachial plexopathy following treatment for breast cancer: Utility of MR imaging with surface-coil techniques. Radiology. 2000 March; 214 (3):837-842.
7. McDonald TJ, Miller JD, Pruitt S. Acute brachial plexus neuritis: an uncommon cause of shoulder pain. Am Fam Physician. 2000 Nov 1; 62 (9):2067-2072.

PN-5: Lumbar and Lumbosacral Plexus

For this condition imaging is medically necessary based on the following criteria:

The following studies can be considered: MRI Pelvis without and with contrast with fat suppression imaging (CPT® 72197) OR MRI Abdomen and Pelvis without and with contrast with fat suppression imaging (CPT® 74183 and CPT® 72197) OR if MRI is not available, CT Pelvis with contrast (CPT® 72193) OR CT Abdomen and Pelvis with contrast (CPT® 74177) can be considered after EMG/NCV based on whether the upper lumbar plexus (abdominal retroperitoneal space) or the lumbosacral plexus (pelvis), respectively, is involved based on:

    ® Malignant infiltration (EMG not required)
    ® Radiation plexopathy to rule out malignant infiltration
    ® Traumatic injury

References

1. Brejt N, Berry J, Nisbet A, et al. Pelvic radiculopathies, lumbosacral plexopathies, and neuropathies in oncologic disease: A multidisciplinary approach to a diagnostic challenge. Cancer Imaging. 2013 Dec 30; 13 (4):591-601.
2. McDonald JW, Sadwosky C. Spinal-cord injury. The Lancet. 2002 Feb 2; 359 (9304):417-425.



PN-6: Muscle Disorders
PN-6.1: Neuromuscular Disease
PN-6.2: Inflammatory Muscle Diseases
PN-6.3: Gaucher Disease (Storage Disorders)
PN-6.1: Neuromuscular Disease

For this condition imaging is medically necessary based on the following criteria:

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is associated with thymic disease and can undergo:

    ® CT Chest with contrast (CPT® 71260) after an established diagnosis of MG.
      ¡ Can be repeated if initial CT previously negative and now symptoms of chest mass, rising anti-striated muscle antibody titers, or need for preoperative evaluation (clinical presentation, electro-diagnostic studies, and antibody titers).
    ® CT Chest without contrast (CPT® 71250) may be used if there is concern regarding adverse effects of contrast in members with MG.

Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is associated with small cell lung cancer and can undergo:
    ® CT Chest with contrast (CPT® 71260) with a suspected diagnosis (Chest x-ray, symptoms of lung mass, clinical presentation, electro-diagnostic studies, and antibody titers).
      ¡ Can be repeated if initial CT previously negative after 3 months with persistent suspicion.
Stiff man syndrome is associated with small cell lung cancer and breast cancer
    ® CT Chest with contrast (CPT® 71260) if Stiff Man Syndrome is suspected based on clinical findings.

PN-6.2: Inflammatory Muscle Diseases

For this condition imaging is medically necessary based on the following criteria:

MRI and ultrasound are increasingly being used in the evaluation of muscle disease. MRI may be helpful in demonstrating abnormalities in muscles that are difficult to examine or not clinically weak, and MRI can also help distinguish between different types of muscle disease. MRI is also useful in determining sites for muscle biopsy.

MRI Lower Extremity other than joint without contrast (CPT® 73718) or MRI Lower Extremity other than joint without and with contrast (CPT® 73720) and/or MRI Upper Extremity other than joint without contrast (CPT® 73218) or MRI Upper Extremity other than joint without and with contrast (CPT® 73220), usually the most affected muscle is imaged (when criteria is met imaging can be approved for bilateral studies) for:

    ® Additional evaluation of myopathy or myositis (based on clinical exam and adjunct testing with EMG/NCV and labs)
    ® To plan muscle biopsy
    ® See Pediatric Musculoskeletal Imaging Policy (Policy # 164 in the Radiology Section); PEDMS-10.3: Inflammatory Muscle Diseases Imaging Guidelines

