A81.89 — Other atypical virus infections of central nervous system
ICD-10-CM
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Documentation Required
- This article provides billing/coding guidelines that complement Local Coverage Determination L34417 for CT of the head; consult LCD L34417 for specific coverage, coding, and documentation requirements.
- Medical records must include history and physical notes, laboratory results, and documentation of signs and symptoms that warrant the head/neck diagnostic imaging.
- Accurate HCPCS/CPT coding must be submitted to differentiate CT and MRI scans from other radiology services and to support coverage determinations.
- Documentation and supporting information must be available to Medicare upon request.
Key Coverage Criteria
- CT or MRI scans of the head or neck are covered when the medical record documents the scan is reasonable and necessary for diagnostic evaluation.
- Coverage requires documentation supporting clinical indication such as history and physical exam findings, laboratory results, and signs or symptoms that justify the diagnostic test.
- Initial lumbar MRI is covered when the test is medically reasonable and necessary and the medical record documents clinical rationale and supports the ICD-10-CM code(s) billed.
- A second lumbar MRI for the same patient is allowable when documentation shows comparative test results are needed to make a more definitive treatment decision.
- Multiple scans of different body areas performed on the same day for the same patient are payable when each scan is reasonable and necessary.
- T82.535S | Leakage of umbrella device, sequela
10 Active Policies
A57207 — Billing and Coding: Lumbar MRI
A57215 — Billing and Coding: MRI and CT Scans of the Head and Neck
A56612 — Billing and Coding: CT of the Head
A57204 — Billing and Coding: MRI and CT Scans of the Head and Neck
A57206 — Billing and Coding: Lumbar MRI
Related Codes
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