evekhm/cms_iom_500 huggingface dataset:
Proposed LCD - Cataract Surgery in Adults (DL34203)
MEDICAL NECESSITYLens extraction is considered medically necessary and therefore covered by Medicare when one (or more) of the following conditions or circumstances are documented in the medical record (see Documentation Requirements):Cataract causing symptomatic (i.e., causing the patient to seek medical attention) impairment of visual function not correctable with a tolerable change in glasses or contact lenses resulting in the patient's inability to function satisfactorily while performing Activities of Daily Life including, but not limited to reading, viewing television, driving, or meeting vocational or recreational needs.Concomitant intraocular disease (e.g., diabetic retinopathy or intraocular tumor) requiring monitoring or treatment that is prevented by the presence of cataract.Lens-induced disease threatening vision or ocular health (including, but not limited to, phacomorphic or phacolytic glaucoma).High probability of accelerating cataract development as a result of a concomitant or subsequent procedure (e.g., pars plana vitrectomy, iridocyclectomy, procedure for ocular trauma) and treatments such as external beam irradiation.Cataract interfering with the performance of vitreoretinal surgery.Intolerable anisometropia or aniseikonia uncorrectable with glasses or contact lenses that exists as a result of lens extraction in the first eye (despite satisfactorily corrected monocular visual acuity.
Proposed LCD - Cataract Surgery in Adults (DL34203)
Any circumstances not listed may be considered based on the standard of care and other factors related to medical necessity at redetermination.Surgery is not deemed to be medically necessary purely on the basis of lens opacity in the absence of symptoms.Visual AcuityThe Snellen visual acuity chart is an excellent way of measuring distance refractive error (e.g., myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) in healthy eyes, and is in wide clinical use. However, testing only with high contrast letters viewed in dark room conditions will underestimate the functional impairments caused by some cataracts in common real-life situations such as day or nighttime glare conditions, poor contrast environments or reading, halos and starbursts at night, and impaired optical quality causing monocular diplopia and ghosting.While a single arbitrary objective measure might be desirable a specific Snellen visual acuity alone can neither rule in nor rule out the need for surgery. Visual acuity should be considered in the context of the patients visual impairment and other ocular findings.Specialized Ophthalmic TestingFor circumstances where the placement of an intraocular lens (IOL) is anticipated, A-scan ultrasound testing or partial coherence interferometry, keratometry (may be from corneal topography), and IOL calculations and selection would be anticipated to be performed.Additional ancillary testing as appropriate in the establishment or exclusion of medical necessity. This should be directed by specific patient complaint or symptom where possible.Certain testing wouldnotbe anticipated to be required in a pre-operative workup when performing routine cataract surgery. These include, but are not limited to:B-Scan/Ultrasound of the Posterior SegmentGlare TestingBrightness Acuity TestingLow-contrast visual acuity testingContrast sensitivity testingPotential vision testingFormal visual fieldsFluorescein angiographyExternal photographyCorneal pachymetry/specular microscopySpecialized color vision testsElectrophysiological tests
Proposed LCD - Cataract Surgery in Adults (DL34203)
However, there may be legitimate reasons to perform these tests. For example (other reasonable examples are possible):a.B-scan ultrasound testing would be medically necessary to assess such structures for the purpose of surgical decision-making in circumstances where an adequate view of the intraocular structures cannot be obtained because of dense cataract,b.Glaretesting/brightnessacuitytestingwouldbemedicallynecessaryinapatientwithacomplaintofdifficultydrivingatnight,andc.Corrected Snellen visual acuity testing under low-contrast conditions or formal contrast sensitivity testing would be medically necessary to uncover or demonstrate functional impairments correlated with the patient's symptoms.In general, any performed ancillary testing must be conducted so as not to deliberately bias the decision toward the performance of surgery (e.g., glare testing done on abnormally high settings inconsistent with the instructions of the testing devices manufacturer, etc.), and must have results and indications of medical necessary properly documented (see Documentation Requirements).Second Eye SurgeryShould a significant cataract also be present in the second eye, as supported byCataract in the Adult Eye,a Preferred Practice Pattern by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, except in special circumstances, surgery is generally not performed in both eyes at the same time because of the potential for bilateral visual loss.In the more common situation where surgery is performed sequentially in the other eye on separate days for bilateral visually symptomatic cataracts the appropriate interval between the first-eye surgery and second-eye surgery is influenced by several factors:The patient's visual needsThe patient's preferencesVisual function in the second eyeThe medical and refractive stability of the first eyeThe need to restore binocular vision and resolve anisometropia,An adequate interval of time has elapsed to evaluate and treat early postoperative complications in first eye, such as endophthalmitis; and/orLogistical and travel considerations of the patient.The patient and the ophthalmologist should discuss the benefits, risks, need, and timing of second-eye surgery when they have had the opportunity to evaluate the results of surgery on the first eye, taking into account the above factors.
