Ambulatory Event Monitors and Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry Corporate Medical Policy

Transcription

1 Ambulatory Event Monitors and Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry Corporate Medical Policy File name: Ambulatory Event Monitors and Mobile Cardiac outpatient Telemetry File code: UM.SPSVC.13 Origination: 10/2015 Last Review: 09/2017 Next Review: 09/2018 Effective Date: 12/01/2017 Description/Summary The following are descriptions of various cardiac event monitors: 1. Cardiac event detection monitoring (implantable loop monitoring): An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is rarely the preferred initial test for ambulatory ECG monitoring (AECG). However, this test can be useful for members with infrequent (e.g. less than monthly) symptoms that are potentially harmful to the individual. An ILR is implanted subcutaneously in a member s upper left chest and left for several months. 2. Continuous AECG monitoring (24- or 48-hour Holter monitoring): The Holter monitor reports total heart beats as well as average and maximum/minimum heart rates. It provides representative hourly samples of the ECG tracing and episodes of tachyarrhythmia and the etiology of the arrhythmias as well as pauses. The monitor detects a number of premature beats (supraventricular and ventricular), ST segment changes, member-reported symptoms associated ECG findings and the longest R-R interval with pause greater than three seconds. The Holter monitor may be the preferred ambulatory ECG monitoring test for members with daily or near daily symptoms and for those who would prefer a comprehensive assessment of all cardiac activity over the given hour interval 3. Continuous AECG monitoring for periods greater than every 48 hours (e.g. Zio Patch): The Zio Patch is a single-use AECG monitor that has the capability of collecting data for up to 14 days for those with suspected cardiac arrhythmias (e.g. ventricular tachycardia (VT), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), atrioventricular block, symptomatic bradycardia and greater than 3- second pauses. 4. External cardiac event detection monitoring (e.g. external loop monitoring): An external loop monitor has the capability to monitor an individual for long durations (e.g. up to Page 1 of 12

2 seven days) and thus has a higher chance of providing a diagnosis to those whose symptoms occur infrequently. It is recommended for those with infrequent short-duration transient symptoms, reoccurring over weeks or months. 5. Mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry monitoring (e.g. CardioNet, Inc.): MCOT monitors members in real-time using built-in detection algorithms and cellular technology. It holds up to 96 hours of memory and allows providers to capture significant arrhythmic events, even when no symptoms are experienced. Policy Coding Information Click the links below for attachments, coding tables & instructions. Attachment I- CPT Code Table & Instructions The implantation and removal of an insertable loop recorder are coded as follows: 33282: Implantation of patient-activated cardiac event recorder 33284: Removal of an implantable, patient-activated cardiac event recorder The interpretation of the electrocardiograms (ECGs) recorded with ambulatory event monitors (AEMs) may be coded as follows: 93268: External patient and, when performed, auto activated electrocardiographic rhythm derived event recording with symptom-related memory loop with remote download capability up to 30 days, 24-hour attended monitoring; includes transmission, review and interpretation by a physician or other qualified health care professional. The above CPT code represents a bundled CPT code including all components of AEM monitoring, including ECG analysis of all the recorded strips during a 30-day period. Other CPT codes that can be used for AEM monitoring represent unbundling of the code. For example, CPT code describes the connection, recording and disconnection of an external device; CPT code describes the transmission download and analysis; and describes the physician review and interpretation of the ECG strips. AEM monitoring services may supply the monitoring, receipt of transmissions and analysis of the ECGs (ie, CPT codes and 93272), but the provider supplies the hook-up and disconnection of the device (ie, CPT code 93270). If this is the case, the unbundled codes may be used. It should also be noted that CPT code (physician review and interpretation) applies to all ECGs transmit during a 30-day period; therefore, billing for each individual transmitted strip is not warranted. Effective January 1, 2009, there are specific CPT codes for mobile outpatient cardiac telemetry: 93228: External mobile cardiovascular telemetry with electrocardiographic recording, concurrent computerized real-time data analysis and greater than 24 hours of accessible ECG data storage (retrievable with query) with ECG triggered and patient selected events transmitted to a remote attended surveillance center for up to 30 days; review and Page 2 of 12

