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Clinical Coverage Guidelines (CCGs)

 

Medicaid Policies

A

Fixed wing (FW) or rotary wing (RW) air ambulance are furnished when the medical condition is such that transport by ground ambulance, in whole or in part, is not appropriate.

This policy addresses immediate (IgEmediated) hypersensitivity and delayed (cell-mediated) hypersensitivity.

This policy describes the medical necessity requirements for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants for sickle cell anemia and β–thalassemia.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the application of behavioral principles to everyday situations, intended to increase skills or decrease targeted behaviors.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services must meet specific documentation requirements and adhere to applicable regulations, accreditation standards, and professional practice standards.

Cartilage transfer procedures include autologous chondrocyte implantation, osteochondral allograft transplantation (OAG or OCA) [i.e., including repair of anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus], and osteochondral autograft transplantation [mosaicplasty, Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation System (OATS)].

Diagnostic infertility services to determine the cause of infertility and treatment are covered only when specific coverage is provided under the terms of a member’s/enrollee’s benefit plan.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders in children, with an increasing prevalence of diagnosis in adults.

B

There are two categories of bariatric surgery: restrictive procedures and malabsorptive procedures.

Documentation in a medical record facilitates patient safety, decreases error, improves quality of care, and ensures regulatory and reimbursement compliance.

Biofeedback therapy provides visual, auditory or other evidence of the status of certain body functions so that a person can exert voluntary control over the functions.

Biofeedback or neurofeedback is a noninvasive technique intended to enable an individual to learn how to change a physiological activity.

Baha® devices are FDA-approved, bone-anchored, bone conduction hearing aids and, according to the FDA and manufacturer, are specifically indicated for patients over five years of age.

This policy describes the medical necessity requirements for bronchial thermoplasty (BT).

Johns Hopkins Health Library defines burns as a type of painful wound caused by thermal, electrical, chemical, or electromagnetic energy.

C

The release of cardiac biomarkers is among the cascade of events that occur during acute coronary syndromes and cardiac ischemia.

Medical necessity guidelines for routine costs of clinical trials in accordance with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requirements.

This policy outlines medical necessity criteria for the replacement of cochlear implants and/or cochlear implant components.

Oncology prognostic and algorithmic tests are developed to aid in determining the likelihood that an individual has cancer, the prognosis for a patient diagnosed with cancer, and/or surveillance for recurrence.

This policy relates to genetic and biomarker tests that aim to screen for specific cancers in individuals who are at risk to develop them.

Cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) originates directly from the tumor tissue (primary or metastasis); as tumor cells die the contents are released into the bloodstream.

Cytogenetic analysis of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies aims to both classify the type of tumor or cancer present and also to identify somatic oncogenic mutations in cancer.

The molecular analysis of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies aims to identify somatic oncogenic mutations in cancer.

Hereditary connective tissue disorders are a group of disorders that affect the connective tissues that support the skin, bones, joints, heart, blood vessels, eyes, and other organs.

Arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies can be multifactorial, hereditary, or caused by a known environmental factor, such as a drug.

Genetic testing for dermatologic conditions and disorders that have many dermatologic findings may be used to confirm a diagnosis in a patient who has signs and/or symptoms of the disease.

Genetic testing for hereditary epilepsy, neurodegenerative, and neuromuscular disorders may be used to confirm a diagnosis in a patient who has signs and/or symptoms of the disease, but conventional diagnostic methods have been unsuccessful.

Exome sequencing (ES) (also known as ‘whole exome sequencing (WES)’) involves sequencing and often copy number variant (CNV) analysis of the portion of the genome that contains proteincoding DNA, which are termed exons.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that causes damage to the central portion of the retina (the macula), affecting the ability to see objects straight ahead.

Genetic testing for gastroenterologic (non-cancerous) disorders may be used to confirm a diagnosis in a patient who has signs and/or symptoms of a specific gastroenterologic disorder.

Genetic testing refers to the use of technologies that identify genetic variation, which include genomic, transcriptional, proteomic, and epigenetic alterations, for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.

Hereditary hearing loss can be classified as syndromic or nonsyndromic.

