Computed Tomography Cerebral Perfusion Analysis (CTP)

CT perfusion (CTP) is covered to assist selection for endovascular mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to unilateral proximal anterior circulation large vessel occlusion when evaluated at stroke centers, provided NIHSS ≥ 6, pre-stroke mRS ≤ 2, and EVT (femoral puncture) can be initiated within 6–24 hours of last known well. CTP is contraindicated in patients with renal failure or serious iodinated contrast allergy refractory to pretreatment and may be unreliable with major technical artifacts, certain comorbidities, or when qualified software interpretation is not available. Documentation must include stroke diagnosis and vascular imaging, NIHSS, pre-stroke mRS, time last known well, planned EVT timing, renal/contrast safety data, and CTP software/interpretation details.

"Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) is covered for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by a unilateral large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the proximal anterior circulation."