3 interpretation with report by a physician or other qualified health care professional : technical support for connection and patient instructions for use, attended surveillance, analysis and transmission of daily and emergent data reports as prescribed by a physician or other qualified health care professional Both of these codes can only be reported once per 30 days of service. Effective in 2012, category III CPT Codes were added for devices with longer recording capabilities: 0295T External electrocardiographic recording for more than 48 hours up to 21 days by continuous rhythm recording and storage; includes recording, scanning analysis with report, review and interpretation. 0296T; recording (includes connection and initial recording) 0297T; scanning analysis with report 0298T; review and interpretation When a service may be considered medically necessary BCBSVT considers the following cardiac event monitors medically necessary when age specific and device specific criteria are met. General Criteria: Cardiac event detection monitoring (e.g. implantable loop monitoring), mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry monitoring (MCOT), and Continuous AECG monitoring for periods greater than every 48 hours (e.g. Zio Patch) are covered when: Documentation confirms symptoms occur infrequently that arrhythmia is unlikely to be diagnosed by a 24- or 48-hour Holter monitor and/or external cardiac event monitor AND results of this testing will provide diagnostic or treatment information necessary for the management of the member beyond what would be provided by the continuous 24- or 48-hour Holter monitor and/or external cardiac event monitor Continuous ambulatory electrocardiography (AECG) monitoring (24- or 48-hour Holter monitor) is covered when: Documentation confirms symptoms occur infrequently that arrhythmia is unlikely to be diagnosed by a standard 12-lead ECG AND results of this testing will provide diagnostic or treatment information necessary for the management of the member beyond what would be provided by the 12-lead ECG External cardiac event detection monitoring (e.g. external loop monitoring) is covered when: Documentation confirms symptoms occur infrequently that arrhythmia is unlikely to be diagnosed by a 24- or 48-hour Holter monitor AND results of this testing will provide diagnostic or treatment information necessary for the management of the member beyond what would be provided by the continuous 24- or 48-hour Holter monitor Page 3 of 12

4 Age-Specific Criteria: The provider must also have all prior testing and result documentation and one or more of the following age specific criteria must be met for monitoring devices to be considered medically necessary: 1. Adults: a. Evaluation of infrequent recurrent symptoms (e.g. presyncope, syncope lightheadedness, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pains or dizziness) that may be associated with arrhythmia. b. Evaluation of members with unexplained recurrent palpitation after complete examination. c. Assessment of individuals with documented coronary artery disease (CAD) for silent myocardial ischemia. d. Monitoring members who have had surgical or catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation when discontinuation of systemic anticoagulation is being considered. e. Assessment of individuals who have had a history of cryptogenic stroke along with evidence of prior non-diagnostic tests. f. Evaluation of members with idiopathic hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathies to detect arrhythmias 2. Pediatric: a. Antiarrhythmic drug efficacy, during rapid somatic growth b. Asymptomatic congenital atrioventricular block, non-paced c. Documented or potential long QT syndromes (LQTS d. Hypertrophic or dilated cardiac myopathies e. Palpitations in members with previous surgery for congenital heart disease and significant residual hemodynamic abnormalities. f. Previously documented arrhythmia or pacemaker dependency. g. Syncope, near syncope associated with exertion or dizziness with known heart disease Note: Repeat studies within a 1-year time frame are subject to review based on medical necessity. When a service is considered investigational Cardiac event monitors are considered investigational for all other indications. Reference Resources UpToDate Literature review current through: Jul This topic last updated: Mar 15, Harvard Pilgrim Cardiac Event monitors Policy May 2017 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Ambulatory Event Monitors and Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry, MPRM # Last reviewed: May Page 4 of 12