All cases with dermatomyositis and polymyositis can undergo search for occult neoplasm See Adult Oncology Imaging Policy (Policy #155 in the Radiology Section); ONC-30.3: Paraneoplastic Syndromes Imaging Guidelines

PN-6.3: Gaucher Disease (Storage Disorders)

For this condition imaging is medically necessary based on the following criteria:

See Adult Abdomen Imaging Policy (Policy #148 in the Radiology Section); AB-11: Gaucher Disease and Hemochromatosis Imaging Guidelines.
See Pediatric Peripheral Nerve Disorder Imaging Policy (Policy #168 in the Radiology Section); PEDPN-4: Gaucher Disease Imaging Guidelines.

References
1. Darnell R, Posner J. Paraneoplastic syndromes involving the nervous system. N Engl J Med. 2003 Oct; 349:1543-1554.
2. Schweitzer M, Fort J. Cost-effectiveness of MR imaging in evaluating polymyositis. Am J Roentgenol. 1995; 165:1469-1471.
3. Adams E, Chow C, Premkumar A, Plotz P. The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: spectrum of MR imaging findings. RadioGraphics. 1995; 15(3):563-574.
4. Park J, Olsen N. Utility of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of patients with inflammatory myopathies. Curr Rheumatol Reports. 2001 Aug; 3 (4):334-345.
5. Sekul E, Chow C, Dalakas M. Magnetic resonance imaging of the forearm as a diagnostic aid in patients with sporadic inclusion body myositis. Neurolog. 1997 April;48(4):863-866.
6. Lundberg I, Chung Y. Treatment and investigation of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Rheumatology. 2000 Jan; 39(1):7-17.
7. Park J, Olsen N. Utility of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of patients with inflammatory myopathies. Curr Rheumatol Reports. 2001 Aug; 3(4):334-345.
8. Hill C, Zhang Y, Sigurgeirsson B, et al. Frequency of specific cancer types in dermatomyositis and polymyositis: a population-based study. Lancet. 2001 Jan 13; 357(9250):96-100.
9. Maas M, Poll L, Terk M. Imaging and quantifying skeletal involvement in Gaucher disease. B J Radiol. 2002; 75 suppl 1:A13-A24.
10. Giraldo P, Pocovi M, Perez-Calvo J, et al. Report of the Spanish Gaucher's disease registry: clinical and genetic characteristics. Haematologica. 2000 Jan; 85:792-799. 2016.
11. Rosow et al. The Role of Electrodiagnostic Testing, Imaging, and Muscle Biopsy in the Investigation of Muscle Disease. Continuum.2016 Dec; 22(6):1787-1802.
12. Somashekar DK, Davenport MS, Cohan RH, et al. Effect of intravenous low-osmolality iodinated contrast media on patients with myasthenia gravis. Radiology. 2013 Jun; 267(3):727-734.

PN-7: Magnetic Resonance Neurography (MRN)

For this condition imaging is medically necessary based on the following criteria:

MRN is currently considered investigational by most payers.

Use limited to evaluation of complicated cases and diagnostic uncertainty when other studies (EMG/NCV, ultrasound) are equivocal or non-diagnostic and results will determine intervention and/or surgical planning for peripheral nerve surgery and repair

Reference
1. Noguerol TM, Barousse R, Cabrera MG, Socolovsky M, Bencardino JT, Luna A. Functional MR Neurography in Evaluation of Peripheral Nerve Trauma and Postsurgical Assessment. RadioGraphics. 2019;39(2):427-446. doi:10.1148/rg.2019180112.


PN-8: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

For this condition imaging is medically necessary based on the following criteria:

MRI Brain, Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Spine most often without contrast, but may be without and with contrast with meningeal symptoms.

    ® Can be considered when ALS is suspected (combination of upper and lower motor neuron findings) to establish a diagnosis.
    ® Repeat imaging can be evaluated based on the appropriate Adult Musculoskeletal Imaging Policy (Policy #152 in the Radiology Section); Spine Imaging Guidelines.

