M49.81 — Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, occipito-atlanto-axial region
ICD-10-CM
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
No active coverage policies found for this code (low confidence)
Documentation Required
- When billing J7999-KD, enter the name and total dose (mg or mcg) of each drug in Box 19 of the CMS-1500 or the appropriate electronic comment loop; if Box 19 cannot accommodate all information, attach the details to the paper claim.
- If a portion of a single-dose vial is not used, submit the HCPCS code for the drug on a separate claim line and append modifier JW to indicate discarded/unused portion.
- Separate payment may be made for pump refilling and/or adjustments; submit these services using the appropriate drug refill or maintenance CPT/HCPCS code that accurately describes the service rendered.
- Compounded drugs are priced by the A/B MAC contractor by multiplying the contractor's price per mcg or mg by the total number of mcg or mg of each drug used; a pharmacy compounding fee may be allowed in addition to the calculated drug amount.
Key Coverage Criteria
- Compounded medications for use in implantable infusion pumps may be covered by Medicare when their use meets all other criteria for services provided incident to a physician's service.
- True off-the-shelf (non‑compounded) drugs used without compounding and administered via DME may be billed using the drug-specific HCPCS code and are reimbursed under CMS ASP methodology.
- If Prialt® is implanted as a single agent in the pump, bill using HCPCS code J2278-KD.
- Compounded single-agent or combination drug formulations used in implanted infusion pumps must be billed using HCPCS code J7999-KD for reimbursement.
- 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.
20 Active Policies
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
L39139 — Amniotic and Placental-Derived Product Injections and/or Applications for Musculoskeletal Indications, Non-Wound
J06
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