Noninvasive Ear or Pulse Oximetry For Oxygen Saturation

Ear or pulse oximetry (single/multiple determinations or continuous overnight) is covered when the patient has hypoxemia and monitoring is needed to assess chronic respiratory status, supplemental oxygen requirements, or therapeutic regimen. Continuous overnight monitoring is covered only when intermittent arterial blood gas sampling is likely to miss important variations. Coverage is subject to the requirement that the service be reasonable and necessary per SSA §1862(a)(1)(A), and contractors may use LCDs to define specific circumstances.

"Single or multiple determinations of oxygen saturation (ear or pulse oximetry) are medically necessary when the patient has a condition resulting in hypoxemia and there is a need to assess the stat..."

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