Sterilization

Sterilization means any medical procedure, treatment or operation for the sole purpose of rendering an individual permanently incapable of reproducing and not related to the repair of a damaged/dysfunctional body part. Under the Medicare Program guidelines the coverage of sterilization is limited to necessary treatment of an illness or injury. An example of necessary treatment is the removal of a uterus or removal of diseased ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy) because of a tumor, or bilateral orchiectomy in the case of prostate cancer. Elective hysterectomy, tubal ligation and vasectomy in the absence of a disease for which sterilization is considered an effective treatment is not covered. In addition, no payment would be made for sterilization procedures if it is a preventive measure e.g., a physician believes pregnancy would cause overall endangerment to a woman's health, or as a measure to prevent the possible development of, or effect on a mental condition, should pregnancy occur. (Section 1862(a)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act and 42 CFR 411.15(k). Claims will be denied on postpay review and payment recouped if the pathological evidence of the necessity to perform any of these procedures to treat an illness or injury is absent and/or when the primary objective is to achieve sterilization.