Appropriate Procedure Codes Effective for PET Scans for Services Performed on or After January 28, 2005

All PET scan services require the use of a radiopharmaceutical diagnostic imaging agent (tracer). The applicable tracer code should be billed when billing for a PET scan service. See section 60.3.2 below for applicable tracer codes

Procedure Code Description

78459 Myocardial imaging, positron emission tomography (PET), metabolic evaluation

78491 Myocardial imaging, positron emission tomography (PET), perfusion, single study at rest or stress

78492 Myocardial imaging, positron emission tomography (PET), perfusion, multiple studies at rest and/or stress

78608 Brain imaging, positron emission tomography (PET); metabolic evaluation

78811 Tumor imaging, positron emission tomography (PET); limited area (eg, chest, head/neck)

78812 Tumor imaging, positron emission tomography (PET); skull base to mid-thigh

78813 Tumor imaging, positron emission tomography (PET); whole body

78814 Tumor imaging, positron emission tomography (PET) with concurrently acquired computed tomography (CT) for attenuation correction and anatomical localization; limited area (e.g., chest, head/neck)

78815 Tumor imaging, positron emission tomography (PET) with concurrently acquired computed tomography (CT) for attenuation correction and anatomical localization;

78816 Tumor imaging, positron emission tomography (PET) with concurrently acquired computed tomography (CT) for attenuation correction and anatomical localization; whole body

PET/CT

78459 PET MYOCARDIAL VIABILITY
78608 PET BRAIN (METABOLIC EVALUATION)
78814 PET/CT TUMOR IMAGING, LTD. (eg. Chest, Head, Neck)
78815 PET/CT TUMOR IMAGING, SKULL BASE TO MID THIGH
78816 PET/CT TUMOR IMAGING, WHOLE BODY (MELANOMA)
70540 MRI ORBIT, FACE, NECK, SELLA W/O CONTRAST 78816 PET NaF BONE SCAN

Billing and Coding Guidelines

Billing should be submitted using the appropriate billing form and Procedure code for (1) tumor PET imaging (78811, 78812, or 78813), (2) tumor PET/CT imaging (78814, 78815, or 78816), or (3) for brain imaging (78608) when a dedicated brain PET study was done for brain tumor evaluation. The QR modifier is appended to the Procedure code and, for Fiscal Intermediaries (hospital billing), providers must also add the V70.7 diagnosis code in the second diagnosis position on the UB claim form.

Overview

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a minimally invasive diagnostic imaging procedure used to evaluate metabolism in normal tissue as well as in diseased tissues in conditions such as cancer, ischemic heart disease, and some neurologic disorders. A radiopharmaceutical is injected into the patient that gives off sub-atomic particles, known as positrons, as it decays. PET uses a positron camera (tomography) to measure the decay of the radiopharmaceutical. The rate of decay provides biochemical information on the metabolism of the tissue being studied.

Non-Covered

G0219 PET imaging whole body; melanoma for non-covered indications
G0235 PET imaging, any site, not otherwise specified
G0252 PET imaging, full and partial-ring PET scanners only, for initial diagnosis of breast cancer and/or surgical planning for breast cancer (e.g., initial staging of axillary lymph nodes)



Post-Payment Review for PET Scans

As with any claim, but particularly in view of the limitations on this coverage, Medicare may decide to conduct post-payment reviews to determine that the use of PET scans is consistent with coverage instructions. Pet scanning facilities must keep patient record information on file for each Medicare patient for whom a PET scan claim is made. These medical records can be used in any post-payment reviews and must include the information necessary to substantiate the need for the PET scan. These records must include standard information (e.g., age, sex, and height) along with sufficient patient histories to allow determination that the steps required in the coverage instructions were followed. Such information must include, but is not limited to, the date, place and results of previous diagnostic tests (e.g., cytopathology and surgical pathology reports, CT), as well as the results and reports of the PET scan(s) performed at the center. If available, such records should include the prognosis derived from the PET scan, together with information regarding the physician or institution to which the patient proceeded following the scan for treatment or evaluation. The ordering physician is responsible for forwarding appropriate clinical data to the PET scan facility.

Effective for claims received on or after July 1, 2001, CMS no longer requires paper documentation to be submitted up front with PET scan claims. Contractors shall be aware and advise providers of the specific documentation requirements for PET scans for dementia and neurodegenerative diseases. This information is outlined in section 60.12. Documentation requirements such as physician referral and medical necessity determination are to be maintained by the provider as part of the beneficiary’s medical record. This information must be made available to the A/B MAC (A or B) upon  request of additional documentation to determine appropriate payment of an individual claim.

Coverage for PET Scans for Dementia and Neurodegenerative Diseases (Rev. 3227, Issued: 04-02-15, Effective; ASC-X12: January 1, 2012

Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) for Solid Tumors:June 11, 2013, ICD-10: Upon Implementation of ICD-10 Implementation: ASC X12: November 10, 2014 Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) for Solid Tumors: May 19, 2014 – MAC Non-Shared System Edits; July 7, 2014 – CWF development/testing, FISS requirement development; October 6, 2014 – CWF, FISS, MCS Shared System Edits), ICD-10: Upon Implementation of ICD-10)

Effective for dates of service on or after September 15, 2004, Medicare will cover FDG PET scans for a differential diagnosis of fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer’s disease OR; its use in a CMS-approved practical clinical trial focused on the utility of FDG-PET in the diagnosis or treatment of dementing neurodegenerative diseases. Refer to Pub. 100-03, NCD Manual, section 220.6.13, for complete coverage conditions and clinical trial requirements and section 60.15 of this manual for claims processing information.

