Q71.00 — Congenital complete absence of unspecified upper limb
ICD-10-CM
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Documentation Required
- When billing articulating digits and prosthetic hands (e.g., codes L6715, L6880), product information such as manufacturer, part number or part name must be recorded in the medical records, and only products with a PDAC coding verification review (CVR) published on the Product Classification List may be billed with certain HCPCS codes; documentation submitted to PDAC must follow PDAC requirements.
- Documentation that items billed for replacement are not under manufacturer warranty (items under manufacturer warranty are considered not medically necessary).
- Documentation that repairs or adjustments are required due to bone growth or reasonable weight change or normal wear and tear when claiming repair/replacement.
- For powered base items and add-ons, documentation should support that batteries/battery chargers are billed appropriately (no separate payment when billed concurrently with a powered base item).
Key Coverage Criteria
- An orthosis (orthopedic brace) and/or prosthesis is medically necessary when: Care is prescribed by a physician, nurse practitioner, podiatrist or other health professional who is qualified to prescribe orthotics and/or prosthetics according to State law; and The orthosis or prosthesis will significantly improve or restore physical functions required for mobility related activities of daily living (MRADL's); and The member’s participating physician or licensed health care practitioner has determ [...]
- Artificial arms (whole extremity or a portion thereof).
- Artificial terminal devices (e.g., hand, hook, finger).
- Replacement of medically necessary prosthetic devices when repairs or adjustments fail and/or are not possible.
- Myoelectric upper limb prostheses and hand prostheses are medically necessary for members with traumatic amputation or congenital absence of upper limb at the wrist or above (e.g., forearm or elbow) when all of the following criteria are met: Person has adequate cognitive and neurologic ability to utilize a myoelectric prosthetic device; and The remaining musculature of the arm(s) contains the minimum microvolt threshold to allow operation of a myoelectric prosthetic device; and A standard body- [...]
- Supplies and accessories necessary for effective functioning of allowed equipment when used in conjunction with approved prosthetic devices.
3 Active Policies
AETNA-CPB-0399 — Upper Limb Prostheses
AETNA-CPB-0630 — Prosthetic Limb Vacuum Systems
ANTHEM-GL-C169421 — CG-OR-PR-05 Myoelectric Upper Extremity Prosthetic Devices
Related Codes
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