5 1. Task Force for the Diagnosis Management of Syncope, European Society of Cardiology, European Heart Rhythm Association, et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of syncope (version 2009). Eur Heart J. Nov 2009;30(21): PMID National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Transient loss of consciousness ('blackouts') in over 16s [CG109]. 2014; Accessed April 29, Raviele A, Giada F, Bergfeldt L, et al. Management of patients with palpitations: a position paper from the European Heart Rhythm Association. Europace. Jul 2011;13(7): PMID January CT, Wann LS, Alpert JS, et al AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation: executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on practice guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. Circulation. Dec ;130(23): PMID Mittal S, Movsowitz C, Steinberg JS. Ambulatory external electrocardiographic monitoring: focus on atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol. Oct ;58(17): PMID Christensen LM, Krieger DW, Hojberg S, et al. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation occurs often in cryptogenic ischaemic stroke. Final results from the SURPRISE study. Eur J Neurol. Jun 2014;21(6): PMID Balmelli N, Naegeli B, Bertel O. Diagnostic yield of automatic and patient-triggered ambulatory cardiac event recording in the evaluation of patients with palpitations, dizziness, or syncope. Clin Cardiol. Apr 2003;26(4): PMID Ermis C, Zhu AX, Pham S, et al. Comparison of automatic and patient-activated arrhythmia recordings by implantable loop recorders in the evaluation of syncope. Am J Cardiol. Oct ;92(7): PMID Reiffel JA, Schwarzberg R, Murry M. Comparison of autotriggered memory loop recorders versus standard loop recorders versus 24-hour Holter monitors for arrhythmia detection. Am J Cardiol. May ;95(9): PMID Hoefman E, Bindels PJ, van Weert HC. Efficacy of diagnostic tools for detecting cardiac arrhythmias: systematic literature search. Neth Heart J. Nov 2010;18(11): PMID Turakhia MP, Hoang DD, Zimetbaum P, et al. Diagnostic utility of a novel leadless arrhythmia monitoring device. Am J Cardiol. Aug ;112(4): PMID Barrett PM, Komatireddy R, Haaser S, et al. Comparison of 24-hour Holter monitoring with 14-day novel adhesive patch electrocardiographic monitoring. Am J Med. Jan 2014;127(1):95 e PMID Solomon MD, Yang J, Sung SH, et al. Incidence and timing of potentially high-risk arrhythmias detected through long term continuous ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring. BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2016;16(1):35. PMID Bolourchi M, Batra AS. Diagnostic yield of patch ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring in children (from a national registry). Am J Cardiol. Mar ;115(5): PMID Health Quality Ontario. Long-Term Continuous Ambulatory ECG Monitors and External Cardiac Loop Recorders for Cardiac Arrhythmia: A Health Technology Assessment. Ont Health Technol Assess Ser. 2017; 17(1):1-56. PMID Eisenberg EE, Carlson SK, Doshi RH, et al. Chronic ambulatory monitoring: results of a large single-center experience. J Innovations Cardiac Rhythm Manage. Nov 2014; 5: PMID 17. Schreiber D, Sattar A, Drigalla D, et al. Ambulatory cardiac monitoring for discharged emergency department patients with possible cardiac arrhythmias. West J Emerg Med. Mar 2014; 15(2): PMID Dagres N, Kottkamp H, Piorkowski C, et al. Influence of the duration of Holter monitoring on the detection of arrhythmia recurrences after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: implications for patient follow-up. Int J Cardiol. Mar ;139(3): PMID Pokushalov E, Romanov A, Corbucci G, et al. Ablation of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation: 1-year follow-up through continuous subcutaneous monitoring. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. Apr 2011; 22(4): PMID Page 5 of 12

