Plethysmography

Medicare covers segmental plethysmography and venous occlusive pneumoplethysmography for diagnostic, preoperative, and postoperative evaluation of suspected peripheral arterial disease and for preoperative podiatric screening when clinically indicated, with venous occlusive studies generally performed in hospital vascular laboratories. Several plethysmographic methods (inductance, capacitance, mechanical oscillometry, photoelectric) are considered experimental and are not covered; reimbursement for techniques other than venous occlusive pneumoplethysmography is restricted pending further evidence. Claims lacking a documented medical indication or using noncovered techniques should be denied consistent with §1862(a)(1) of the Act.

"Segmental plethysmography (including regional plethysmograph, differential plethysmograph, recording oscillometer, and pulse volume recorder) is covered when performed for diagnostic, preoperative,..."