Proposed LCD - Cataract Surgery in Adults (DL34203)
The patient and the ophthalmologist should discuss the benefits, risks, need, and timing of second-eye surgery when they have had the opportunity to evaluate the results of surgery on the first eye, taking into account the above factors.If the decision to perform cataract extraction in both eyes is made prior to the first (sequential) cataract extraction, the documentation must support the medical necessity for each procedure to be performed.Complex Cataract SurgeryNote that a procedure coded as Complex Cataract Surgery must meet all other requirements for Cataract Surgery as outlined in the Billing and Coding Article A57195General InformationAssociated InformationN/ASources of InformationAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology. Cataract and Anterior Segment Panel. Cataract in the Adult Eye Preferred Practice Pattern. San Francisco, CA. 2016.Gayer S, Zuleta J. Perioperative Management of the Elderly Undergoing Eye Surgery.Clinics in Geriatric Medicine.2008;24(4):687-700.Yanoff M, Duker JS.Yanoff & Duker:Ophthalmology.3rd ed. Mosby, An Imprint of Elsevier. 2008.American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, et al. Utilization, Appropriate Care, and Quality of Life for Patients with Cataracts.Ophthalmology.2006;113(10):1878-82.BibliographyN/A
Proposed LCD - Cataract Surgery in Adults (DL37027)
CMS National Coverage PolicyTitle XVIII of the Social Security Act 1862(a)(7) excludes routine physical examinations.Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, 1862 (a)(1)(A) allows coverage and payment for only those services that are considered to be reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member.Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, 1833(e) prohibits Medicare Payment for any claim which lacks the necessary information to process the claim.Code of Federal Regulations 42 CFR CH.IV [411.15(b)(2)&(3)and(o)(1)&(2)] Services excluded from coverageCode of Federal Regulations 42 CFR CH. IV [416.65] Covered surgical proceduresCMS Manual System, Pub 100-03,Medicare National Coverage Determinations Manual,Chapter 1, Part 1, 80.10, Phaco-Emulsification Procedure-Cataract ExtractionCMS Manual System, Pub 100-04,Medicare Claims Processing ManualChapter 12, 40.6, 40.7, Claims for Multiple Surgeries, Claims for Bilateral SurgeriesCoverage Indications, Limitations, and/or Medical NecessityCataract is defined as an opacity or loss of optical clarity of the crystalline lens. Cataract development follows a continuum extending from minimal changes in the crystalline lens to the extreme stage of total opacity. Cataracts may be due to a variety of causes. Age-related cataract (senile cataract) is the most common type found in adults. Other types are pediatric (both congenital and acquired), traumatic, toxic and secondary (meaning the result of another disease process) cataract.Most cataracts are not visible to the naked eye until they become dense enough (mature or hypermature) to cause blindness. However, a cataract at any stage of development can be observed through a sufficiently dilated pupil using a slit lamp biomicroscope. In settings where this instrument is unavailable (e.g., skilled nursing facility), a direct ophthalmoscope can be used to assess the degree to which the fundus reflectivity (red reflex) is impaired by the ocular media. There is no scientifically proven medical (i.e., non-surgical) treatment for cataracts.
