WPS Medicare and Nerve Block for Peripheral Neuropathy (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska)

WPS Medicare and Nerve Block for Peripheral Neuropathy (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska)

by abilling, October 31, 2012

Policy Update effective 10/16/2012 for Nerve Blocks for Peripheral Neuropathy:

                                            

Indications and Limitations of Coverage and/or Medical Necessity

Nerve blocks cause the temporary interruption of conduction of impulses in peripheral nerves or nerve trunks by the injection of local anesthesia solutions.

The use of nerve blocks or injections for the treatment of multiple neuropathies or peripheral neuropathies caused by underlying systemic diseases is not considered medically necessary.  Medical management using systemic medications is clinically indicated for the treatment of these conditions.

At present, the literature and scientific evidence supporting the use of peripheral nerve blocks or injections in multiple neuropathies or underlying systemic diseases that are producing peripheral neuropathies, especially for the Medicare population, is insufficient to warrant coverage.  These procedures are considered investigational, and are not eligible for coverage for the treatment of multiple neuropathies or peripheral neuropathies caused by underlying systemic diseases.

Please refer to the following link to review the entire Policy:

http://www.wpsmedicare.com/j5macpartb/policy/draft/dl32565_neuro011_draft.shtml

 

As a reminder, signed ABNs are required to collect for any procedures/services denied not medically necessary.

 

 

abinsights Contact Information

abinsights readers are invited to submit comments, questions, tips, and suggestions for articles on any subject related to billing, collections, coding, reimbursement, and compliance.  Send to:  Anesthesia Billing, Inc.,     P O Box 388, Newton, KS  67114-0388.  Phone 316-281-3700.  Fax 316-282-4322.

Our purpose is to help you meet inevitable challenges.  We hope to deliver practical knowledge and solutions drawn from top resources and business publications in every issue, knowledge you can use today.

Reasonable attempts have been made to be accurate.  However, medical billing, collections, coding and compliance are part science, part art, and even experts sometimes differ.  Neither Anesthesia Billing, Inc., the editors, publisher, contributors, or consultants warrant or guarantee the information contained will be applicable or appropriate in all situations.  For information specific to your practice, consult a qualified professional.

The information included in this publication is provided, among other things, to alert you to legal developments and should not be considered legal advice.  Specific questions about how this information affects your particular situation should be addressed to your attorney.

Editor:  Philip Blann (pblann@anesthesiabilling.com).

No Comments


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

*