A variety of transesophageal endoscopic therapies have been developed for the treatment of GERD. These include: suture plication of the proximal gastric folds, injection of bulking agents or implantation of a bioprosthesis into the lower esophageal sphincter implantation of titanium beads with magnetic cores and radiofrequency energy.
The Stretta procedure uses radiofrequency energy to treat GERD and involves insertion of a flexible balloon-tipped catheter with needle electrodes for energy delivery via the esophagus. Precisely controlled radiofrequency energy is delivered to create lesions in the smooth muscle of the gastroesophageal junction.
The following transendoscopic therapies for the treatment of GERD are considered experimental/investigational and therefore non-covered. The long-term efficacy of these procedures has not yet been established.
43210 |
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Transesophageal endoscopic radiofrequency therapy (Stretta), or transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) (e.g., StomaphyX, EsophyX) may be considered medically necessary for a select population of patients, who are greater than or equal to 18 years of age with refractory GERD, who meet ALL of the following criteria:
Contraindications:
The use of transesophageal endoscopic radiofrequency is considered experimental/investigational, and therefore, non-covered for all other indications. Peer reviewed literature does not support the use of transesophageal endoscopic radiofrequency for any indications other than those listed in this medical policy.
43257 |
43210 |
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Savary-Miller classification of reflux esophagitis
Grade 1: Single erosion above gastro-esophageal mucosal junction
Grade 2: Multiple, non-circumferential erosions above gastro-esophageal mucosal junction
Grade 3: Circumferential erosion above mucosal junction
Grade 4: Chronic change with esophageal ulceration and associated stricture
Grade 5: Barrett's esophagus with histologically confirmed intestinal differentiation within columnar epithelium.
Refer to Table Attachment for Savary-Miller classification of reflux esophagitis.
Refer to medical policy G-24 bariatric surgery for morbid obesity for additional information.
Refer to medical policy HMK M-77 Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy/Esophagoscopy for additional information.
Refer to medical policy HMK S-4 Endoscopic Procedures and Related Services for additional information.
Refer to medical policy S-233 Magnetic Esophageal Ring to Treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease for additional information.
Covered Diagnosis Codes for Procedure Code 43257, 43210
K21.0 |
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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.
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:
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:
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.