Modifiers for PET Scans  Effective for claims with dates of service on or after April 3, 2009, the following modifiers have been created for use to inform for the initial treatment strategy of  biopsy-proven or strongly suspected tumors or subsequent treatment strategy of cancerous tumors: PI Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or PET/Computed Tomography (CT)  to inform the initial treatment strategy of tumors that are biopsy proven or strongly suspected of being cancerous based on other diagnostic testing. Short descriptor:  PET tumor init tx strat PS Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or PET/Computed Tomography (CT) to inform the subsequent treatment strategy of cancerous tumors when the  beneficiary’s treatment physician determines that the PET study is needed to inform subsequent anti-tumor strategy. Short descriptor: PS – PET tumor subsq tx strategy

Indications and Limitations of Coverage


B. Nationally Covered Indications

1. FDG PET Requirements for Coverage in the Differential Diagnosis of AD and FTD An FDG PET scan is considered reasonable and necessary in patients with a recent diagnosis of dementia and documented cognitive decline of at least 6 months, who meet diagnostic criteria for both AD and FTD. These patients have been evaluated for specific alternate neurodegenerative diseases or other causative factors, but the cause of the clinical symptoms remains uncertain. The following additional conditions must be met before an FDG PET scan will be covered:

a. The patient’s onset, clinical presentation, or course of cognitive impairment is such that FTD is suspected as an alternative neurodegenerative cause of the cognitive decline. Specifically, symptoms such as social disinhibition, awkwardness, difficulties with language, or loss of executive function are more prominent early in the course of FTD than the memory loss typical of AD;

b. The patient has had a comprehensive clinical evaluation (as defined by the American Academy of Neurology encompassing a medical history from the patient and a wellacquainted informant (including assessment of activities of daily living), physical and mental status examination (including formal documentation of cognitive decline occurring over at least 6 months) aided by cognitive scales or neuropsychological testing, laboratory tests, and structural imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT);

c. The evaluation of the patient has been conducted by a physician experienced in the diagnosis and assessment of dementia;

d. The evaluation of the patient did not clearly determine a specific neurodegenerative disease or other cause for the clinical symptoms, and information available through FDG PET is reasonably expected to help clarify the diagnosis between FTD and AD and help guide future treatment;

e. The FDG PET scan is performed in a facility that has all the accreditation necessary to operate nuclear medicine equipment. The reading of the scan should be done by an expert in nuclear medicine, radiology, neurology, or psychiatry, with experience interpreting such scans in the presence of dementia;

f. A brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or FDG PET scan has not been obtained for the same indication. (The indication can be considered to be different in patients who exhibit important changes in scope or severity of cognitive decline, and meet all other qualifying criteria listed above and below (including the judgment that the likely diagnosis remains uncertain.) The results of a prior SPECT or FDG PET scan must have been inconclusive or, in the case of SPECT, difficult to interpret due to immature or inadequate technology. In these instances, an FDG PET scan may be covered after one year has passed from the time the first SPECT or FDG PET scan was performed.)

g. The referring and billing provider(s) have documented the appropriate evaluation of the Medicare beneficiary. Providers should establish the medical necessity of an FDG PET scan by ensuring that the following information has been collected and is maintained in the beneficiary medical record:

* Date of onset of symptoms;
* Diagnosis of clinical syndrome (normal aging; mild cognitive impairment (MCI); mild, moderate or severe dementia);
* Mini mental status exam (MMSE) or similar test score;
* Presumptive cause (possible, probable, uncertain AD);
* Any neuropsychological testing performed;
* Results of any structural imaging (MRI or CT) performed;
* Relevant laboratory tests (B12, thyroid hormone); and,
* Number and name of prescribed medications.

The billing provider must furnish a copy of the FDG PET scan result for use by CMS and its Medicare Administrative Contractors upon request. These verification requirements are consistent with Federal requirements set forth in 42 Code of Federal Regulations, section 410.32 generally for diagnostic x-ray tests, diagnostic laboratory tests, and other tests. In summary, section 410.32 requires the billing physician and the referring physician to maintain information in the medical record of each patient to demonstrate medical necessity [410.32(d) (2)] and submit the information demonstrating medical necessity to CMS and/or its agents upon request [410.32(d)(3)(I)] (OMB number 0938-0685).

