Neuralgia Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis (NICO) and Ultrasonograph Bone Densitometer to Detect NICO

Aetna considers surgery (including scraping of “infected cavities” and removal of root‑canal‑treated teeth), nonstandard therapies (e.g., colloidal silver rinses, chelation, IV vitamin C), bone grafts, and devices to image the jawbones (including an ultrasonograph bone densitometer) for diagnosis or treatment of Neuralgia Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis (NICO) experimental/investigational and not covered. There are no covered indications or special approval requirements for these services, and no specific CPT code exists for the ultrasonograph bone densitometer.

"Aetna considers the use of devices to image the jawbones to diagnose NICO or NICO-type conditions experimental and investigational."

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