Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) Imaging Guidelines

This policy covers imaging for peripheral vascular disease (PVD) including PAD, carotid/cerebrovascular disease, thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms and dissections, iliac/renal/upper‑extremity arterial disease, large‑vessel vasculitis and related nuclear medicine studies. It applies to patients with suspected PAD, aneurysmal disease, genetic predisposition to arterial disease, renovascular hypertension and post‑operative aortic surveillance, among other PVD indications. Major requirements: ABI (a non‑imaging test) should be performed first (exercise ABI only if resting ABI is normal and recent ABIs should be within 60 days), advanced imaging requires a prior clinical evaluation or meaningful telehealth/contact, atypical presentations and most repeat studies require physician review.

"This tool addresses common symptoms and symptom complexes."

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