Computed Tomography

CMS National Coverage Determination | ncd_id=176 | manual_section=220.1 | coverage_level_code=2 | national_coverage_type=True | under_review=True | lab_ncd=False

Item/Service Description: A. General Diagnostic examinations of the head (head scans) and of other parts of the body (body scans) performed by computerized tomography (CT) scanners are covered if medical and scientific literature and opinion support the effective use of a scan for the condition, and the scan is: (1) reasonable and necessary for the individual patient; and (2) performed on a model of CT equipment that meets the criteria in C below. CT scans have become the primary diagnostic tool for many conditions and symptoms. CT scanning used as the primary diagnostic tool can be cost effective because it can eliminate the need for a series of other tests, is non-invasive and thus virtually eliminates complications, and does not require hospitalization. Revision History: 06/2008 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has determined that the use of cardiac CTA to diagnosis coronary artery disease (CAD), shall remain at local contractor discretion, and no national coverage determination (NCD) is appropriate at this time. Effective date 03/12/2008 Implementation date 07/28/2008. TN 85 (CR6098) 11/1985 - Deleted reference to NMR as a noncovered service. Effective date 11/22/1985. (TN 1) Benefit Categories: 19 - Diagnostic Services in Outpatient Hospital; 20 - Diagnostic Tests (other) Transmittal: transmittal_number=85 | transmittal_issue_date=2008-06-27 | change_request_number=6098