M24.19 — Other articular cartilage disorders, other specified site
ICD-10-CM
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
No active coverage policies found for this code (low confidence)
Documentation Required
- Patient record must document BMI >= 35, at least one obesity-related comorbidity, and a primary diagnosis of morbid obesity (ICD-10-CM E66.01) for bariatric surgery claims.
- Documentation of prior conservative medical treatment: active participation within the 12 months prior to surgery in a physician- or healthcare professional-supervised weight-management program for a minimum of four consecutive months with monthly documentation of weight and BMI, current dietary regimen, and physical activity.
- A thorough multidisciplinary evaluation within the previous 6 months must include: (a) surgeon evaluation recommending the procedure and describing the proposed procedure, (b) separate non-surgeon physician medical evaluation with recommendation and medical clearance, (c) mental health/psychosocial clearance including a statement on motivation and ability to follow post-surgical requirements, and (d) nutritional evaluation by a physician or registered dietician.
Key Coverage Criteria
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is covered when the beneficiary has BMI >= 35 and at least one obesity-related comorbidity, has documented failure of reasonable non-invasive/non-surgical treatments with compliance, and has completed the required multidisciplinary evaluation within the previous 6 months.
- Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) or gastric reduction duodenal switch (BPD/GRDS) is covered when the beneficiary has BMI >= 35 and at least one obesity-related comorbidity, has documented failure of reasonable non-invasive/non-surgical treatments with compliance, and has completed the required multidisciplinary evaluation within the previous 6 months.
- Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (AGB) is covered when the beneficiary has BMI >= 35 and at least one obesity-related comorbidity, has documented failure of reasonable non-invasive/non-surgical treatments with compliance, and has completed the required multidisciplinary evaluation within the previous 6 months.
- Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is covered when the beneficiary has BMI >= 35 and at least one obesity-related comorbidity, has documented failure of reasonable non-invasive/non-surgical treatments with compliance, and has completed the required multidisciplinary evaluation within the previous 6 months.
- Occupational therapy is covered for patients with migraine (G43.xx) who require training to reduce pain during basic and instrumental activities of daily living, typically completed in 3–4 sessions.
- Electrical stimulation (attended CPT 97032 or unattended HCPCS G0283) may be covered as part of a therapy plan of care to improve function when the nerve supply to the muscle is intact and atrophy is due to non-neurological disuse (e.g., post-casting, splinting, soft-tissue scarring).
20 Active Policies
A54923 — Billing and Coding: Bariatric Surgery for Treatment of Co-Morbidities Conditions Related to Morbid Obesity
J05
L39624 — Amniotic and Placental Derived Product Injections and/or Applications for Musculoskeletal Indications, Non-Wound
J05
A59434 — Billing and Coding: Amniotic and Placental-Derived Product Injections and/or Applications for Musculoskeletal Indications, Non-Wound
J05
A58893 — Billing and Coding: Amniotic and Placental-Derived Product Injections and/or Applications for Musculoskeletal Indications, Non-Wound
J06
Related Codes
Have a follow-up question?
Ask Verity about documentation requirements, denial risks, or coverage in your state.