HIGHMARK COMMERCIAL MEDICAL POLICY - PENNSYLVANIA

 
 

Medical Policy:
M-50-035
Topic:
Cardiac Monitors
Section:
Diagnostic Medical
Effective Date:
July 1, 2021
Issued Date:
July 1, 2021
Last Revision Date:
May 2021
Annual Review:
August 2020
 
 

Ambulatory Cardiac Monitors:

Monitors activated only when triggered by the individual:

  • These monitors are often referred to as event monitors. The two (2) basic types are:
    • Looping memory monitor: Activated by pushing a button; stores data from before and during symptom occurrence, prior to when it was activated; if activated immediately after a syncopal episode, it will record from the time before the event;
    • Symptom event monitor: Activated by pushing a button; does not store data prior to when it was activated.

ZIO Patch:
An external monitor applied by adhesive to the chest; it records continuously and typically is worn up to 14 days. It is much less expensive than the mobile cardiac output telemetry and the implantable monitors.

Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry (MCOT):
A type of loop monitor that is auto-triggered by rhythm changes and also can be triggered by the individual.  It is commonly ordered for 14 or 30 day periods. 

Implantable Cardiac Monitor:
A monitor implanted under the skin that can monitor continuously and can be triggered by the individual; it may be implanted for several years.

Policy Position

Ambulatory Cardiac Monitors

The use of individual activated or auto activated external ambulatory event monitors or continuous ambulatory monitors that record and store information for periods greater than 48 hours may be considered medically necessary as a diagnostic alternative to Holter monitoring.

Quantity Level Limits (QLL)

  • Ambulatory event monitors may be considered medically necessary once in a 30 day period regardless of the number of events or recordings which occurred. 
    • Note: Ambulatory event monitors are considered part of the global allowance and are not eligible for separate reimbursement when performed more frequently within the 30 day period.
  • Ambulatory event monitors for greater than 30 consecutive days in a twelve (12) month period must be referred for a medical necessity determination. An additional 30 consecutive days may be considered medically necessary in EITHER of the following situations:
    • After treatment has been initiated, the symptoms continue to occur; or
    • No symptoms occurred during the initial 30 day use of the recorder.

Additional use greater than 30 consecutive days can be made only if documentation can establish the medical need for the frequency.

The use of individual activated or auto activated external ambulatory event monitors or continuous ambulatory monitors not meeting the criteria as indicated in this policy is considered not medically necessary.

93268

93270

93271

93272

 

 

 






Ambulatory Cardiac Monitoring (ZIO Patch) and Event Monitors

The use of long-term (greater than 48 hours) external ECG monitoring by continuous rhythm recording and storage (e.g., Zio Patch) may be considered medically necessary for EITHER one of the following:

  • Individuals who experience infrequent symptoms (less frequently than every 48 hours) suggestive of cardiac arrhythmias (i.e., palpitations, dizziness, presyncope, or syncope); or
  • Individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF) who have been treated with catheter ablation and in whom discontinuation of systemic anticoagulation is being considered.

The use of long-term (greater than 48 hours) external ECG monitoring by continuous rhythm recording and storage not meeting the criteria as indicated in this policy is considered not medically necessary.

93241

93242

93243

93244

93245

93246

93247

93248

 

 

 

 

 

 




Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry (MCOT)  

MCOT is limited to a select population and may be considered medically necessary when ALL of the following are met:

  • The individual has failed a 48-hour Holter monitor and ONE of the following:
    • A ZIO patch; or
    • An individual-triggered event monitor; or
  • A Holter monitor has not been completed and the individual has failed ONE of the following:
    • A ZIO patch; or
    • An individual-triggered event monitor.

 

Note: In all cases, the individual must meet the criteria as stated unless the individual’s condition is such that a Holter monitor and an event monitor and a Zio Patch are not adequate to make a diagnosis.  An explanation must be provided as to why only the MCOT would be sufficient.

Contraindications

  • Real-time outpatient cardiac monitoring is contraindicated for individuals at high risk of developing sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation and/or would be more appropriately cared for in a hospital setting.
  • The MCOT is not indicated for individuals with mild to moderate symptoms of "palpitations" or "weakness."
  • This system is also not indicated for use as a screening tool.

Use of cardiac surveillance and Holter or event monitoring for the same individual on the same day is considered not medically necessary.

The use of MCOT not meeting the criteria as indicated in this policy is considered not medical necessary.

QLL 

  • MCOT is considered not medically necessary when more than one (1) monitoring episode is reported in a 30 day period.
  • MCOT is considered not medically necessary when more than two (2) monitoring episodes are reported in a (12) month period.

93228

93229

 

 

 

 

 




Implantable Cardiac Loop Recorder

The implantation and removal of a cardiac loop recorder may be considered medically necessary when the following criteria are met:

  • The individual has failed a 48-hour Holter monitor and ONE of the following:
    • A ZIO patch; or
    • An individual-triggered event monitor; or
  • A Holter monitor has not been completed and the individual has failed ONE of the following:
    • A ZIO patch; or
    • An individual-triggered event monitor.

