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If you have questions about prior authorizations, please call:
Member and Recipient Service Line: 1-877-685-2415
Provider Support Service Line: 1-855-250-1539
Creation of lesion of spinal cord by stereotactic method, percutaneous, any modality (including stimulation and/or recording)
How to Submit
N/A - No authorization is required
Stereotactic stimulation of spinal cord, percutaneous, separate procedure not followed by other surgery
How to Submit
N/A - No authorization is required
Stereotactic radiosurgery (particle beam, gamma ray, or linear accelerator); 1 spinal lesion
How to Submit
N/A - No authorization is required
Stereotactic radiosurgery (particle beam, gamma ray, or linear accelerator); each additional spinal lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
How to Submit
N/A - No authorization is required
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), also known as a dorsal column stimulator, is an implantable medical device used to treat chronic intractable neuropathic pain. A small wire (called a lead) connected to a power source is surgically implanted under the skin. Low-level electrical signals are then transmitted through the lead to the spinal cord or to specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Using a remote control, a patient can turn the current on and off, or adjust the intensity. The sensations, or paresthesias, derived from the stimulator are different for everyone. Most patients describe it as a pleasant tingling sensation, subsequently altering the perception of pain and providing analgesia. Implantation of the spinal cord stimulator is typically a two-step process. Initially, the electrode is temporarily implanted in the epidural space, allowing a trial period of stimulation. Once treatment effectiveness is confirmed, defined as at least 50% reduction in pain, the electrodes and radio receiver/transducer are permanently implanted. This is a reversible therapy and results in no intended neuroablation, or nerve destruction.
Authorization Guidelines
See Evolent site for specific requirements
Reauthorization Guidelines
See Evolent site for specific requirements
Limits
Trial stimulation must use a temporarily implanted electrode for a minimum of 48 hours before permanent implantation. Billing units: one unit per date of service for the applicable procedure codes.
Exclusions
SCS is not covered and may be considered investigational for all other indications, including treatment of the following:
- a. Critical limb ischemia as a technique to forestall amputation.
- b. Visceral pain.
- c. Drug-refractory chronic cluster headaches.
- d. Nociceptive pain (resulting from irritation, not damage to the nerves).
- e. Central deafferentation pain (related to central nervous system damage from a stroke or spinal cord injury).
- f. Pregnant beneficiaries.
- g. Chronic refractory angina pectoris.
Place of Service
Inpatient, Outpatient. 95970 through 95973 may also be billed in the office setting.
How to Submit
Please submit your request to Evolent
Resources
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), also known as a dorsal column stimulator, is an implantable medical device used to treat chronic intractable neuropathic pain. A small wire (called a lead) connected to a power source is surgically implanted under the skin. Low-level electrical signals are then transmitted through the lead to the spinal cord or to specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Using a remote control, a patient can turn the current on and off, or adjust the intensity. The sensations, or paresthesias, derived from the stimulator are different for everyone. Most patients describe it as a pleasant tingling sensation, subsequently altering the perception of pain and providing analgesia. Implantation of the spinal cord stimulator is typically a two-step process. Initially, the electrode is temporarily implanted in the epidural space, allowing a trial period of stimulation. Once treatment effectiveness is confirmed, defined as at least 50% reduction in pain, the electrodes and radio receiver/transducer are permanently implanted. This is a reversible therapy and results in no intended neuroablation, or nerve destruction.
Authorization Guidelines
See Evolent site for specific requirements
Reauthorization Guidelines
See Evolent site for specific requirements
Limits
Trial stimulation must use a temporarily implanted electrode for a minimum of 48 hours before permanent implantation. Billing units: one unit per date of service for the applicable procedure codes.
Exclusions
SCS is not covered and may be considered investigational for all other indications, including treatment of the following:
- a. Critical limb ischemia as a technique to forestall amputation.
- b. Visceral pain.
- c. Drug-refractory chronic cluster headaches.
- d. Nociceptive pain (resulting from irritation, not damage to the nerves).
- e. Central deafferentation pain (related to central nervous system damage from a stroke or spinal cord injury).
- f. Pregnant beneficiaries.
- g. Chronic refractory angina pectoris.
Place of Service
Inpatient, Outpatient. 95970 through 95973 may also be billed in the office setting.
