Does M46.81 require prior authorization?

No, M46.81 does not require prior authorization (medium confidence). Covered without prior authorization by at least one policy, though another does not cover it.

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`M46.81`, Other specified inflammatory spondylopathies, occipito-atlanto-axial region

ICD-10-CM

Prior Authorization

No Prior Auth Required

Covered without prior authorization by at least one policy, though another does not cover it (medium confidence)

Documentation Required

An updated and completed OASIS M2200 for the billing period must be in the patient's medical record and made available to the Medicare Administrative Contractor upon request to support medical necessity for therapy services.
Medical records must document which modalities and specific procedures were performed for each therapy visit and be available to the MAC upon request.
When multiple heating modalities are provided the same date of service, documentation of the medical necessity for multiple modalities must be present in the medical record.

Key Coverage Criteria

Occupational therapy is covered for patients with migraine (G43.xx) who require training to reduce pain during basic and instrumental activities of daily living, typically completed in 3–4 sessions.
Electrical stimulation (attended CPT 97032 or unattended HCPCS G0283) may be covered as part of a therapy plan of care to improve function when the nerve supply to the muscle is intact and atrophy is due to non-neurological disuse (e.g., post-casting, splinting, soft-tissue scarring).
Wheelchair management training (CPT 97542) is covered for patient and/or caregiver training in transfers and propulsion when documentation ties the training to attainable functional goals.
Therapeutic exercise (CPT 97110) is covered when used to address impairments of exercise tolerance due to cardiopulmonary impairments.
Range of motion testing (CPT 95851) may be used for extremity ROM when every joint of the extremity is tested and documentation explains why such comprehensive assessment was warranted.
Occupational therapists may recertify home health patients under a plan of care if services meet CMS occupational therapy definitions and the patient's home health eligibility is established by prior need for skilled nursing (not solely venipuncture), speech-language pathology, or physical therapy in the current or prior certification period.

13 Active Policies

A59434, Billing and Coding: Amniotic and Placental-Derived Product Injections and/or Applications for Musculoskeletal Indications, Non-Wound

A58893, Billing and Coding: Amniotic and Placental-Derived Product Injections and/or Applications for Musculoskeletal Indications, Non-Wound

A59764, Billing and Coding: Amniotic and Placental-Derived Product Injections and/or Applications for Musculoskeletal Indications, Non-Wound

A59766, Billing and Coding: Amniotic and Placental-Derived Product Injections and/or Applications for Musculoskeletal Indications, Non-Wound

A57204, Billing and Coding: MRI and CT Scans of the Head and Neck

A57689, Billing and Coding: Lab: Flow Cytometry

A53057, Billing and Coding: Home Health Occupational Therapy

A58865, Billing and Coding: Amniotic and Placental-Derived Product Injections and/or Applications for Musculoskeletal Indications, Non-Wound

A59374, Billing and Coding: Amniotic and Placental-Derived Product Injections and/or Applications for Musculoskeletal Indications, Non-Wound

A57791, Billing and Coding: Spinal Cord Stimulators for Chronic Pain

A53064, Billing and Coding: Outpatient Occupational Therapy

A53065, Billing and Coding: Outpatient Physical Therapy

A56695, Billing and Coding: Implantable Infusion Pump

`M46.81`, Other specified inflammatory spondylopathies, occipito-atlanto-axial region

Prior Authorization

Documentation Required

Key Coverage Criteria

13 Active Policies

Related Codes

Have a follow-up question?

M46.81, Other specified inflammatory spondylopathies, occipito-atlanto-axial region

Prior Authorization

Documentation Required

Key Coverage Criteria

13 Active Policies

Related Codes

Have a follow-up question?

`M46.81`, Other specified inflammatory spondylopathies, occipito-atlanto-axial region