Pediatric Neck Imaging Guidelines

This policy covers pediatric neck imaging—advanced modalities including MRI, CT, MRA, nuclear medicine and associated CPT codes—for evaluation of common pediatric neck presentations such as neck masses, cervical lymphadenopathy, dystonia/torticollis, dysphagia, thyroid/parathyroid disease, and esophageal/tracheal disorders. Imaging is limited to patients <18 with documented active clinical signs or symptoms after appropriate history, physical exam and relevant labs (atypical presentations require physician review); routine screening, repeat studies without new indication, and certain codes are rarely or not used in pediatrics.

"Trachea-related indications (PEDNECK-8)"

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