Pediatric Neck Imaging Guidelines

This policy covers advanced pediatric neck imaging studies—including CT (with/without contrast, CTA), CT guidance for radiation planning, and nuclear medicine thyroid/parathyroid/SPECT/SPECT‑CT examinations—used to evaluate common pediatric presentations such as neck masses, cervical lymphadenopathy, dystonia/torticollis, dysphagia, thyroid/parathyroid disease, and tracheal or esophageal pathology. Imaging is supported only with documented active clinical signs/symptoms and a pertinent clinical evaluation (unless guideline‑supported follow‑up), asymptomatic screening is not supported, atypical presentations require physician review/consultation, and repeat studies require evidence of progression/new disease or demonstration that the imaging will affect management; patients >18 should follow general neck imaging guidelines.

"CT Guidance for Placement of Radiation Therapy Fields — CPT 77014"