Proposed LCD - Cataract Surgery in Adults (DL37027)
In general, cataract surgery is performed to alleviate visual impairments attributable to lens opacity. There are uncommon situations when lens extraction becomes medically necessary for anatomic rather than optical reasons. These include lens induced angle closure (e.g., microspherophakia) and lens subluxation (e.g., Marfan syndrome). In other situations, cataract extraction might be medically indicated with relatively less opacity because of intolerable optical imbalance. Most commonly, this would be due to surgically induced anisometropia (a significant difference in refractive errors between the eyes) or aniseikonia (a difference in magnification as a result of prior lens extraction in the one eye). Some patients may elect lens removal and replacement primarily for refractive benefits to reduce their dependence on spectacles. Such elective procedures are not medically necessary and are called refractive lens exchanges to distinguish them from medically indicated cataract surgery. Finally, advanced cataracts may need to be removed to properly visualize, treat, and monitor retinal disease, apart from the patients visual symptoms and potential.This policy statement defines the medical necessity for cataract and other lens extraction in adults, and specifies the required documentation of the preoperative evaluation necessary to justify the procedure.MEDICAL NECESSITYLens extraction is considered medically necessary and therefore covered by Medicare when one (or more) of the following conditions or circumstances are documented in the medical record (see Documentation Requirements):
Proposed LCD - Cataract Surgery in Adults (DL37027)
MEDICAL NECESSITYLens extraction is considered medically necessary and therefore covered by Medicare when one (or more) of the following conditions or circumstances are documented in the medical record (see Documentation Requirements):Cataract causing symptomatic (i.e., causing the patient to seek medical attention) impairment of visual function not correctable with a tolerable change in glasses or contact lenses resulting in the patient's inability to function satisfactorily while performing Activities of Daily Life including, but not limited to reading, viewing television, driving, or meeting vocational or recreational needs.Concomitant intraocular disease (e.g., diabetic retinopathy or intraocular tumor) requiring monitoring or treatment that is prevented by the presence of cataract.Lens-induced disease threatening vision or ocular health (including, but not limited to, phacomorphic or phacolytic glaucoma).High probability of accelerating cataract development as a result of a concomitant or subsequent procedure (e.g., pars plana vitrectomy, iridocyclectomy, procedure for ocular trauma) and treatments such as external beam irradiation.Cataract interfering with the performance of vitreoretinal surgery.Intolerable anisometropia or aniseikonia uncorrectable with glasses or contact lenses that exists as a result of lens extraction in the first eye (despite satisfactorily corrected monocular visual acuity.
Proposed LCD - Cataract Surgery in Adults (DL37027)
Any circumstances not listed may be considered based on the standard of care and other factors related to medical necessity at redetermination.Surgery is not deemed to be medically necessary purely on the basis of lens opacity in the absence of symptoms.Visual AcuityThe Snellen visual acuity chart is an excellent way of measuring distance refractive error (e.g. myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) in healthy eyes, and is in wide clinical use. However, testing only with high contrast letters viewed in dark room conditions will underestimate the functional impairments caused by some cataracts in common real-life situations such as day or nighttime glare conditions, poor contrast environments or reading, halos and starbursts at night, and impaired optical quality causing monocular diplopia and ghosting.While a single arbitrary objective measure might be desirable a specific Snellen visual acuity alone can neither rule in nor rule out the need for surgery. Visual acuity should be considered in the context of the patients visual impairment and other ocular findings.Specialized Ophthalmic TestingFor circumstances where the placement of an intraocular lens (IOL) is anticipated, A-scan ultrasound testing or partial coherence interferometry, keratometry (may be from corneal topography), and IOL calculations and selection would be anticipated to be performed.Additional ancillary testing as appropriate in the establishment or exclusion of medical necessity. This should be directed by specific patient complaint or symptom where possible.Certain testing wouldnotbe anticipated to be required in a pre-operative workup when performing routine cataract surgery. These include, but are not limited to:B-Scan/Ultrasound of the Posterior SegmentGlare TestingBrightness Acuity TestingLow-contrast visual acuity testingContrast sensitivity testingPotential vision testingFormal visual fieldsFluorescein angiographyExternal photographyCorneal pachymetry/specular microscopySpecialized color vision testsElectrophysiological tests