References

1. Agosta F, Chio A, Cosottini M, et al. The present and the future of neuroimaging in amyotrophic lateral scoliosis. Am J Neuroradiol. 2010 Nov; 31(10):1769-1777.
2. Kollewe K, Korner S, Dengler R, et al. Magnetic resonance imaging in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurology Research International. 2012; v2012.
3. Filippi M, Agosta F, Abrahams S, et al. EFNS guidelines on the use of neuroimaging in the management of motor neuron diseases. Eur J Neurol. 2010 Apr; 17(4):526-e20.
4. Wang S, Melhem ER, Poptani H, et al. Neuroimaging in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurotherapeutics. 2011 Jan; 8 (1):63-71.


PN-9: Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (PNST)

For this condition imaging is medically necessary based on the following criteria:

Tumors (Schwannomas or Neurofibromas) that arise from Schwann cells or other connective tissue of the nerve are located anywhere in the body and can undergo advanced imaging when suspected, which may include:

    ® MRI Brain without and with contrast (CPT® 70553). (Vestibular Schwannomas Refer to Adult Head Imaging Policy (Policy #151 in the Radiology Section); HD-33.1: Acoustic Neuroma and Other Cerebellopontine Angle Tumors)
    ® MRI Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Spine without and with contrast (CPT® 72156, CPT® 72157, and CPT® 72158) if paraspinal neurofibroma is found any spine level or multiple simplex perineural neurofibromas.
    ® Follow-up imaging is not needed unless:
      ¡ New symptoms or neurological findings develop
      ¡ Post operatively, at the discretion of the surgeon and to reestablish baseline if the tumor was not completely removed
      ¡ Malignant transformation (5%) is known or suspected; includes a metastatic work-up with CT Chest and Abdomen with contrast (CPT® 71260 and CPT® 74160).
See Pediatric Oncology Imaging Policy (Policy #166 in the Radiology Section); PEDONC-2.3: Neurofibromatosis 1 and 2 (NF1 and NF2)

References

1. Riccardi V. The genetic predisposition to and histogenesis of neurofibromas and neurofibrosarcoma in neurofibromatosis type 1. Neurosurg Focus. 2007 Jun 15; 22 (6):E3.
2. Li C, Huang G, Wu H, et al. Differentiation of soft tissue benign and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors with magnetic resonance imaging. Clin Imaging. 2008 Mar-Apr; 32 (2):121-127.
3. Murovic J, Kim D, Kline D. Neurofibromatosis-associated nerve sheath tumors. Case report and review of the literature. Neurosurg Focus. 2006 Jan; 20 (1):1-10.


PN-10: Nuclear Imaging

For this condition imaging is medically necessary based on the following criteria:

Nuclear Medicine

    ® Nuclear medicine studies are not generally indicated in the evaluation of peripheral nerve disorders. See Pediatric Peripheral Nerve Disorder Imaging Policy (Policy #168 in the Radiology Section): PEDPN-2: Neurofibromatosis for specific imaging guidelines regarding PET/CT in evaluation of peripheral nerve tumors.


Medicare Coverage:
Medicare Advantage Products follow CMS National Coverage Determinations, Local Coverage Determinations and other CMS Guidance (eg, Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Medicare Learning Network Articles (MLN Matters Articles), Medicare Claims Processing Manual)). If CMS does not have a coverage or noncoverage position on a service, Medicare Advantage Products will follow Horizon BCBSNJ Medical Policy. If there is no CMS Guidance and no Horizon BCBSNJ Medical Policy, then eviCore Diagnostic Advanced Imaging Guidelines will be applied.

NCDs available to be accessed at CMS National Coverage Determinations (NCDs) Alphabetical Index search page: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/indexes/ncd-alphabetical-index.aspx

LCDs available to be accessed at Novitas Solutions, Inc., Medical Policy Search page: https://www.novitas-solutions.com/webcenter/portal/MedicareJL/LcdSearch?_afrLoop=90769712476969#!%40%40%3F_afrLoop%3D90769712476969%26centerWidth%3D100%2525%26leftWidth%3D0%2525%26rightWidth%3D0%2525%26showFooter%3Dfalse%26showHeader%3Dfalse%26_adf.ctrl-state%3D63y7eftob_46

DME LCDS available to be accessed at Noridian Healthcare Services, LLC, (DME MAC), Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) search page: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/indexes/lcd-list.aspx?Cntrctr=389&ContrVer=1&CntrctrSelected=389*1&s=38&DocType=All&bc=AggAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&#ResultsAnchor.