FDG PET Requirements for Coverage in the Context of a CMS-approved Practical Clinical Trial Utilizing a Specific Protocol to Demonstrate the Utility of FDG PET in the Diagnosis, and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Dementing Diseases

An FDG PET scan is considered reasonable and necessary in patients with MCI or early dementia (in clinical circumstances other than those specified in subparagraph 1) only in the context of an approved clinical trial that contains patient safeguards and protections to ensure proper administration, use and evaluation of the FDG PET scan. The clinical trial must compare patients who do and do not receive an FDG PET scan and have as its goal to monitor, evaluate, and improve clinical outcomes. In addition, it must meet the following basic criteria:

a. Written protocol on file;
b. Institutional Review Board review and approval;
c. Scientific review and approval by two or more qualified individuals who are not part of the research team; and,
d. Certification that investigators have not been disqualified.
C. Nationally Non- Covered Indications

All other uses of FDG PET for patients with a presumptive diagnosis of dementia-causing neurodegenerative disease (e.g., possible or probable AD, clinically typical FTD, dementia of Lewy bodies, or Creutzfeld-Jacob disease) for which CMS has not specifically indicated coverage continue to be noncovered.

78813 – PET Scan NCD Manual Section Number:
220.6.17 – Oncologic Conditions
220.6.16 – Infection and Inflammation
78811 – Limited area e.g. Chest, head/neck
78812 – Skull base to mid thigh
78813 – Whole Body
78814 – With CT attenuation (Limited area e.g. Chest, head/neck)
78815 – With CT attenuation (Skull base to mid thigh)
78816 – With CT attenuation (Whole Body)
G0219 – PET imaging whole body, melanoma for non-covered indications
G0235 – PET imaging, any site, not otherwise specified
G0252 – PET imaging, initial diagnosis of breast cancer and/or surgical planning for breast cancer



NOPR Question: Can I code and bill for two oncology PET procedures on the same date of service (SDOS)? 




SNM comment:

The answer is both no and yes. Procedure guidance is clear in the Procedure parenthetical following the PET tumor codes: “report 78811-78816 only once per imaging session”. Therefore, providers may use one Procedure code in the series 78811-78816 when billing PET tumor imaging.

” NO ” : – As an example, it would not be appropriate to code and bill for both a limited bone scan (Procedure 78300) and a whole body study (Procedure 78306). The limited study is considered part of the whole body study. In general, when the AMA RUC (RUC stands for Relative Update Committee) values Procedure codes, it does so on the basis of a typical study (including additional views). Providers should choose the appropriate code to reflect the body area imaged. Even if the brain is included in an extended “skull base to mid thigh” study, the code for brain imaging should not be used in addition to Procedure 78812 or 78815.

“YES” – If a separate brain PET is indicated and requested in addition to a PET or PET/CT body study (Procedure 78811-78816) then it may be appropriate to submit two Procedure codes. An example would be a patient with breast cancer that is metastatic to the brain with a residual enhancing lesion on MRI after stereotactic radiosurgery, and a dedicated brain PET procedure is requested for evaluation of “viable tumor versus radiation necrosis”, and a PET/CT of the skull base to mid thigh is requested for restaging to assess for evidence of progression at other sites. This would be coded as Procedure 78608 with modifier-59 for the brain study and 78815 for the torso study. (If this is a Medicare patient and the site participates in NOPR, then add the QR modifier to the brain study, because brain tumor studies are only covered nationally under NOPR . If this is a Medicare patient and your imaging facility does NOT participate in NOPR, use code G0235 (PET imaging, any site, not otherwise specified ) for Medicare non-covered PET services. If this is a third party other than Medicare check with the payer, for the correct coding could be either Procedure 78608- 59 or the G0235 code.)

Effective for dates of service on or after June 11, 2013, MACs will use the following messages when denying claims in excess of three for PET FDG scans for subsequent treatment strategy when the –KX modifier is not included, identified by Procedure codes 78608, 78811, 78812, 78813, 78814, 78815, or 78816, modifier –PS, HCPCS A9552, and the same cancer diagnosis code:

• Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC) 96: “Non-Covered Charge(s). Note: Refer to the 835 Healthcare Policy Identification Segment (loop 2110 Service Payment Information REF), if present.”

• Remittance Advice Remarks Code (RARC) N435: “Exceeds number/frequency approved/allowed within time period without support documentation.”

• Group Code PR assigning financial liability to the beneficiary, if a claim is received with a GA modifier indicating a signed ABN is on file.

• Group Code CO assigning financial liability to the provider, if a claim is received with a GZ modifier indicating no signed ABN is on file.



Medicare Summary Notices, Remittance Advice Remark Codes, and Claim Adjustment Reason Codes

Effective for claims with dates of service on or after February 26, 2010, contractors shall return as unprocessable NaF-18 PET oncologic claims billed with modifier TC or globally (for A/B MACs (A) modifier TC or globally does not apply) and HCPCS A9580 to inform the initial treatment strategy or subsequent treatment strategy for bone metastasis that do not include ALL of the following:

• PI or PS modifier AND

• PET or PET/CT Procedure code (78811, 78812, 78813, 78814, 78815, 78816) AND

• Cancer diagnosis code AND

• Q0 modifier – Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study, are present on the claim.

NOTE: For institutional claims, continue to include ICD-9 diagnosis code V70.7 or ICD-10 diagnosis code Z00.6 and condition code 30 to denote a clinical study.


 Billing for A/B MACs

PET claims billed to inform initial treatment strategy with the following Procedure codes AND modifier –PI: 78608, 78811, 78812, 78813, 78814, 78815, 78816.

