Non-Invasive Cerebrovascular Studies

Non-invasive cerebrovascular studies (duplex and transcranial Doppler) are covered when there are signs or symptoms of ischemia or altered blood flow, the test results are necessary for medical or surgical management, and the test is not redundant. Specific covered indications include evaluation of carotid and extracranial disease (e.g., cervical bruits, TIA, amaurosis fugax, suspected dissection, post‑CEA/stent follow-up, subclavian steal) and transcranial Doppler use for specified intracranial stenosis thresholds, vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraoperative monitoring during carotid surgery, and sickle cell stroke risk assessment. Studies must be ordered by the treating physician, performed/interpreted by credentialed personnel in accredited laboratories, and certain uses (e.g., isolated dizziness, routine headache/migraine assessment, evaluation of brain tumors or routine cerebrovascular screening) are not covered or are investigational.

"Non-invasive cerebrovascular studies are medically necessary when signs or symptoms of ischemia or altered blood flow are present, the information is necessary for appropriate medical or surgical m..."