Head Imaging Guidelines

This policy covers advanced head imaging (CT, MRI, and nuclear medicine) for a wide range of cranial and neurologic indications — including taste/smell disorders, ataxia, seizures, headache, trauma, aneurysm/AVM, CNS infection/Neuro‑COVID‑19, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis and surveillance of known lesions (tumors, hydrocephalus), pituitary disease, facial and laryngeal palsies, dementia, and related conditions. Major requirements and limitations include a pertinent clinical evaluation with a detailed neurological exam prior to advanced imaging (with limited exceptions such as tinnitus, TMJ, sinus/mastoid, certain ear/eye/pituitary complaints), CT head with contrast only when MRI is contraindicated, generally no duplicate/overlapping studies of the same anatomic region, surveillance imaging limited to guideline‑supported follow‑up, and physician review for atypical presentations.

"Acute mental status change or encephalopathy"