24-Hour Ambulatory Esophageal pH Monitoring

Medicare covers 24-hour ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring only for patients suspected of gastric reflux who either have diagnostic problems with atypical symptoms or have symptoms suggestive of reflux when conventional tests have not confirmed reflux. The test involves placement of an indwelling electrode in the lower esophagus to measure abnormal acid exposure. Testing is not covered outside these specific indications and medical records must document the atypical presentation or prior non-confirmatory conventional test results.

"Covered for patients suspected of gastric reflux who present diagnostic problems associated with atypical symptoms."

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