T71.9XXA — Asphyxiation due to unspecified cause, initial encounter
ICD-10-CM
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Documentation Required
- This article provides billing/coding guidelines that complement Local Coverage Determination L34417 for CT of the head; consult LCD L34417 for specific coverage, coding, and documentation requirements.
- Follow LCD L35434 for reasonable and necessary requirements and supporting medical documentation for oximetry services.
- Report overnight oximetry using CPT code 94762 on claims.
- Medical record documentation must demonstrate clinical evidence of an intracranial disorder or documentation of an established intracranial disease to support coverage of cranial CT.
Key Coverage Criteria
- Cranial CT (with or without contrast) is covered when the patient has clinical evidence of an intracranial disorder or an established intracranial disorder/disease.
- Contrast-enhanced CT is reasonable and necessary to assess cerebral perfusion, for example in suspected or known cerebrovascular accident (CVA).
- Contrast-enhanced CT is covered to characterize a specific intracranial lesion.
- Contrast-enhanced CT is covered to detect blood–brain barrier defects such as infarcts, tumors, infection, or vasculitis.
- Contrast-enhanced CT is covered to detect neovascularity associated with intracranial tumors.
- Contrast-enhanced CT is covered for staging when there is known primary lung cancer, breast cancer, or lymphoma that are likely to metastasize early to the brain.
4 Active Policies
A57205 — Billing and Coding: Oximetry Services
J12
L35434 — Oximetry Services
J12
A56612 — Billing and Coding: CT of the Head
L34417 — CT of the Head
Related Codes
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