Effective for claims with dates of service on or after April 3, 2009, contractors shall accept FDG PET claims with modifier –PS for the subsequent treatment strategy for solid tumors using a Procedure code above AND a cancer diagnosis code.

Contractors shall also accept FDG PET claims billed to inform initial treatment strategy or subsequent treatment strategy when performed under CED with one of the PET or PET/CT Procedure codes above AND modifier -PI OR modifier -PS AND a cancer diagnosis code AND modifier -Q0/Q1. Effective for services performed on or after June 11, 2013, the CED requirement has ended and modifier -Q0/-Q1, along with condition code 30 (institutional claims only), or V70.7 (both institutional and practitioner claims) are no longer required

Effective for dates of service on or after June 11, 2013, contractors shall use the following messages when denying claims in excess of three for PET FDG scans for subsequent treatment strategy when the –KX modifier is not included, identified by Procedure codes 78608, 78811, 78812, 78813, 78814, 78815, or 78816, modifier –PS, HCPCS A9552, and the same cancer diagnosis code.

CARC 96: “Non-Covered Charge(s). Note: Refer to the 835 Healthcare Policy Identification Segment (loop 2110 Service Payment Information REF), if present.”

RARC N435: “Exceeds number/frequency approved/allowed within time period without support documentation.”

MSN 23.17: “Medicare won’t cover these services because they are not considered medically necessary.” Spanish Version: “Medicare no cubrirá estos servicios porque no son considerados necesarios por razones médicas.”

Contractors shall use Group Code PR assigning financial liability to the beneficiary, if a claim is received with a GA modifier indicating a signed ABN is on file.

COVERAGE Guideline from BCBS:

Laser-assisted tympanostomy (includes PET insertion) is considered medically necessary in patients with chronic otitis who meet criteria for conventional insertion of a PET.

Laser-assisted myringotomy (does not include PET insertion) is considered not medically necessary as a treatment of acute otitis media.

Laser-assisted myringotomy is considered experimental or investigational as an alternative to tympanostomy.

NOTE:

Myringotomy and tympanostomy are terms used interchangeably to describe an opening in the tympanic membrane.

In this policy, myringotomy will be used to describe a temporary opening in the tympanic membrane without insertion of a PET, and tympanostomy will be used to describe an opening in the tympanic membrane in conjunction with insertion of a PET.

This categorization is consistent with the CPT coding of these two procedures.

DESCRIPTION:

Insertion of a PET is indicated for continuous middle ear aeration in patients with chronic otitis media with effusion (OME). It is estimated that some 27 million cases of otitis media occur each year and that 1,000,000 children undergo PET insertion each year, making this procedure the most frequently performed pediatric surgery requiring anesthesia. Nevertheless, since conventional PET requires general anesthesia, it is typically not considered unless multiple courses of antibiotics fail to clear the infection and resolve the effusion. Myringotomy alone is less frequently performed. Since a conventional incision typically closes up within 1 or 2 days it cannot be used for prolonged ventilation of the middle ear. Myringotomies can be used to acutely decompress the ear and thus relieve pain. In addition, aspiration of fluid can be used for diagnostic purposes to determine whether the fluid is sterile and, if not, to assess antibiotic sensitivities.

Recently, laser-assisted procedures have become available, not only to perform myringotomies, but also to perform tympanostomies with PET insertion. Laser-assisted procedures can be performed in the pediatrician’s office using only local anesthesia. For example, the tympanic membrane may be anesthetized using topical tetracaine. A video monitor is used to pinpoint the exact location for the hole, and the precise size of the hole is programmed into the computer. A CO-2 flashscanner laser requires one tenth of a second to create a bloodless opening in the tympanic membrane. A PET tube may be inserted, if desired, under microscopic control. OtoLam® is a laser device approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that is intended to be used as a technique for performing myringotomies and tympanostomies.

As a surgical tool, the laser-assisted approach is an alternative to conventional myringotomy and tympanostomy. However, the opening created by a laser-assisted myringotomy may remain patent for a longer period of time (3–4 weeks) compared to conventional myringotomies (several days). Thus a laser-assisted myringotomy could be potentially considered an alternative to a conventional tympanostomy with PET insertion, a unique indication.

RATIONALE:

Chronic Otitis Media

A literature review identified two articles focusing on laser-assisted procedures in patients with chronic otitis media. Brodsky and colleagues reported on a case series of 54 patients (96 ears), aged 6 months to 23 years, who met criteria for insertion of a pressure equalizing tube (PET). These criteria included recurrent otitis media, chronic otitis media with effusion, or eustachian tube dysfunction. All patients had failed medical management. All procedures were performed in the office with the use of topical anesthesia. Pain was described as “absent” in 39%, “tolerable” in 30%, and “severe” in 30% immediately after the procedure. Within 5 minutes the pain was reported “absent” in 75%, “tolerable” in 22%, and“severe” in 5%. Ninety-two percent of parents were highly satisfied with the procedure as an alternative to PET insertion using general anesthesia. The average time of the procedure was 8.57 minutes. The authors concluded that office-based laser-assisted tympanostomy with PET insertion is possible in a broad range of patients. The advantage of the laser-assisted approach is the fact that it can be performed without the need for general anesthesia.