Providers are responsible for reviewing CMS Medicare Coverage Center Guidance and in the event of a conflict between the Medicare Coverage section of the medical policy and the CMS Medicare Coverage Center Guidance, the CMS Medicare Coverage Center Guidance will control.

Medicaid Coverage:

For members enrolled in Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare plans, Horizon BCBSNJ applies the above medical policy.

FIDE SNP:

For members enrolled in a Fully Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (FIDE-SNP): (1) to the extent the service is covered under the Medicare portion of the member’s benefit package, the above Medicare Coverage statement applies; and (2) to the extent the service is not covered under the Medicare portion of the member’s benefit package, the above Medicaid Coverage statement applies.

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Horizon BCBSNJ Medical Policy Development Process:

This Horizon BCBSNJ Medical Policy (the “Medical Policy”) has been developed by Horizon BCBSNJ’s Medical Policy Committee (the “Committee”) consistent with generally accepted standards of medical practice, and reflects Horizon BCBSNJ’s view of the subject health care services, supplies or procedures, and in what circumstances they are deemed to be medically necessary or experimental/ investigational in nature. This Medical Policy also considers whether and to what degree the subject health care services, supplies or procedures are clinically appropriate, in terms of type, frequency, extent, site and duration and if they are considered effective for the illnesses, injuries or diseases discussed. Where relevant, this Medical Policy considers whether the subject health care services, supplies or procedures are being requested primarily for the convenience of the covered person or the health care provider. It may also consider whether the services, supplies or procedures are more costly than an alternative service or sequence of services, supplies or procedures that are at least as likely to produce equivalent therapeutic or diagnostic results as to the diagnosis or treatment of the relevant illness, injury or disease. In reaching its conclusion regarding what it considers to be the generally accepted standards of medical practice, the Committee reviews and considers the following: all credible scientific evidence published in peer-reviewed medical literature generally recognized by the relevant medical community, physician and health care provider specialty society recommendations, the views of physicians and health care providers practicing in relevant clinical areas (including, but not limited to, the prevailing opinion within the appropriate specialty) and any other relevant factor as determined by applicable State and Federal laws and regulations.

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Index:
Adult Peripheral Nerve Disorders Imaging Policy
Peripheral Nerve Disorders Imaging Policy, Adult
Computed Tomography, Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Adult
CT, Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Adult
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Adult
MRI, Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Adult
Positron Emission Tomography, Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Adult
PET, Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Adult
Ultrasound, Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Adult
Nuclear Medicine Studies, Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Adult

References:


Codes:
(The list of codes is not intended to be all-inclusive and is included below for informational purposes only. Inclusion or exclusion of a procedure, diagnosis, drug or device code(s) does not constitute or imply authorization, certification, approval, offer of coverage or guarantee of payment.)

CPT*

    HCPCS

    * CPT only copyright 2020 American Medical Association. All rights reserved. CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.

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    Medical policies can be highly technical and are designed for use by the Horizon BCBSNJ professional staff in making coverage determinations. Members referring to this policy should discuss it with their treating physician, and should refer to their specific benefit plan for the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of their coverage.

    The Horizon BCBSNJ Medical Policy Manual is proprietary. It is to be used only as authorized by Horizon BCBSNJ and its affiliates. The contents of this Medical Policy are not to be copied, reproduced or circulated to other parties without the express written consent of Horizon BCBSNJ. The contents of this Medical Policy may be updated or changed without notice, unless otherwise required by law and/or regulation. However, benefit determinations are made in the context of medical policies existing at the time of the decision and are not subject to later revision as the result of a change in medical policy

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