How to Submit
Please submit your request to Evolent
Resources
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), also known as a dorsal column stimulator, is an implantable medical device used to treat chronic intractable neuropathic pain. A small wire (called a lead) connected to a power source is surgically implanted under the skin. Low-level electrical signals are then transmitted through the lead to the spinal cord or to specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Using a remote control, a patient can turn the current on and off, or adjust the intensity. The sensations, or paresthesias, derived from the stimulator are different for everyone. Most patients describe it as a pleasant tingling sensation, subsequently altering the perception of pain and providing analgesia. Implantation of the spinal cord stimulator is typically a two-step process. Initially, the electrode is temporarily implanted in the epidural space, allowing a trial period of stimulation. Once treatment effectiveness is confirmed, defined as at least 50% reduction in pain, the electrodes and radio receiver/transducer are permanently implanted. This is a reversible therapy and results in no intended neuroablation, or nerve destruction.
Authorization Guidelines
See Evolent site for specific requirements
Reauthorization Guidelines
See Evolent site for specific requirements
Limits
Trial stimulation must use a temporarily implanted electrode for a minimum of 48 hours before permanent implantation. Billing units: one unit per date of service for the applicable procedure codes.
Exclusions
SCS is not covered and may be considered investigational for all other indications, including treatment of the following:
- a. Critical limb ischemia as a technique to forestall amputation.
- b. Visceral pain.
- c. Drug-refractory chronic cluster headaches.
- d. Nociceptive pain (resulting from irritation, not damage to the nerves).
- e. Central deafferentation pain (related to central nervous system damage from a stroke or spinal cord injury).
- f. Pregnant beneficiaries.
- g. Chronic refractory angina pectoris.
Place of Service
Inpatient, Outpatient. 95970 through 95973 may also be billed in the office setting.
How to Submit
Please submit your request to Evolent
Resources
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), also known as a dorsal column stimulator, is an implantable medical device used to treat chronic intractable neuropathic pain. A small wire (called a lead) connected to a power source is surgically implanted under the skin. Low-level electrical signals are then transmitted through the lead to the spinal cord or to specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Using a remote control, a patient can turn the current on and off, or adjust the intensity. The sensations, or paresthesias, derived from the stimulator are different for everyone. Most patients describe it as a pleasant tingling sensation, subsequently altering the perception of pain and providing analgesia. Implantation of the spinal cord stimulator is typically a two-step process. Initially, the electrode is temporarily implanted in the epidural space, allowing a trial period of stimulation. Once treatment effectiveness is confirmed, defined as at least 50% reduction in pain, the electrodes and radio receiver/transducer are permanently implanted. This is a reversible therapy and results in no intended neuroablation, or nerve destruction.
Authorization Guidelines
See Evolent site for specific requirements
Reauthorization Guidelines
See Evolent site for specific requirements
Limits
Trial stimulation must use a temporarily implanted electrode for a minimum of 48 hours before permanent implantation. Billing units: one unit per date of service for the applicable procedure codes.
Exclusions
SCS is not covered and may be considered investigational for all other indications, including treatment of the following:
- a. Critical limb ischemia as a technique to forestall amputation.
- b. Visceral pain.
- c. Drug-refractory chronic cluster headaches.
- d. Nociceptive pain (resulting from irritation, not damage to the nerves).
- e. Central deafferentation pain (related to central nervous system damage from a stroke or spinal cord injury).
- f. Pregnant beneficiaries.
- g. Chronic refractory angina pectoris.
Place of Service
Inpatient, Outpatient. 95970 through 95973 may also be billed in the office setting.
How to Submit
Please submit your request to Evolent
Resources
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), also known as a dorsal column stimulator, is an implantable medical device used to treat chronic intractable neuropathic pain. A small wire (called a lead) connected to a power source is surgically implanted under the skin. Low-level electrical signals are then transmitted through the lead to the spinal cord or to specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Using a remote control, a patient can turn the current on and off, or adjust the intensity. The sensations, or paresthesias, derived from the stimulator are different for everyone. Most patients describe it as a pleasant tingling sensation, subsequently altering the perception of pain and providing analgesia. Implantation of the spinal cord stimulator is typically a two-step process. Initially, the electrode is temporarily implanted in the epidural space, allowing a trial period of stimulation. Once treatment effectiveness is confirmed, defined as at least 50% reduction in pain, the electrodes and radio receiver/transducer are permanently implanted. This is a reversible therapy and results in no intended neuroablation, or nerve destruction.
Authorization Guidelines
See Evolent site for specific requirements
Reauthorization Guidelines
See Evolent site for specific requirements
Limits
Trial stimulation must use a temporarily implanted electrode for a minimum of 48 hours before permanent implantation. Billing units: one unit per date of service for the applicable procedure codes.
