Does H04.229 require prior authorization?

No, H04.229 does not require prior authorization (high confidence). Covered without prior authorization.

`H04.229`, Epiphora due to insufficient drainage, unspecified side

ICD-10-CM

No Prior Auth Required

Covered without prior authorization (high confidence)

If a provider bills CPT codes that imply stenting (e.g., 68815 with tube/stent insertion), documentation must clarify type of stent; note that the policy states silicone stenting in balloon dacryocystoplasty is considered experimental/investigational and silicone stenting is explicitly noted as 'not covered' in the CPT description context
For DCR: documentation that the patient has nasolacrimal duct obstruction and has persistent symptoms despite nasolacrimal duct probing (policy phrase: "Dacryocystorhinostomy ... for persons with nasolacrimal duct obstruction with persistent symptoms despite nasolacrimal duct probing").
For balloon dacryocystoplasty for congenital NLDO: documentation that congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction "cannot be cured by probing" and that the member is over 1 year of age (policy phrase: "congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction that can not be cured by probing (members should be over 1 year of age)").

Balloon dacryocystoplasty (balloon dacryoplasty) for the treatment of: a mucocele of the lacrimal sac.
Balloon dacryocystoplasty for the treatment of: chronic dacryocystitis or conjunctivitis due to lacrimal sac obstruction.
Balloon dacryocystoplasty for the treatment of: congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction that can not be cured by probing (members should be over 1 year of age).
Balloon dacryocystoplasty for the treatment of: epiphora (excessive tearing) due to acquired obstruction within the nasolacrimal sac and duct.
Balloon dacryocystoplasty for the treatment of: lacrimal sac infection that must be relieved before intra-ocular surgery.
Dacryocystorhinostomy (including transcanalicular laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy) for persons with nasolacrimal duct obstruction with persistent symptoms despite nasolacrimal duct probing.

AETNA-CPB-0420, Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: Treatments

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