 

Note: In all cases, the individual must meet the criteria as stated unless the individual’s condition is such that a Holter monitor and an event monitor and a Zio Patch are not adequate to make a diagnosis.  An explanation must be provided as to why only the MCOT would be sufficient.

  • There is documentation of the following:
    • Palpitations; or
    • Dizziness; or
    • Syncope and collapse; or
    • Other transient symptoms which could be due to arrhythmia; or
    • Long term cardiac monitoring post cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA); and
    • When BOTH of the following criteria are met:
      • A cardiac arrhythmia is suspected as the cause of the symptoms; and
      • EITHER of the following criteria are met:  
        • Individuals with heart failure, prior MI or significant ECG abnormalities, noninvasive ambulatory monitoring, consisting of 30-day presymptom external loop recordings or MCOT, fails to establish a definitive diagnosis; or
        • Individuals without heart failure, prior MI or significant ECG abnormalities, symptoms occur so infrequently and unpredictably (less than one (1) per month) that noninvasive ambulatory monitoring (MCOT or external loop recorders) are unlikely to capture a diagnostic ECG.

The use of an implantable cardiac loop recorder not meeting the criteria as indicated in this policy is considered not medically necessary.

QLL     

A remote interrogation device evaluation may be considered medically necessary once in 30 days with interim physician analysis and review.  A remote interrogation device evaluation greater than 30 days are considered part of the global allowance and are not eligible for separate reimbursement.

0650T

33286

93285

93291

93297

93298

E0616

G2066

 

 

 

 

 

 




Implantable Cardiac Loop Recorder for Post Cryptogenic Stroke or TIA

An implantable cardiac loop recorder, for post cryptogenic stroke or TIA, may be considered medically necessary when ALL of the following are met:

  • Diagnosis of a cryptogenic ischemic stroke or TIA should be based upon evaluation by a neurologist; and
  • The following standard tests are ALL required to establish diagnosis of cryptogenic stroke:  
    • Brain MRI or CT; and
    • 12 lead ECG for AF detection; and
    • 24 hour ECG monitoring for AF detection (e.g. Holter); and
    • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE); and
    • CT angiography (head and neck) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) (head and neck) to rule out other causes of stroke; and
  • The individual is greater than or equal to 40 years of age; and
  • A documented collaborative treatment plan between neurologist and cardiologist; and
  • A TIA requires additional documentation of speech disturbance or limb weakness.

Not Medically Necessary

Implantable cardiac loop recorders post cryptogenic stroke or TIA are considered not medically necessary if an individual has ANY of the following:

  • The individual has a known etiology of stroke or TIA (i.e., large artery atherosclerosis, acute small artery occlusion with a lesion less than one (1) cm in diameter by CT or MRI; or
  • Evidence of high-risk cardiac or aortic arch source of embolism (left ventricular (LV) or left atrial (LA) thrombus) or "smoke”, emboligenic valvular lesion or tumor, patent foramen ovale (PFO) with extant source of venous thromboembolism, aortic arch plaque greater than three (3) mm thick or with mobile components; or
  • History of spontaneous deep vein thrombosis (DVT); or
  • Stroke of other determined cause such as the presence of non-atherosclerotic vasculopathy, hypercoagulable states (must be tested in individuals less than 55 years of age) and hematologic disorders; or
  • Untreated hyperthyroidism; or
  • MI less than one (1) month before stroke/TIA; or
  • Coronary bypass grafting (CABG) less than one (1) month before stroke/TIA; or
  • Valvular disease requiring immediate surgical intervention; or
  • Documented history of AF or atrial flutter; or
  • Presence of PFO and PFO is an indication to start oral anticoagulant therapy in accordance with European Stroke Organization (ESO) guidelines; or
  • The individual has a permanent indication for anticoagulation; or
  • The individual  has a permanent contraindication for anticoagulation; or 
  • Life expectancy less than one (1) year; or
  • The individual is indicated for implant with pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) or implantable hemodynamic monitoring system.

An implantable cardiac loop recorder, for post cryptogenic stroke or TIA not meeting the criteria as indicated in this policy is considered not medically necessary.

0650T

33285

33286

E0616

 

 

 




Covered Diagnosis Codes for procedure codes 93268, 93270, 93271, and 93272

I25.111

I25.118

I25.119

I25.701

I25.708

I25.709

I25.711

I25.718

I25.719

I25.721

I25.728

I25.729

I25.731

I25.738

I25.739

I25.751

I25.758

I25.759

I25.761

I25.768

I25.769

I25.791

I25.798

I25.799

I46.2

I46.8

I46.9

I47.0

I47.2

I49.3

I49.01

I49.02

I50.1

Q24.6

Q25.21

Q25.29

Q25.40

Q25.41

Q25.42

Q25.43

Q25.44

Q25.45

Q25.46

Q25.47

Q25.48

Q25.49

R06.3

R06.83

R06.89

R07.82

R40.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Covered Diagnosis Codes for procedure codes 93228, 93229, 93268, 93270, 93271, and 93272

