Use of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Auditory System Conditions

This policy addresses the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) — including middle ear scopes (e.g., OtoSight/TOMi) — for noninvasive imaging of the tympanic membrane and middle ear microstructure to aid diagnosis and management of auditory conditions such as otitis media (including infants ~6–18 months), tympanic membrane pathology, cholesteatoma, and postsurgical assessment. Major limitations: OCT for auditory indications is considered experimental/investigational and unproven with only small feasibility studies and no randomized trials, has technical limits (shallow penetration, susceptibility to scattering and motion), and coverage depends on the member’s benefit plan; this policy is inactive for claims adjudication.

"Noninvasive diagnostic imaging to characterize head and neck pathology, historically focused on laryngeal disease and cancer."

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