Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Medicare Pricing
Work RVU
0.00
Facility
$12.02
Non-Facility
$12.02
Documentation Required
Documentation of response to any treatments given, including validated outcome measures where applicable (fatigue scales, SF-36, CIS-fatigue, etc.) and any adverse events.
Mental status examination to identify abnormalities in mood, intellectual function, memory and personality; if psychiatric/neurologic/cognitive disorder is suspected, obtain an appropriate psychiatric, psychological, or neurological evaluation: "Evidence of psychiatric, neurologic or cognitive disorder requires that an appropriate psychiatric, psychological, or neurological evaluation be done."
Documentation that the patient meets clinical case definition criteria (e.g., CDC/Fukuda criteria): "Patients with CFS must have clinically evaluated, unexplained, persistent, or relapsing fatigue plus four or more specifically defined associated symptoms."
Key Coverage Criteria
Evaluation of members suspected of having chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Aetna considers the following as medically necessary exclusionary tests to be used for the evaluation of members suspected of having chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) as recommended by the National Institutes of Health. The selection of studies depends on the specific characteristics of a given case:
Ask Verity about documentation requirements, denial risks, or coverage in your state.
Keep temperature and weight records as part of the evaluation (per UpToDate guidance): "After a thorough history and physical examination, the patient is asked to keep temperature and weight records..."
Results of the recommended limited laboratory testing when performed: "complete blood count with differential count," "erythrocyte sedimentation rate," "chemistry screen," "thyroid stimulating hormone level," ‘‘anti-nuclear antibodies,’’ and "urinalysis," and documented indication/results for any additional tests performed (rheumatoid factor, immunoglobulin levels, tuberculin skin test, Lyme serology if endemic area, HIV serology, MRI head if indicated, polysomnography if indicated).
Clinical notes documenting rationale when additional or non-standard tests are ordered, and documentation of informed consent or patient education when experimental/investigational therapies are considered.