Silverstein and colleagues reported on a case series of 30 patients (39 ears) with persistent serous otitis media who underwent a laser- assisted myringotomy without insertion of a pressure equalizing tube. Thus the laser-assisted approach was an alternative to PET insertion, a unique indication. The otitis media was cured in 31 ears after the first treatment and in 1 patient after two treatments for an overall success rate of 75%. Four patients (5 ears) eventually required PET insertion. The patency time (i.e., time for the myringotomy to heal) averaged 3.17 weeks. All but 2 myringotomies healed without scarring.

As addressed in the discussion section, a laser-assisted myringotomy is a unique procedure when it is considered an alternative to a conventional tympanostomy with tube insertion. The minimal time of aeration leading to resolution of chronic otitis media, while also reducing the risk of recurrent disease, is not precisely known. In the above study, laser-assisted myringotomies remained patent for an average of 3.17 weeks. In contrast, short-term PETs typically remain functional for 6–12 months, depending on the type of tube. The length of follow-up in the above study was not provided, so it cannot be determined how the long-term outcomes associated with laser-assisted myringotomy compare to conventional PET insertion. Silverstein and colleagues recommend that patients who fail short-term aeration with a laser-assisted myringotomy undergo a subsequent tympanostomy with PET insertion, although this treatment hierarchy was not a specific focus of the study.


Acute Otitis Media

Surgical aeration of the middle ear is indicated to acutely relieve pressure and to restore hearing. Symptoms suggestive of acute otitis media are ear pain, irritability, sleepiness in conjunction with bulging immobility of the tympanic membrane, erythema, loss of landmarks, and TM exudate. Conventional treatment of acute otitis media includes antibiotics. Problematic patients are those who continue to be symptomatic despite antibiotic therapy. Many times these patients may receive several courses of empirically chosen antibiotics. Laser-assisted myringotomy has been proposed as a technique to simultaneously provide an accurate diagnosis with the culture results used to select an appropriate antibiotic. However, this unique role of myringotomy has not been the subject of a peer- reviewed article and it is not known whether the use of the laser procedure provides any advantage compared to the conventional office- based procedure using a myringotomy knife.

PRICING:

There are no specific CPT codes for laser-assisted tympanostomy and myringotomy.

NOTE:

There will be no additional reimbursement for any of these procedures performed as “laser assisted”.