Proposed LCD - Cataract Surgery in Adults (DL37027)
However, there may be legitimate reasons to perform these tests. For example (other reasonable examples are possible):a.B-scan ultrasound testing would be medically necessary to assess such structures for the purpose of surgical decision-making in circumstances where an adequate view of the intraocular structures cannot be obtained because of dense cataract,b.Glaretesting/brightnessacuitytestingwouldbemedicallynecessaryinapatientwithacomplaintofdifficultydrivingatnight,andc.Corrected Snellen visual acuity testing under low-contrast conditions or formal contrast sensitivity testing would be medically necessary to uncover or demonstrate functional impairments correlated with the patient's symptoms.In general, any performed ancillary testing must be conducted so as not to deliberately bias the decision toward the performance of surgery (e.g., glare testing done on abnormally high settings inconsistent with the instructions of the testing devices manufacturer, etc.), and must have results and indications of medical necessary properly documented (see Documentation Requirements).Second Eye SurgeryShould a significant cataract also be present in the second eye, as supported byCataract in the Adult Eye,a Preferred Practice Pattern by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, except in special circumstances, surgery is generally not performed in both eyes at the same time because of the potential for bilateral visual loss.In the more common situation where surgery is performed sequentially in the other eye on separate days for bilateral visually symptomatic cataracts the appropriate interval between the first-eye surgery and second-eye surgery is influenced by several factors:The patient's visual needsThe patient's preferencesVisual function in the second eyeThe medical and refractive stability of the first eyeThe need to restore binocular vision and resolve anisometropia,An adequate interval of time has elapsed to evaluate and treat early postoperative complications in first eye, such as endophthalmitis; and/orLogistical and travel considerations of the patient.The patient and the ophthalmologist should discuss the benefits, risks, need, and timing of second-eye surgery when they have had the opportunity to evaluate the results of surgery on the first eye, taking into account the above factors.
Proposed LCD - Cataract Surgery in Adults (DL37027)
The patient and the ophthalmologist should discuss the benefits, risks, need, and timing of second-eye surgery when they have had the opportunity to evaluate the results of surgery on the first eye, taking into account the above factors.If the decision to perform cataract extraction in both eyes is made prior to the first (sequential) cataract extraction, the documentation must support the medical necessity for each procedure to be performed.Complex Cataract SurgeryNote that a procedure coded as Complex Cataract Surgery must meet all other requirements for Cataract Surgery as outlined in Billing and Coding Article A57196General InformationAssociated InformationN/ASources of InformationAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology. Cataract and Anterior Segment Panel. Cataract in the Adult Eye Preferred Practice Pattern. San Francisco, CA. 2016.Gayer S, Zuleta J. Perioperative Management of the Elderly Undergoing Eye Surgery.Clinics in Geriatric Medicine.2008;24(4):687-700.Yanoff M, Duker JS.Yanoff & Duker:Ophthalmology.3rd ed. Mosby, An Imprint of Elsevier. 2008.American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, et al. Utilization, Appropriate Care, and Quality of Life for Patients with Cataracts.Ophthalmology.2006;113(10):1878-82.BibliographyNA
Proposed LCD - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) (DL37086)