Genetic testing for hematologic (non-cancerous) conditions may be used to confirm a diagnosis in a patient who has signs and/or symptoms of a specific hematologic condition.

Genetic testing for hereditary cancer susceptibility is performed when an individual has risk factors that increase suspicion that they could develop an inherited form of cancer.

Immunodeficiency disorders typically result from the use of a drug or from a long-lasting significant disorder (e.g., cancer), however a subset of immunodeficiency disorders are inherited.

Inherited kidney disorders and inherited disorders that indirectly affect the kidneys can be more common, such as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, or more rarely Lowe syndrome and Fabry disease.

One of the most common forms of inherited lung disorders is alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD).

Hereditary metabolic disorders, also known as inborn errors of metabolism, are genetic disorders that interfere with the body’s metabolism.

Genetic testing for rare hereditary diseases may be used to confirm a diagnosis in a patient who has signs and/or symptoms of a rare disease, but conventional diagnostic methods have been unsuccessful.

Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) is a sequencing test performed on placental cell-free DNA found in maternal serum.

Pharmacogenetic tests are germline genetic tests that are developed to aid in assessing an individual's response to a drug treatment or to predict the risk of toxicity from a specific drug treatment.

Preimplantation genetic testing involves analysis of biopsied cells from an embryo as a part of an assisted reproductive procedure.

Carrier screening is performed to identify individuals at risk of having offspring with inherited recessive or X-linked single-gene disorders.

Prenatal diagnostic testing may be used to identify genetic conditions in fetuses at an increased risk based on prenatal screening or for women who choose to undergo diagnostic testing due to other risk factors.

Skeletal dysplasias are a category of rare genetic disorders that affect bones and joints and are estimated to affect 2.4 per 10,000 births, and some forms of skeletal dysplasia can be suspected based on prenatal ultrasound.

This policy will provide general guidelines as to when cosmetic and reconstructive surgery is or is not medically necessary.

D

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) is a non-invasive tool that stimulates deep regions of the brain.

Diaphragmatic/phrenic nerve stimulation, also referred to as diaphragm pacing, is a treatment option used to eliminate or reduce the need for ventilator support in those with chronic ventilatory insufficiency due to bilateral paralysis or severe paresis of the diaphragm.

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a significant component of epilepsy diagnosis, along with a thorough medical history and neurological workup.

Microdiscectomy or open discectomy (MD/OD) are the standard procedures for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation.

Discography is an invasive, intradiscal diagnostic technique that uses imaging and pain to diagnose discogenic pain.

This policy describes the medical necessity requirements for a donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI).

Urine drug testing is a key diagnostic and therapeutic tool that is useful for patient care and monitoring of adherence to a controlled substance treatment regimen (e.g., for chronic noncancer pain).

DME is defined as equipment that can stand repeated use, is primarily and customarily used to serve a medical purpose, and is generally not useful to a person in the absence of an illness or injury.1

E

Electric tumor treating fields (TTF), also known as alternating electric field therapy, are used for the treatment of glioblastoma, and are delivered by Optune® (NovoCureTM)

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasive method for assessing neurophysiological function.

This policy describes the medical necessity guidelines for an endometrial ablation.

Types of evoked potentials include somatosensory, brainstem auditory, visual and motor.

This policy outlines general guidelines to use in determining coverage of experimental or investigational, or potentially experimental or investigational medical and behavioral health technologies.

F

Polysomnography (PSG) is the continuous and concurrent monitoring and recording of various physiological and pathophysiological parameters of sleep.

Fecal incontinence defined as the uncontrolled passage of feces or gas over at least 1 month’s duration, in an individual of at least four years of age, who had previously achieved control.

This policy describes the medical necessity requirements for performing fetal surgery.

G

Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) has been used in patients who are proven refractory to conventional treatment for gastroparesis.

This policy addresses the medical necessity criteria for Gastrointestinal Pathogen Nucleic Acid Detection Panel Testing.

Services for gender affirmation most often include hormone treatment, counseling, psychotherapy, complete hysterectomy, bilateral mastectomy, chest reconstruction or augmentation as appropriate, genital reconstruction, facial hair removal, and certain facial plastic reconstruction.

