S15.102A — Unspecified injury of left vertebral artery, initial encounter
ICD-10-CM
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Documentation Required
- Claims must meet the reasonable and necessary documentation requirements specified in LCD L35035; include clinical records demonstrating medical necessity per the LCD.
- Follow the NCCI Coding Policy Manual (Chapters V and IX) for proper coding; retain documentation supporting compliance with NCCI edits.
- When billing services that the LCD does not cover, use the appropriate Medicare modifier and document the basis for billing a non-covered service.
- This billing and coding guideline complements Local Coverage Determination (LCD) L34424 for Magnetic Resonance Angiography; refer to LCD L34424 for clinical indications, medical necessity criteria, and specific coding rules.
Key Coverage Criteria
- Coverage for thoracic aortography and carotid, vertebral, and subclavian angiography is determined by Local Coverage Determination L35035; services are covered when reasonable and necessary per that LCD.
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is covered only when the service meets the reasonable and necessary coverage criteria specified in Local Coverage Determination L34865.
- Bill HCPCS code G0278 for femoral or iliac angiography performed at the time of coronary angiography.
- Aortography and peripheral angiography are covered when reasonable and necessary per Local Coverage Determination L36767 and when documentation supports the selected ICD-10-CM diagnosis and medical necessity.
- 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.
13 Active Policies
L36767 — Aortography and peripheral angiography
J09
A57056 — Billing and Coding: Aortography and Peripheral Angiography
J09
L34865 — Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
J12
L35035 — Thoracic Aortography and Carotid, Vertebral, and Subclavian Angiography
J12
A56805
Related Codes
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