Does M79.609 require prior authorization?

No, M79.609 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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`M79.609`, Pain in unspecified limb

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

For CPT 97032, document the type of electrical stimulation (including 'manual'/'attended'), area(s) treated, and if used for muscle weakness provide objective strength ratings and functional deficits; if used for pain provide pain rating, pain location, and effect on function.
For HCPCS G0283, document the type of electrical stimulation (e.g., TENS, IFC), area(s) treated, and objective/subjective measures showing impact on pain intensity/location/functional impact and/or swelling.
For non-implantable pelvic floor stimulation, document cognitive intactness, patient motivation, and a failed documented trial of PME training (defined as no clinically significant improvement after 4 weeks of an ordered PME plan).
For wound-related modalities (HCPCS G0281, G0329), document that the ulcer (stage III/IV pressure, arterial, diabetic, venous stasis) has not demonstrated measurable signs of healing after 30 days of conventional care and include wound measurements and treatment history.

Key Coverage Criteria

Attended/manual electrical stimulation (CPT 97032) is covered when the qualified professional provides direct 1-on-1 patient contact to apply/manualy adjust stimulation (e.g., direct motor point stimulation, FES/NMES when combined with therapeutic exercise/neuromuscular reeducation/functional activities).
Non-implantable pelvic floor electrical stimulation delivered via vaginal or anal probes (reportable as CPT 97032) is covered for stress and/or urge urinary incontinence in cognitively intact, motivated patients who have failed a documented 4-week trial of pelvic muscle exercise (PME) training.
Unattended/supervised electrical stimulation provided as part of a therapy plan of care (HCPCS G0283) is covered for non-wound indications (e.g., TENS, IFC, cyclical muscle stimulation) when used to control pain and/or swelling and when objective/subjective improvement is documented.
Electromagnetic therapy (HCPCS G0329) is covered for chronic stage III and IV pressure ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and venous stasis ulcers not demonstrating measurable signs of healing after 30 days of conventional care as part of a therapy plan of care.
Unattended electrical stimulation for wound management (HCPCS G0281) is covered for chronic stage III and IV pressure ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and venous stasis ulcers that have not shown measurable healing after 30 days of conventional care.
CPT 64450 is appropriate when a qualified health care professional performs a direct injection (nerve block) of an anesthetic agent and/or steroid into a peripheral nerve for treatment of peripheral neuropathy.

16 Active Policies

A57589, Billing and Coding: Nerve Blocks for Peripheral Neuropathy

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

NGS-J6-L35098, Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography

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

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M79.609, Pain in unspecified limb