CMS National Coverage PolicyTitle XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA) 1862(a)(1)(A). This section allows coverage and payment for only those services that are considered to be medically reasonable and necessary.Social Security Act:1862 (a) (1)(A) Medically Reasonable & Necessary1862 (a) (1)(D) & (E) Investigational or ExperimentalCoverage Indications, Limitations, and/or Medical NecessityTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive method of brain stimulation. The technique involves placement of a small electromagnetic coil over the scalp and applying a rapidly alternating current through the coil wire which produces a magnetic field that passes unimpeded through the brain. Depending on stimulation parameters (frequency, intensity, pulse duration, stimulation site), repetitive TMS (rTMS) to specific cortical regions can either increase or decrease the excitability of the affected brain structures. The procedure is usually carried out in an outpatient setting and does not require anesthesia or analgesia.When used as an antidepressant therapy, TMS produces a clinical benefit without the systemic side effects attendant with standard oral medications. TMS does not have adverse effects on cognition. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), rTMS does not induce amnesia or seizures.Indications for CoverageTMS may be covered if prescribed and administered by a licensed physician under direct supervision who is trained and experienced in the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Outpatient rTMS may be indicated for patients with DSM-IV defined Major Depressive Disorder who have failed to benefit from initial treatment of their depression.Initial TreatmentLeft Prefrontal rTMS of the brain is considered medically necessary for use in an adult who has a confirmed diagnosis of severe Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) single or recurrent episode; andOne or more of the following:Resistance to treatment with psychopharmacologic agents as evidenced by a lack of a clinically significant response to one trial of psychopharmacologic agents in the current depressive episode from at least two different agent classes. Each agent in the treatment trial must have been administered at an adequate course of mono- or poly- drug therapy; or
Proposed LCD - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) (DL37086)
Inability to tolerate psychopharmacologic agents as evidenced by two trials of psychopharmacologic agents from at least two different agent classes, with distinct side effects; orHistory of response to rTMS in a previous depressive episode; orIf patient is currently receiving electro-convulsive therapy, rTMS may be considered reasonable and necessary as a less invasive treatment option.ANDA trial of an evidence-based psychotherapy known to be effective in the treatment of MDD of an adequate frequency and duration without significant improvement in depressive symptoms as documented by standardized rating scales that reliably measure depressive symptoms.ANDThe order for treatment (or retreatment) is written by a psychiatrist (MD or DO) who has examined the patient and reviewed the record. The physician will have experience in administering TMS therapy. The treatment shall be given under direct supervision of this physician (physician present in the area but does not necessarily personally provide the treatment).Coverage LimitationsThe benefits of TMS use must be carefully considered against the risk of potential side effects in patients with any of the following:Seizure disorder or any history of seizures (except those induced by ECT or isolated febrile seizures in infancy without subsequent treatment or recurrence); orPresence of acute or chronic psychotic symptoms or disorders (such as schizophrenia, schizophreniform or schizoaffective disorder) in the current depressive episode; orNeurological conditions that include epilepsy, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, increased intracranial pressure, history of repetitive or severe head trauma, or primary or secondary tumors in the central nervous system, orPresence of an implanted magnetic-sensitive medical device located less than or equal to 30 cm from the TMS magnetic coil or other implanted metal items including, but not limited to a cochlear implant, implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD), pacemaker, Vagus nerve stimulator (VNS), or metal aneurysm clips or coils, staples or stents. (Dental amalgam fillings are not affected by the magnetic field and are acceptable for use with TMS).All other uses of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation are considered experimental or investigational and are not allowed reimbursement per Statute XVIII, 1862 (a) (1)(D) & (E).Retreatment
Proposed LCD - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) (DL37086)
All other uses of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation are considered experimental or investigational and are not allowed reimbursement per Statute XVIII, 1862 (a) (1)(D) & (E).RetreatmentRetreatment may be considered for patients who met the guidelines for initial treatment and subsequently developed relapse of depressive symptoms if the patient responded to prior treatments as evidenced by a greater than 50% improvement in standard rating scale measurements for depressive symptoms.All other uses of TMS therapy are considered investigational or experimental and remain non-covered services.General InformationAssociated InformationN/ASources of InformationOther Contractors LCDsBibliography