MDS FISH

Medicare covers selected MDS FISH probes when a bone marrow exam suggests myelodysplasia and conventional karyotyping is inadequate (fewer than 20 metaphases or an unresolved karyotype). Coverage is limited to up to four initial FISH probes (‑7/del(7q), ‑5/del(5q), +8, del(20q)); additional FISH markers are covered only if the initial four are negative or the diagnosis remains uncertain. Generally, FISH is not considered reasonable or necessary when adequate conventional karyotype analysis is available.

"Cover FISH probes for patients whose bone marrow examination is suggestive of myelodysplasia (MDS) and who have inadequate cytogenetic assessment by conventional karyotyping."

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