Scalp Cooling (Hypothermia) to Prevent Hair Loss During Chemotherapy

Aetna considers scalp cooling (cooling caps and similar products) incidental to chemotherapy and not separately reimbursed—devices provided during chemo are not eligible for separate payment, patient‑purchased caps are treated as supplies (often excluded under plans that exclude supplies), and CPT codes 0662T/0663T are not covered. Although Medicare notes scalp cooling can reduce chemotherapy‑related hair loss, coverage depends on the member’s benefit plan (no separate charge recognized), and scalp hypothermia may be less effective with liver dysfunction and is contraindicated for patients with cold sensitivity, cold agglutinin disease, cryoglobulinemia, or post‑traumatic cold dystrophy.

"Potential device-related harms: cold thermal injury (frostbite) reported; adverse events include grade 1-2 injuries and other tolerability issues (Background: Belum et al. and others referencing fr..."