Covered ICD 10 CODE


Code Description

A18.84 Tuberculosis of heart
I06.0 Rheumatic aortic stenosis
I06.1 Rheumatic aortic insufficiency
I06.2 Rheumatic aortic stenosis with insufficiency
I06.8 Other rheumatic aortic valve diseases
I06.9 Rheumatic aortic valve disease, unspecified
I08.0 Rheumatic disorders of both mitral and aortic valves
I08.8 Other rheumatic multiple valve diseases
I08.9 Rheumatic multiple valve disease, unspecified
I20.0 Unstable angina
I20.1 Angina pectoris with documented spasm
I20.8 Other forms of angina pectoris
I20.9 Angina pectoris, unspecified
I21.01
ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving left main
coronary artery
I21.02
ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving left anterior
descending coronary artery
I21.09
ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving other coronary
artery of anterior wall
I21.11
ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving right coronary
artery
I21.19
ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving other coronary
artery of inferior wall
I21.21
ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving left circumflex
coronary artery
I21.29 ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving other sites
I21.3 ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction of unspecified site
I21.4 Non-ST elevation (NSTEMI) myocardial infarction
I22.0
Subsequent ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction of anterior
wall
I22.1 Subsequent ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction of inferior wall
I22.2 Subsequent non-ST elevation (NSTEMI) myocardial infarction
I22.8 Subsequent ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction of other sites
I22.9
Subsequent ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction of unspecified
site
I23.0
Hemopericardium as current complication following acute myocardial
infarction
I23.1
Atrial septal defect as current complication following acute
myocardial infarction
I23.2
Ventricular septal defect as current complication following acute
myocardial infarction
Code Description
I23.3
Rupture of cardiac wall without hemopericardium as current
complication following acute myocardial infarction
I23.6
Thrombosis of atrium, auricular appendage, and ventricle as current
complications following acute myocardial infarction
I23.7 Postinfarction angina
I23.8 Other current complications following acute myocardial infarction
I24.0 Acute coronary thrombosis not resulting in myocardial infarction
I24.1 Dressler’s syndrome
I24.8 Other forms of acute ischemic heart disease
I24.9 Acute ischemic heart disease, unspecified
I25.10
Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery without
angina pectoris
I25.110
Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery with unstable
angina pectoris
I25.111
Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery with angina
pectoris with documented spasm
I25.118
Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery with other
forms of angina pectoris
I25.119
Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery with
unspecified angina pectoris
I25.2 Old myocardial infarction
I25.3 Aneurysm of heart
I25.41 Coronary artery aneurysm
I25.42 Coronary artery dissection
I25.5 Ischemic cardiomyopathy
I25.6 Silent myocardial ischemia
I25.700
Atherosclerosis of coronary artery bypass graft(s), unspecified, with
unstable angina pectoris
I25.701
Atherosclerosis of coronary artery bypass graft(s), unspecified, with
angina pectoris with documented spasm
I25.708
Atherosclerosis of coronary artery bypass graft(s), unspecified, with
other forms of angina pectoris
I25.709
Atherosclerosis of coronary artery bypass graft(s), unspecified, with
unspecified angina pectoris
I25.710
Atherosclerosis of autologous vein coronary artery bypass graft(s)
with unstable angina pectoris
I25.711
Atherosclerosis of autologous vein coronary artery bypass graft(s)
with angina pectoris with documented spasm
I25.718
Atherosclerosis of autologous vein coronary artery bypass graft(s)
with other forms of angina pectoris
I25.719
Atherosclerosis of autologous vein coronary artery bypass graft(s)
with unspecified angina pectoris
I25.720
Atherosclerosis of autologous artery coronary artery bypass graft(s)
with unstable angina pectoris
Code Description
I25.721
Atherosclerosis of autologous artery coronary artery bypass graft(s)
with angina pectoris with documented spasm
I25.728
Atherosclerosis of autologous artery coronary artery bypass graft(s)
with other forms of angina pectoris
I25.729
Atherosclerosis of autologous artery coronary artery bypass graft(s)
with unspecified angina pectoris
I25.730
Atherosclerosis of nonautologous biological coronary artery bypass
graft(s) with unstable angina pectoris
I25.731
Atherosclerosis of nonautologous biological coronary artery bypass
graft(s) with angina pectoris with documented spasm
I25.738
Atherosclerosis of nonautologous biological coronary artery bypass
graft(s) with other forms of angina pectoris
I25.739
Atherosclerosis of nonautologous biological coronary artery bypass
graft(s) with unspecified angina pectoris
I25.750
Atherosclerosis of native coronary artery of transplanted heart with
unstable angina
I25.751
Atherosclerosis of native coronary artery of transplanted heart with
angina pectoris with documented spasm
I25.758
Atherosclerosis of native coronary artery of transplanted heart with
other forms of angina pectoris
I25.759
Atherosclerosis of native coronary artery of transplanted heart with
unspecified angina pectoris
I25.760
Atherosclerosis of bypass graft of coronary artery of transplanted
heart with unstable angina
I25.761
Atherosclerosis of bypass graft of coronary artery of transplanted
heart with angina pectoris with documented spasm
I25.768
Atherosclerosis of bypass graft of coronary artery of transplanted
heart with other forms of angina pectoris
I25.769
Atherosclerosis of bypass graft of coronary artery of transplanted
heart with unspecified angina pectoris
I25.790
Atherosclerosis of other coronary artery bypass graft(s) with unstable
angina pectoris
I25.791
Atherosclerosis of other coronary artery bypass graft(s) with angina
pectoris with documented spasm
I25.798
Atherosclerosis of other coronary artery bypass graft(s) with other
forms of angina pectoris
I25.799
Atherosclerosis of other coronary artery bypass graft(s) with
unspecified angina pectoris
I25.810
Atherosclerosis of coronary artery bypass graft(s) without angina
pectoris
I25.811
Atherosclerosis of native coronary artery of transplanted heart
without angina pectoris
I25.812
Atherosclerosis of bypass graft of coronary artery of transplanted
heart without angina pectoris
I25.82 Chronic total occlusion of coronary artery
Code Description
I25.83 Coronary atherosclerosis due to lipid rich plaque
I25.84 Coronary atherosclerosis due to calcified coronary lesion
I25.89 Other forms of chronic ischemic heart disease
I25.9 Chronic ischemic heart disease, unspecified
I35.0 Nonrheumatic aortic (valve) stenosis
I35.1 Nonrheumatic aortic (valve) insufficiency
I35.2 Nonrheumatic aortic (valve) stenosis with insufficiency
I35.8 Other nonrheumatic aortic valve disorders
I35.9 Nonrheumatic aortic valve disorder, unspecified
I42.0 Dilated cardiomyopathy
I42.1 Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
I42.2 Other hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
I42.5 Other restrictive cardiomyopathy
I42.6 Alcoholic cardiomyopathy
I42.7 Cardiomyopathy due to drug and external agent
I42.8 Other cardiomyopathies
I42.9 Cardiomyopathy, unspecified
I43 Cardiomyopathy in diseases classified elsewhere
I44.0 Atrioventricular block, first degree
I44.1 Atrioventricular block, second degree
I44.2 Atrioventricular block, complete
I44.30 Unspecified atrioventricular block
I44.4 Left anterior fascicular block
I44.5 Left posterior fascicular block
I44.60 Unspecified fascicular block
I44.69 Other fascicular block
I44.7 Left bundle-branch block, unspecified
I45.2 Bifascicular block
I45.6 Pre-excitation syndrome
I47.0 Re-entry ventricular arrhythmia
I47.1 Supraventricular tachycardia
I47.2 Ventricular tachycardia
I47.9 Paroxysmal tachycardia, unspecified
I48.0 Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
I48.1 Persistent atrial fibrillation
I48.2 Chronic atrial fibrillation
I48.3 Typical atrial flutter
I48.4 Atypical atrial flutter
I48.91 Unspecified atrial fibrillation
I48.92 Unspecified atrial flutter
I49.2 Junctional premature depolarization
I49.9 Cardiac arrhythmia, unspecified
I50.20 Unspecified systolic (congestive) heart failure
I50.21 Acute systolic (congestive) heart failure
I50.22 Chronic systolic (congestive) heart failure
I50.23 Acute on chronic systolic (congestive) heart failure
Code Description
I50.30 Unspecified diastolic (congestive) heart failure
I50.31 Acute diastolic (congestive) heart failure
I50.32 Chronic diastolic (congestive) heart failure
I50.33 Acute on chronic diastolic (congestive) heart failure
I50.40
Unspecified combined systolic (congestive) and diastolic (congestive)
heart failure
I50.41
Acute combined systolic (congestive) and diastolic (congestive) heart
failure
I50.42
Chronic combined systolic (congestive) and diastolic (congestive)
heart failure
I50.43
Acute on chronic combined systolic (congestive) and diastolic
(congestive) heart failure
I50.9 Heart failure, unspecified
I51.0 Cardiac septal defect, acquired
I51.3 Intracardiac thrombosis, not elsewhere classified
I51.81 Takotsubo syndrome
I97.0 Postcardiotomy syndrome
I97.110 Postprocedural cardiac insufficiency following cardiac surgery
I97.111 Postprocedural cardiac insufficiency following other surgery
I97.120 Postprocedural cardiac arrest following cardiac surgery
I97.121 Postprocedural cardiac arrest following other surgery
I97.130 Postprocedural heart failure following cardiac surgery
I97.131 Postprocedural heart failure following other surgery
I97.190
Other postprocedural cardiac functional disturbances following
cardiac surgery
I97.191
Other postprocedural cardiac functional disturbances following other
surgery
Q23.1 Congenital insufficiency of aortic valve
Q24.5 Malformation of coronary vessels
Q25.2 Atresia of aorta
Q25.3 Supravalvular aortic stenosis
R06.02 Shortness of breath
R07.1 Chest pain on breathing
R07.2 Precordial pain
R07.81 Pleurodynia
R07.82 Intercostal pain
R07.89 Other chest pain
R07.9 Chest pain, unspecified
R55 Syncope and collapse
R57.0 Cardiogenic shock
R68.89 Other general symptoms and signs
R94.30 Abnormal result of cardiovascular function study, unspecified
R94.31 Abnormal electrocardiogram [ECG] [EKG]
R94.39 Abnormal result of other cardiovascular function study
Z01.810 Encounter for preprocedural cardiovascular examination
Code Description
Z03.89
Encounter for observation for other suspected diseases and
conditions ruled out
Z48.21 Encounter for aftercare following heart transplant
Z48.280 Encounter for aftercare following heart-lung transplant
Z82.41 Family history of sudden cardiac death
Z82.49
Family history of ischemic heart disease and other diseases of the
circulatory system
Z94.1 Heart transplant status
Z94.3 Heart and lungs transplant status
Z95.1 Presence of aortocoronary bypass graft
Z95.3 Presence of xenogenic heart valve
Z95.4 Presence of other heart-valve replacement
Z95.5 Presence of coronary angioplasty implant and graft
Z98.61 Coronary angioplasty status
Z98.89 Other specified postprocedural states