H

This policy describes the medical necessity requirements for habilitation services.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most prevalent chronic bacterial infection and is associated with peptic ulcer disease, chronic gastritis, gastric adenocarcinoma, and gastric mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma.

This policy provides medical necessity guidelines for Holter monitoring up to 48 hours.

A planned home birth is an elective alternative to delivery in a birthing center or hospital setting.

This policy describes medical necessity criteria for noninvasive and invasive home ventilators.

This policy describes the medical necessity requirements for testing levels of homocysteine.

Hospice is a coordinated, integrated program developed by a multidisciplinary team of professionals to provide end-of-life care.

A global consensus statement recommends against universal screening for vitamin D deficiency in healthy children.

Hyperhidrosis is defined as excessive sweating beyond a level required to maintain normal body temperature in response to heat exposure or exercise.

I

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation, also referred to as an upper airway stimulation (UAS) system, is proposed as a treatment strategy for select patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

An implantable, intrathecal drug delivery system consists of an implanted pump and catheter that delivers a drug directly into the spinal fluid.

An implantable loop recorder (ILR), also referred to as an insertable or implantable cardiac monitor (ICM), is a subcutaneous monitoring device for the detection of cardiac arrhythmias.

The implanted device measures and monitors daily pulmonary artery (PA) pressure. The data is used by physicians for heart failure management with the goal of reducing heart failure hospitalizations.

Medical necessity criteria for intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). IMRT is an advanced form of 3-dimensional (3-D) conformal radiation therapy that delivers a more precise radiation dose to the tumor while sparing healthy surrounding tissue.

Intradiscal steroid injections involve injecting glucocorticoids directly into the spinal disc that has been identified as the source of pain.

Medical necessity guidelines for dental anesthesia in the inpatient or ambulatory surgery setting.

L

This policy describes the medical necessity criteria for Lantidra (donislecel), an allogeneic pancreatic islet cellular therapy, used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes in those who are unable to reach target hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

This policy describes the medical necessity requirements for excimer laser based targeted phototherapy.

Lipedema is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by abnormal adipose tissue distribution, resulting in pain and functional impairment.

This policy addresses long term care (LTC) placement ranging from basic custodial care to more intense care needed due to dementia or other complex medical needs.

Low-frequency ultrasound debridement is a noncontact debridement method that provides simultaneous cleansing and debridement of wounds.

Epidural adhesiolysis, also known as epidural neuroplasty, lysis of epidural adhesions, or caudal neuroplasty, is a minimally invasive surgery for patients with chronic back pain associated with epidural fibrosis or adhesions.

M

Vitamin D is metabolized in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], also known as calcidiol), and then in the kidney to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], also known as calcitriol.

Mechanical stretching devices are used for the prevention and treatment of joint contractures of the extremities, with the goal to maintain or restore range of motion (ROM) to the joint.

This policy describes the medical necessity requirements for medical day care services in New Jersey.

Multiple Sleep Latency Testing (MSLT) objectively measures an individual’s tendency to fall asleep and is a component of the routine evaluation for suspected narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia.

N

Nerve blocks are the temporary interruption of conduction of impulses in peripheral nerves or nerve trunks created by the injection of local anesthetic solutions.

This policy describes the medical necessity requirements for the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and functional electrical stimulation (FES).

The purpose of this guideline is to assist with continuity of care, discharge planning, and the transition to outpatient and home care of infants affected by ongoing neonatal apnea and bradycardia events.

Infants who require neonatal admission remain at increased risk for morbidity and mortality following discharge.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants that do not destroy all of the hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow are termed reduced-intensity or nonmyeloablative conditioning regimens.

O

Medical necessity criteria for obstetrical home health programs offered by vendors such as Optum.

Description This policy describes the medical necessity criteria for Omisirge (omidubicel), a nicotinamidemodified allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell therapy, to be delivered following myeloablative conditioning for hematologic malignancies.

This policy describes the medical necessity requirements for orthognathic surgery.

Of the estimated 5.6 million fractures that occur annually in the United States, approximately 5% to 10% will demonstrate signs of delayed or impaired healing.

