Does M86.68 require prior authorization?

No, M86.68 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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`M86.68`, Other chronic osteomyelitis, other site

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

Medical records must include history and physical notes, laboratory results, and documentation of signs and symptoms that warrant the head/neck diagnostic imaging.
Accurate HCPCS/CPT coding must be submitted to differentiate CT and MRI scans from other radiology services and to support coverage determinations.
Documentation and supporting information must be available to Medicare upon request.
Providers should check and apply Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits and applicable LCD guidance for correct code combinations before billing.

Key Coverage Criteria

CT or MRI scans of the head or neck are covered when the medical record documents the scan is reasonable and necessary for diagnostic evaluation.
Coverage requires documentation supporting clinical indication such as history and physical exam findings, laboratory results, and signs or symptoms that justify the diagnostic test.
Initial lumbar MRI is covered when the test is medically reasonable and necessary and the medical record documents clinical rationale and supports the ICD-10-CM code(s) billed.
A second lumbar MRI for the same patient is allowable when documentation shows comparative test results are needed to make a more definitive treatment decision.
Multiple scans of different body areas performed on the same day for the same patient are payable when each scan is reasonable and necessary.
No specific clinical indications are provided in this billing and coding article; coverage criteria for amniotic and placental-derived product injections/applications for musculoskeletal non-wound indications are described in Local Coverage Determination L39116.

14 Active Policies

CGS-J15-L39521, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan for Inflammation and Infection

J15

CGS-J18-L39521, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan for Inflammation and Infection

J18

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

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M86.68, Other chronic osteomyelitis, other site