Exclusions
SCS is not covered and may be considered investigational for all other indications, including treatment of the following:
- a. Critical limb ischemia as a technique to forestall amputation.
- b. Visceral pain.
- c. Drug-refractory chronic cluster headaches.
- d. Nociceptive pain (resulting from irritation, not damage to the nerves).
- e. Central deafferentation pain (related to central nervous system damage from a stroke or spinal cord injury).
- f. Pregnant beneficiaries.
- g. Chronic refractory angina pectoris.
Place of Service
Inpatient, Outpatient. 95970 through 95973 may also be billed in the office setting.
How to Submit
Please submit your request to Evolent
Resources
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), also known as a dorsal column stimulator, is an implantable medical device used to treat chronic intractable neuropathic pain. A small wire (called a lead) connected to a power source is surgically implanted under the skin. Low-level electrical signals are then transmitted through the lead to the spinal cord or to specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Using a remote control, a patient can turn the current on and off, or adjust the intensity. The sensations, or paresthesias, derived from the stimulator are different for everyone. Most patients describe it as a pleasant tingling sensation, subsequently altering the perception of pain and providing analgesia. Implantation of the spinal cord stimulator is typically a two-step process. Initially, the electrode is temporarily implanted in the epidural space, allowing a trial period of stimulation. Once treatment effectiveness is confirmed, defined as at least 50% reduction in pain, the electrodes and radio receiver/transducer are permanently implanted. This is a reversible therapy and results in no intended neuroablation, or nerve destruction.
Authorization Guidelines
See Evolent site for specific requirements
Reauthorization Guidelines
See Evolent site for specific requirements
Limits
Trial stimulation must use a temporarily implanted electrode for a minimum of 48 hours before permanent implantation. Billing units: one unit per date of service for the applicable procedure codes.
Exclusions
SCS is not covered and may be considered investigational for all other indications, including treatment of the following:
- a. Critical limb ischemia as a technique to forestall amputation.
- b. Visceral pain.
- c. Drug-refractory chronic cluster headaches.
- d. Nociceptive pain (resulting from irritation, not damage to the nerves).
- e. Central deafferentation pain (related to central nervous system damage from a stroke or spinal cord injury).
- f. Pregnant beneficiaries.
- g. Chronic refractory angina pectoris.
Place of Service
Inpatient, Outpatient. 95970 through 95973 may also be billed in the office setting.
How to Submit
Please submit your request to Evolent
Resources
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), also known as a dorsal column stimulator, is an implantable medical device used to treat chronic intractable neuropathic pain. A small wire (called a lead) connected to a power source is surgically implanted under the skin. Low-level electrical signals are then transmitted through the lead to the spinal cord or to specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Using a remote control, a patient can turn the current on and off, or adjust the intensity. The sensations, or paresthesias, derived from the stimulator are different for everyone. Most patients describe it as a pleasant tingling sensation, subsequently altering the perception of pain and providing analgesia. Implantation of the spinal cord stimulator is typically a two-step process. Initially, the electrode is temporarily implanted in the epidural space, allowing a trial period of stimulation. Once treatment effectiveness is confirmed, defined as at least 50% reduction in pain, the electrodes and radio receiver/transducer are permanently implanted. This is a reversible therapy and results in no intended neuroablation, or nerve destruction.
Authorization Guidelines
See Evolent site for specific requirements
Reauthorization Guidelines
See Evolent site for specific requirements
Limits
Trial stimulation must use a temporarily implanted electrode for a minimum of 48 hours before permanent implantation. Billing units: one unit per date of service for the applicable procedure codes.
Exclusions
SCS is not covered and may be considered investigational for all other indications, including treatment of the following:
- a. Critical limb ischemia as a technique to forestall amputation.
- b. Visceral pain.
- c. Drug-refractory chronic cluster headaches.
- d. Nociceptive pain (resulting from irritation, not damage to the nerves).
- e. Central deafferentation pain (related to central nervous system damage from a stroke or spinal cord injury).
- f. Pregnant beneficiaries.
- g. Chronic refractory angina pectoris.
Place of Service
Inpatient, Outpatient. 95970 through 95973 may also be billed in the office setting.
