Does M54.31 require prior authorization?

No, M54.31 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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`M54.31`, Sciatica, right side

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

All documentation must be maintained in the patient's medical record, legible, include patient identification (e.g., full name, dates of service), and be made available to the contractor upon request.
The documentation must include the legible signature of the physician or non-physician practitioner responsible for and providing the care.
The submitted medical record must support the selected ICD-10-CM code(s), the submitted CPT/HCPCS code must describe the service performed, and the record must clearly document medical necessity, the indication for ordering the test, and a clear diagnostic impression.
If documentation is requested, providers must submit a hard copy of waveforms and/or a complete written report with interpretation sufficient to support that the test was medically reasonable and necessary.

Key Coverage Criteria

Nerve conduction studies (NCS) without needle EMG (NEMG) are allowed for individuals being evaluated for carpal tunnel syndrome or tarsal tunnel syndrome when one of the following ICD-10-CM codes is reported: G56.01, G56.02, G56.03, G56.11, G56.12, G56.13, G56.21, G56.22, G56.23, G57.51, G57.52, or G57.53.
NCS without NEMG is allowed for individuals with significant lymphedema in the affected extremity when ICD-10-CM code I89.0 is reported in addition to the primary diagnosis.
NCS without NEMG is allowed for individuals treated with anticoagulants when ICD-10-CM code Z79.01 or Z79.02 is reported in addition to the primary diagnosis.
CPT codes 64400-64530 for peripheral nerve blocks may be reported on the date of surgery when performed for postoperative pain management only if the operative anesthesia is general anesthesia, subarachnoid injection, or epidural injection and the adequacy of intraoperative anesthesia is not dependent on the peripheral nerve block.
Peripheral nerve block services that are separate, medically necessary services which cannot be rendered by the surgeon may be reported if the surgeon documents the reason for referral and the additional services are justified in the medical record.
Electrodiagnostic testing (EMG and/or nerve conduction studies) is indicated for evaluation of suspected carpal tunnel syndrome.

20 Active Policies

CGS-J15-L35897, Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography

J15

CGS-J18-L35897, Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography

J18

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

WPS-J5-L34594, Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography

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M54.31, Sciatica, right side