I20.1

I20.8

I20.9

I44.0

I44.1

I44.2

I44.4

I44.5

I44.7

I44.30

I44.39

I44.60

I44.69

I45.0

I45.2

I45.3

I45.4

I45.5

I45.6

I45.10

I45.19

I45.89

I47.1

I47.9

I48.0

I48.11

I48.19

I48.20

I48.21

I48.3

I48.4

I48.91

I48.92

I49.1

I49.49

I49.2

I49.5

R06.00

R06.01

R06.02

R06.09

R07.2

R07.9

R07.89

 

 

 

 

 


Covered Diagnosis Codes for procedure codes 33285, 33286, 93228, 93229, 93268, 93270, 93271, 93272, 93285, 93291, 93297, 93298, and E0616

I45.9

I45.81

I49.8

I49.9

I49.40

R00.1

R00.2

R42

R55

 

 

 

 

 

 

Covered Diagnosis Codes for procedure codes 33285, 33286, 93285, 93291, 93297, 93298, and E0616

G45.9

I63.81

I63.89

I63.9

I63.50

I63.59

I63.313

I63.323

I63.333

I63.343

I63.413

I63.423

I63.433

I63.511

I63.512

I63.519

I63.521

I63.522

I63.529

I63.531

I63.532

I63.539

I63.541

I63.542

I63.549

I67.841

I67.848

Z45.09

Z86.73

Z95.818

 

 

 

 

 

 

Covered Diagnosis Codes for procedure codes 93228, and 93229

121.11

I20.8

I21.01

I21.02

I21.09

I21.9

I21.A1

I21.A9

I22.0

I22.1

I22.9

I24.1

I24.8

I24.9

I25.2

I25.5

I25.6

I49.2

R00.0

R00.8

R00.9

Z82.49

Z86.74

 

 

 

 

 



Place of Service: Inpatient/Outpatient

The use of cardiac monitors is typically an outpatient procedure which is only eligible for coverage as an inpatient procedure in special circumstances, including, but not limited to, the presence of a co-morbid condition that would require monitoring in a more controlled environment such as the inpatient setting.


The policy position applies to all commercial lines of business



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This policy is designed to address medical guidelines that are appropriate for the majority of individuals with a particular disease, illness, or condition. Each person's unique clinical or other circumstances may warrant individual consideration, based on review of applicable medical records, as well as other regulatory, contractual and/or legal requirements.

Medical policies do not constitute medical advice, nor are they intended to govern the practice of medicine. They are intended to reflect Highmark's reimbursement and coverage guidelines. Coverage for services may vary for individual members, based on the terms of the benefit contract, and subject to the applicable laws of your state.


Highmark retains the right to review and update its medical policy guidelines at its sole discretion. These guidelines are the proprietary information of Highmark. Any sale, copying or dissemination of the medical policies is prohibited; however, limited copying of medical policies is permitted for individual use.

Discrimination is Against the Law
The Claims Administrator/Insurer complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. The Claims Administrator/Insurer does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. The Claims Administrator/ Insurer:

  • Provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as: 
    • Qualified sign language interpreters
    • Written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other formats)
  • Provides free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as: 
    • Qualified interpreters
    • Information written in other languages

If you need these services, contact the Civil Rights Coordinator. 

If you believe that the Claims Administrator/Insurer has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with: Civil Rights Coordinator, P.O. Box 22492, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Phone: 1-866-286-8295, TTY: 711, Fax: 412-544-2475, email: CivilRightsCoordinator@highmarkhealth.org. You can file a grievance in person or by mail, fax, or email. If you need help filing a grievance, the Civil Rights Coordinator is available to help you. 

You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or by mail or phone at: 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 
200 Independence Avenue, SW 
Room 509F, HHH Building 
Washington, D.C. 20201 
1-800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD) 

Complaint forms are available at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html. 

Insurance or benefit/claims administration may be provided by Highmark, Highmark Choice Company, Highmark Coverage Advantage, Highmark Health Insurance Company, First Priority Life Insurance Company, First Priority Health, Highmark Benefits Group, Highmark Select Resources, Highmark Senior Solutions Company or Highmark Senior Health Company, all of which are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. 





Medical policies do not constitute medical advice, nor are they intended to govern the practice of medicine. They are intended to reflect reimbursement and coverage guidelines. Coverage for services may vary for individual members, based on the terms of the benefit contract.

Discrimination is Against the Law
The Claims Administrator/Insurer complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. The Claims Administrator/Insurer does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. The Claims Administrator/ Insurer:

  • Provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as:
  • Qualified sign language interpreters
  • Written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other formats)

  • Provides free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as:
  • Qualified interpreters
  • Information written in other languages
  • If you need these services, contact the Civil Rights Coordinator.

    If you believe that the Claims Administrator/Insurer has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with: Civil Rights Coordinator, P.O. Box 22492, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Phone: 1-866-286-8295 , TTY: 711, Fax: 412-544-2475, email: CivilRightsCoordinator@highmarkhealth.org. You can file a grievance in person or by mail, fax, or email. If you need help filing a grievance, the Civil Rights Coordinator is available to help you.

    You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or by mail or phone at:

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    200 Independence Avenue, SW
    Room 509F, HHH Building
    Washington, D.C. 20201
    1-800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD)

    Complaint forms are available at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html.