Medicare Guidelines for PET scan




Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scans – General Information

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a noninvasive imaging procedure that assesses perfusion and the level of metabolic activity in various organ systems of the human body.

A positron camera (tomograph) is used to produce cross-sectional tomographic images which are obtained by detecting radioactivity from a radioactive tracer substance (radiopharmaceutical) that emits a radioactive tracer substance (radiopharmaceutical FDG) such as 2 –[F-18] flouro-D-glucose FDG, that is administered intravenously to the patient.

The Medicare National Coverage Determinations (NCD) Manual, chapter 1, §220.6, contains additional coverage instructions to indicate the conditions under which a PET scan is performed

For all uses of PET, excluding Rubidium 82 for perfusion of the heart, myocardial viability and refractory seizures, the following definitions apply

Diagnosis: PET is covered only in clinical situations in which the PET results may assist in avoiding an invasive diagnostic procedure, or in which the PET results may assist in determining the optimal anatomical location to perform an invasive diagnostic procedure. In general, for most solid tumors, a tissue diagnosis is made prior to the performance of PET scanning. PET scans following a tissue diagnosis are generally performed for the purpose of staging, rather than diagnosis. Therefore, the use of PET in the diagnosis of lymphoma, esophageal and colorectal cancers, as well as in melanoma, should be rare. PET is not covered for other diagnostic uses, and is not covered for screening (testing of patients without specific signs and symptoms of disease).

Staging: PET is covered in clinical situations in which (1) (a) the stage of the cancer remains in doubt after completion of a standard diagnostic workup, including conventional imaging (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or ultrasound) or, (b) the use of PET would also be considered reasonable and necessary if it could potentially replace one or more conventional imaging studies when it is expected that conventional study information is insufficient for the clinical management of the patient and, (2) clinical management of the patient would differ depending on the stage of the cancer identified.