The American Heart Association and American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation define cardiac rehabilitation for coronary heart disease as “coordinated, multifaceted interventions designed to optimize a cardiac patient’s physical, psychological, and social functioning, in addition to stabilizing, slowing, or even reversing the progression of the underlying atherosclerotic processes, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality.”1

Oxygen therapy is the administration of oxygen at concentrations greater than that in ambient air (20.9%) with the intent of treating or preventing the symptoms and manifestations of hypoxemia.

P

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment option for pediatric patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD).

Goals of oral function therapy are to identify the child’s optimal feeding methods, maximize safety and avoid the risk of medical complications and help the child achieve age appropriate functional skills.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly encountered sustained tachyarrhythmia and is associated with a 5-fold increased risk of stroke, and stroke risk increases with age.

To provide guidelines for the authorization of outpatient or home care speech therapy, occupational therapy, and/or physical therapy evaluation and treatment services.

Medical necessity criteria for multiplex respiratory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.

Posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), also known as peripheral tibial nerve stimulation, is a minimally invasive form of electrical neuromodulation used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome and associated symptoms of urinary urgency, urinary frequency, and urge urinary incontinence.

Proton beam therapy (PBT) is a form of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) that utilizes protons (positively charged subatomic particles) to precisely target a specific tissue mass.

Hyperbilirubinemia is the most common condition requiring medical attention in newborns.

This policy describes the medical necessity requirements for identification and benefits for the prevention of long term institutionalization program

This policy describes the medical necessity criteria for private duty nursing.

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs), also known as lung function tests, include a variety of tests to check how well the lungs are working.

R

Reduction mammoplasty is the surgical reduction of breast size. It was developed as a means of alleviating physical and emotional symptoms associated with excessive breast size and breast ptosis.

This policy describes the medical necessity requirements for respite services

S

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) fusion, or arthrodesis, is a surgical technique that fuses the iliac bone to the sacrum for stabilization.

Treatment for sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain and dysfunction is usually conservative (non-surgical) and focuses on pain relief.

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure to diminish abnormally dilated and symptomatic veins.

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a neurosurgical technique developed to reduce spasticity and improve mobility in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and lower extremity spasticity.

Transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) and selective nerve root blocks (SNRBs) are alternatives to interlaminar epidural steroid injections for the treatment of radicular pain.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the level of skilled nursing facility care reported by the provider reflects the services performed.

There are currently a wide variety of bioengineered products available for soft tissue coverage to affect closure.

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is intended to decrease chronic and acute pain by stimulating peripheral nerves with leads placed adjacent or parallel to the affected nerve.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) are radiation therapies delivered via stereotactic guidance to a small, precise target.

T

The purpose of this policy is to define medical necessity criteria for the diagnostic evaluation of vaginitis (excluding Trichomonas vaginalis, vaginal pH testing, and microscopic examination with saline and KOH) in members/enrollees ≥ 13 years of age.

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is a selective pulmonary vasodilator with a mechanism of action which results in smooth muscle relaxation.

Numerous essential metabolic functions are mitigated by hormones produced by, and affecting the thyroid

The SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart (TAH) (SynCardia Systems Inc.), formerly known as the CardioWest Total Artificial Heart, is a biventricular pulsatile pump that replaces the patient’s native ventricles and valves.

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is the intravenous administration of an artificially prepared solution of nutrients that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and meets the nutritional requirements of a patient.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a congenital cardiac lesion which is generally asymptomatic and affects up to a quarter of the population.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive technique approved as a modality for treatment resistant major depression (TRD).

The pre-transplant evaluation provides the opportunity to identify conditions that can affect an individual’s ability to have a successful transplant.

Trigger points cause pain at their physical location as well as referred pain to other areas in a specific pattern.

U

This policy outlines the medical necessity criteria for ultrasound use in pregnancy. Ultrasound is the most common fetal imaging tool used today.

The purpose of this policy is to define medical necessity criteria for commonly used urodynamic studies.

V

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been used in the treatment of epilepsy and has been studied for the treatment of refractory depression and other indications.

A ventricular assist device (VAD) is a mechanical pump that helps the heart when it is too weak to pump blood through the body.

W

This policy determines whether special wheelchair seating cushions are medically necessary for the certain indications.

The wireless motility capsule (WMC) assesses gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying.

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Last Updated On: 1/8/2024