How to Submit
Please submit your request to Evolent
Resources
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), also known as a dorsal column stimulator, is an implantable medical device used to treat chronic intractable neuropathic pain. A small wire (called a lead) connected to a power source is surgically implanted under the skin. Low-level electrical signals are then transmitted through the lead to the spinal cord or to specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Using a remote control, a patient can turn the current on and off, or adjust the intensity. The sensations, or paresthesias, derived from the stimulator are different for everyone. Most patients describe it as a pleasant tingling sensation, subsequently altering the perception of pain and providing analgesia. Implantation of the spinal cord stimulator is typically a two-step process. Initially, the electrode is temporarily implanted in the epidural space, allowing a trial period of stimulation. Once treatment effectiveness is confirmed, defined as at least 50% reduction in pain, the electrodes and radio receiver/transducer are permanently implanted. This is a reversible therapy and results in no intended neuroablation, or nerve destruction.
Authorization Guidelines
See Evolent site for specific requirements
Reauthorization Guidelines
See Evolent site for specific requirements
Limits
Trial stimulation must use a temporarily implanted electrode for a minimum of 48 hours before permanent implantation. Billing units: one unit per date of service for the applicable procedure codes.
Exclusions
SCS is not covered and may be considered investigational for all other indications, including treatment of the following:
- a. Critical limb ischemia as a technique to forestall amputation.
- b. Visceral pain.
- c. Drug-refractory chronic cluster headaches.
- d. Nociceptive pain (resulting from irritation, not damage to the nerves).
- e. Central deafferentation pain (related to central nervous system damage from a stroke or spinal cord injury).
- f. Pregnant beneficiaries.
- g. Chronic refractory angina pectoris.
Place of Service
Inpatient, Outpatient. 95970 through 95973 may also be billed in the office setting.
How to Submit
Please submit your request to Evolent
Resources
Repair of meningocele; less than 5 cm diameter
Authorization Guidelines
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please see the Evolent site for specific requirements. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit any records and any other information that you believe support the member has met the applicable medical necessity criteria to Trillium.
Conditional Requirements
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please submit the request to Evolent. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit the request to Trillium.
How to Submit
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please submit the request to Evolent. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit the request to Trillium.
Repair of meningocele; larger than 5 cm diameter
Authorization Guidelines
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please see the Evolent site for specific requirements. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit any records and any other information that you believe support the member has met the applicable medical necessity criteria to Trillium.
Conditional Requirements
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please submit the request to Evolent. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit the request to Trillium.
How to Submit
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please submit the request to Evolent. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit the request to Trillium.
Repair of myelomeningocele; less than 5 cm diameter
Authorization Guidelines
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please see the Evolent site for specific requirements. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit any records and any other information that you believe support the member has met the applicable medical necessity criteria to Trillium.
Conditional Requirements
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please submit the request to Evolent. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit the request to Trillium.
How to Submit
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please submit the request to Evolent. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit the request to Trillium.
Repair of myelomeningocele; larger than 5 cm diameter
Authorization Guidelines
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please see the Evolent site for specific requirements. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit any records and any other information that you believe support the member has met the applicable medical necessity criteria to Trillium.
Conditional Requirements
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please submit the request to Evolent. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit the request to Trillium.
How to Submit
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please submit the request to Evolent. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit the request to Trillium.
Repair of dural/cerebrospinal fluid leak, not requiring laminectomy
Authorization Guidelines
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please see the Evolent site for specific requirements. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit any records and any other information that you believe support the member has met the applicable medical necessity criteria to Trillium.
Conditional Requirements
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please submit the request to Evolent. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit the request to Trillium.
How to Submit
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please submit the request to Evolent. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit the request to Trillium.
Repair of dural/cerebrospinal fluid leak or pseudomeningocele, with laminectomy
Authorization Guidelines
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please see the Evolent site for specific requirements. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit any records and any other information that you believe support the member has met the applicable medical necessity criteria to Trillium.
Conditional Requirements
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please submit the request to Evolent. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit the request to Trillium.
How to Submit
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please submit the request to Evolent. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit the request to Trillium.
Dural graft, spinal
Authorization Guidelines
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please see the Evolent site for specific requirements. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit any records and any other information that you believe support the member has met the applicable medical necessity criteria to Trillium.
Conditional Requirements
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please submit the request to Evolent. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit the request to Trillium.
How to Submit
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please submit the request to Evolent. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit the request to Trillium.
Creation of shunt, lumbar, subarachnoid-peritoneal, -pleural, or other; including laminectomy
Authorization Guidelines
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please see the Evolent site for specific requirements. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit any records and any other information that you believe support the member has met the applicable medical necessity criteria to Trillium.
Conditional Requirements
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please submit the request to Evolent. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit the request to Trillium.
How to Submit
If your request is for OUTPATIENT services, please submit the request to Evolent. If your request is for INPATIENT services, please submit the request to Trillium.
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