Does K55.039 require prior authorization?

No, K55.039 does not require prior authorization (high confidence). Code is covered without prior authorization.

`K55.039` — Acute (reversible) ischemia of large intestine, extent unspecified

ICD-10-CM

No Prior Auth Required

Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)

The medical record must document the medical reasonableness, necessity, and clinical frequency of the diagnostic colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy and be available to the Contractor upon request.
Documentation must indicate the precise areas scoped and the depth reached during colonoscopy.
Refer to associated LCD L34614 and Medicare IOM for additional coverage and documentation guidance for colorectal cancer screening procedures.
This billing and coding article provides guidelines that complement Local Coverage Determination L34415 for CT of the abdomen and pelvis; consult LCD L34415 for specific coverage indications, limitations, and documentation requirements.

Diagnostic colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is covered to directly visualize the lower gastrointestinal tract (colon, rectum, sigmoid) to detect polyps, tumors, or other intestinal lesions.
Diagnostic colonoscopy is covered when identification of the site of pathology and/or obtaining a biopsy during the procedure is clinically indicated.
A follow-on screening colonoscopy is covered after a positive covered blood-based biomarker noninvasive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test per NCD 210.3, effective 2025-01-01.
Colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy/proctosigmoidoscopy is covered for surveillance of colonic neoplasia in patients with a history of colorectal cancer or colonic polyps.
A follow-up procedure is covered 1 year after surgery for treatment of colorectal cancer when the patient is identified as high-risk for colon cancer and is eligible for continued screenings.
MRA is covered to evaluate blood flow in the internal carotid vessels of the head and neck.

A57590 — Billing and Coding: Non-Coronary Vascular Stents

J05

A56394 — Billing and Coding: Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy-Diagnostic

J05

L34614 — Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy-Diagnostic

J05

L35755 — Non-Invasive Abdominal / Visceral Vascular Studies

J05

L35998

Ask Verity about documentation requirements, denial risks, or coverage in your state.