Pediatric Neck Imaging Guidelines

This policy covers diagnostic imaging of the pediatric neck — including MRI (e.g., 70540/70542/70543), MRA (70547/70548), targeted studies of the orbit/face/TMJ and other modalities — for evaluation of neck masses, cervical lymphadenopathy, dystonia/torticollis, dysphagia, thyroid/parathyroid, esophageal and tracheal pathology and other common pediatric neck symptom complexes. Major limitations/requirements: atypical presentations require physician review, advanced imaging generally requires a recent (≤60 days) face‑to‑face evaluation and is not supported for routine asymptomatic screening or unwarranted repeat studies, pediatric guidance applies to patients <18 years (use general neck guidelines otherwise), documented gadolinium contraindications preclude contrast MRI, and anesthesia planning should minimize exposure in young children.

"Parathyroid Planar Imaging (Including Subtraction, When Performed) | 78070"