Restaging: PET will be covered for restaging: (1) after the completion of treatment for the purpose of detecting residual disease, (2) for detecting suspected recurrence, or metastasis, (3) to determine the extent of a known recurrence, or (4) if it could potentially replace one or more conventional imaging studies when it is expected that conventional study information is to determine the extent of a known recurrence, or if study information is insufficient for the clinical management of the patient. Restaging applies to testing after a course of treatment is completed and is covered subject to the
conditions above.

Monitoring: Use of PET to monitor tumor response to treatment during the planned course of therapy (i.e., when a change in therapy is anticipated).

For staging and restaging: PET is covered in either/or both of the following circumstances

• The stage of the cancer remains in doubt after completion of a standard diagnostic workup, including conventional imaging (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or ultrasound); and/or

• The clinical management of the patient would differ depending on the stage of the cancer identified. PET will be covered for restaging after the completion of treatment for the purpose of detecting residual disease, for detecting suspected recurrence, or to determine the extent of a known recurrence. Use of PET would also be considered reasonable and necessary if it could potentially replace one or more conventional imaging studies when it is expected that conventional study information is insufficient for the clinical management of the patient.

The PET is not covered for other diagnostic uses, and is not covered for screening (testing of patients without specific symptoms). Use of PET to monitor tumor response during the planned course of therapy (i.e., when no change in therapy is being contemplated) is not covered.

• The stage of the cancer remains in doubt after completion of a standard diagnostic workup, including conventional imaging (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or ultrasound); and/or

• The clinical management of the patient would differ depending on the stage of the cancer identified. PET will be covered for restaging after the completion of treatment for the purpose of detecting residual disease, for detecting suspected recurrence, or to determine the extent of a known recurrence. Use of PET would also be considered reasonable and necessary if it could potentially replace one or more conventional imaging studies when it is expected that conventional study information is insufficient for the clinical management of the patient.

The PET is not covered for other diagnostic uses, and is not covered for screening (testing of patients without specific symptoms). Use of PET to monitor tumor response during the planned course of therapy (i.e., when no change in therapy is being contemplated) is not covered

Billing and Payment Instructions or Responsibilities for A/B MACs (B)

Claims for PET scan services must be billed using the ASC X12 837 professional claim format or on Form-CMS 1500 with the appropriate HCPCS or CPT code and diagnosis codes to the A/B MAC (B). Effective for claims received on or after July 1, 2001, PET modifiers were discontinued and are no longer a claims processing requirement for PET scan claims. Therefore, July 1, 2001, and after the MSN messages regarding the use of PET modifiers can be discontinued. The type of service (TOS) for the new PET scan procedure codes is TOS 4, Diagnostic Radiology. Payment is based on the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

Billing and Payment Instructions or Responsibilities for A/B MACs (A)

Claims for PET scan procedures must be billed to the A/B MAC (A) on the ASC X12 837 institutional claim format or on Form CMS-1450 with the appropriate diagnosis and HCPCS “G” code or CPT code to indicate the conditions under which a PET scan was done. These codes represent the technical component costs associated with these procedures when furnished to hospital and SNF outpatients. They are paid as follows:

• under OPPS for hospitals subject to OPPS

• under current payment methodologies for hospitals not subject to OPPS

• on a reasonable cost basis for critical access hospitals.

• on a reasonable cost basis for skilled nursing facilities.

Institutional providers bill these codes under Revenue Code 0404 (PET Scan). Medicare contractors shall pay claims submitted for services provided by a critical access hospital (CAH) as follows: Method I technical services are paid at 101% of reasonable cost; Method II technical services are paid at 101% of reasonable cost, and professional services are paid at 115% of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Data Base.

Frequency

In the absence of national frequency limitations, for all indications covered on and after July 1, 2001, contractors can, if necessary, develop frequency limitations on any or all covered PET scan services


Post-Payment Review for PET Scans

As with any claim, but particularly in view of the limitations on this coverage, Medicare may decide to conduct post-payment reviews to determine that the use of PET scans is consistent with coverage instructions. Pet scanning facilities must keep patient record information on file for each Medicare patient for whom a PET scan claim is made. These medical records can be used in any post-payment reviews and must include the information necessary to substantiate the need for the PET scan. These records must include standard information (e.g., age, sex, and height) along with sufficient patient histories to allow determination that the steps required in the coverage instructions were followed. Such information must include, but is not limited to, the date, place and results of previous diagnostic tests (e.g., cytopathology and surgical pathology reports, CT), as well as the results and reports of the PET scan(s) performed at the center. If available, such records should include the prognosis derived from the PET scan, together with

information regarding the physician or institution to which the patient proceeded following the scan for treatment or evaluation. The ordering physician is responsible for forwarding appropriate clinical data to the PET scan facility.

Effective for claims received on or after July 1, 2001, CMS no longer requires paper documentation to be submitted up front with PET scan claims. Contractors shall be aware and advise providers of the specific documentation requirements for PET scans for dementia and neurodegenerative diseases. This information is outlined in section 60.12.Documentation requirements such as physician referral and medical necessity determination are to be maintained by the provider as part of the beneficiary’s medical record. This information must be made available to the A/B MAC (A or B) upon request of additional documentation to determine appropriate payment of an individual claim.