Highmark medical policy is intended to serve only as a general reference resource regarding coverage for the services described. This policy does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to govern or otherwise influence medical decisions.
This policy provides information regarding the coverage of, as determined by applicable federal and/or state legislation.
This policy is designed to address medical necessity guidelines that are appropriate for the majority of individuals with a particular disease, illness or condition. Each person’s unique clinical circumstances warrant individual consideration, based upon review of applicable medical records.
The qualifications of the policy will meet the standards of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and all applicable state and federal regulations.
This medical policy outlines Highmark Health Options Duals services for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).
Highmark Health Options Duals (HHO Duals) – Highmark Health Options Duals is designed for people with both Medicare and Medicaid. Our D-SNP Medicare Advantage HMO coverage offers the same benefits as Original Medicare, plus extra benefits, like prescription drug coverage and vision and dental care.
Prior authorization is required.
Please review the specific National Coverage Determination (NCD), Local Coverage Determination (LCD), and/or Local Coverage Article (LCA) information, as well as other CMS sources, using the links below.
Post-payment Audit Statement
The medical record must include documentation that reflects the medical necessity criteria and is subject to audit by HHO Duals at any time pursuant to the terms of your provider agreement.
Place of Service
HBOT is typically an outpatient procedure. HBOT provided in an inpatient setting requires individual case-by-case review by a Medical Director.
Coverage Determination and Links
HHO Duals follows the coverage determinations made by CMS as outlined in either the NCD or state-specific LCD/LCA.
CMS Link
NCD/LCD Link
· NCD: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (20.29)
· There are no applicable LCDs for this topic.
Transmittal
· Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Therapy (Section C, Topical Application of Oxygen)
Article Links
Reimbursement
Participating facilities will be reimbursed per their HHO Duals contract.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). National Coverage Determination (NCD) Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (20.29). Effective Date April 3, 2017. Implementation Date December 18, 2017. Accessed on October 9, 2023.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS Manual System Medicare National Coverage Determination. Transmittal 203. Effective Date April 3, 2017. Implementation Date December 18, 2017. Accessed on October 9, 2023.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). MLN Matters Article: New Physician Specialty Code for Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine. MM10666. Effective Date January 1, 2019. Implementation Date January 7, 2019. Accessed on October 9, 2023.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). MLN Matters Article: International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) and Other Coding Revisions to National Coverage Determinations (NCDs). 11134. Effective July 1, 2019. Release date February 1, 2019. Accessed on October 9, 2023.
For questions related to this policy, contact the Highmark Government Market Policy Team at GovernmentPolicy@Highmark.com