6 20. Chao TF, Lin YJ, Tsao HM, et al. CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores in the prediction of clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation. J Am Coll Cardiol. Nov ; 58(23): PMID Kapa S, Epstein AE, Callans DJ, et al. Assessing arrhythmia burden after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation using an implantable loop recorder: the ABACUS study. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. Aug 2013;24(8): PMID Verma A, Champagne J, Sapp J, et al. Discerning the incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic episodes of atrial fibrillation before and after catheter ablation (DISCERN AF): a prospective, multicenter study. JAMA Intern Med. Jan ;173(2): PMID Themistoclakis S, Corrado A, Marchlinski FE, et al. The risk of thromboembolism and need for oral anticoagulation after successful atrial fibrillation ablation. J Am Coll Cardiol. Feb ;55(8): PMID Gumbinger C, Krumsdorf U, Veltkamp R, et al. Continuous monitoring versus HOLTER ECG for detection of atrial fibrillation in patients with stroke. Eur J Neurol. Feb 2012;19(2): PMID Lazzaro MA, Krishnan K, Prabhakaran S. Detection of atrial fibrillation with concurrent holter monitoring and continuous cardiac telemetry following ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. Feb 2012;21(2): PMID Cotter PE, Martin PJ, Ring L, et al. Incidence of atrial fibrillation detected by implantable loop recorders in unexplained stroke. Neurology. Apr ;80(17): PMID Miller DJ, Khan MA, Schultz LR, et al. Outpatient cardiac telemetry detects a high rate of atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke. J Neurol Sci. Jan ;324(1-2): PMID Sposato LA, Cipriano LE, Saposnik G, et al. Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation after stroke and transient ischaemic attack: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Neurol. Apr 2015;14(4): PMID Kishore A, Vail A, Majid A, et al. Detection of atrial fibrillation after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Stroke. Feb 2014;45(2): PMID Kamel H, Navi BB, Elijovich L, et al. Pilot randomized trial of outpatient cardiac monitoring after cryptogenic stroke. Stroke. Feb 2013;44(2): PMID Higgins P, MacFarlane PW, Dawson J, et al. Noninvasive cardiac event monitoring to detect atrial fibrillation after ischemic stroke: a randomized, controlled trial. Stroke. Sep 2013;44(9): PMID Sinha AM, Diener HC, Morillo CA, et al. Cryptogenic Stroke and underlying Atrial Fibrillation (CRYSTAL AF): design and rationale. Am Heart J. Jul 2010;160(1):36-41 e31. PMID Sanna T, Diener HC, Passman RS, et al. Cryptogenic stroke and underlying atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med. Jun ;370(26): PMID Brachmann J, Morillo CA, Sanna T, et al. Uncovering atrial fibrillation beyond short-term monitoring in cryptogenic stroke patients: three-year results from the Cryptogenic Stroke and Underlying Atrial Fibrillation Trial. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. Jan 2016;9(1):e PMID Gladstone DJ, Spring M, Dorian P, et al. Atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke. N Engl J Med. Jun ;370(26): PMID Ritter MA, Kochhauser S, Duning T, et al. Occult atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke: detection by 7-day electrocardiogram versus implantable cardiac monitors. Stroke. May 2013;44(5): PMID Etgen T, Hochreiter M, Mundel M, et al. Insertable cardiac event recorder in detection of atrial fibrillation after cryptogenic stroke: an audit report. Stroke. Jul 2013;44(7): PMID Tung CE, Su D, Turakhia MP, et al. Diagnostic yield of extended cardiac patch monitoring in patients with stroke or TIA. Front Neurol. 2014;5:266. PMID Rosenberg MA, Samuel M, Thosani A, et al. Use of a noninvasive continuous monitoring device in the management of atrial fibrillation: a pilot study. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. Mar 2013;36(3): PMID Page 6 of 12

7 40. Savelieva I, Camm AJ. Clinical relevance of silent atrial fibrillation: prevalence, prognosis, quality of life, and management. J Interv Card Electrophysiol. Jun 2000;4(2): PMID Israel CW, Gronefeld G, Ehrlich JR, et al. Long-term risk of recurrent atrial fibrillation as documented by an implantable monitoring device: implications for optimal patient care. J Am Coll Cardiol. Jan ;43(1): PMID Page RL, Wilkinson WE, Clair WK, et al. Asymptomatic arrhythmias in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Circulation. Jan 1994;89(1): PMID Hart RG, Pearce LA, Rothbart RM, et al. Stroke with intermittent atrial fibrillation: incidence and predictors during aspirin therapy. Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Investigators. J Am Coll Cardiol. Jan 2000;35(1): PMID Hohnloser SH, Pajitnev D, Pogue J, et al. Incidence of stroke in paroxysmal versus sustained atrial fibrillation in patients taking oral anticoagulation or combined antiplatelet therapy: an ACTIVE W Substudy. J Am Coll Cardiol. Nov ;50(22): PMID Ganesan AN, Chew DP, Hartshorne T, et al. The impact of atrial fibrillation type on the risk of thromboembolism, mortality, and bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Heart J. May ;37(20): PMID Fitzmaurice DA, Hobbs FD, Jowett S, et al. Screening versus routine practice in detection of atrial fibrillation in patients aged 65 or over: cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ. Aug ;335(7616):383. PMID Turakhia MP, Ullal AJ, Hoang DD, et al. Feasibility of extended ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring to identify silent atrial fibrillation in high-risk patients: the Screening Study for Undiagnosed Atrial Fibrillation (STUDY-AF). Clin Cardiol. May 2015;38(5): PMID Burkowitz J, Merzenich C, Grassme K, et al. Insertable cardiac monitors in the diagnosis of syncope and the detection of atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Prev Cardiol. Aug 2016;23(12): PMID Podoleanu C, DaCosta A, Defaye P, et al. Early use of an implantable loop recorder in syncope evaluation: a randomized study in the context of the French Healthcare System (FRESH study). Arch Cardiovasc Dis. Oct 2014;107(10): PMID Da Costa A, Defaye P, Romeyer-Bouchard C, et al. Clinical impact of the implantable loop recorder in patients with isolated syncope, bundle branch block and negative workup: a randomized multicentre prospective study. Arch Cardiovasc Dis. Mar 2013;106(3): PMID Giada F, Gulizia M, Francese M, et al. Recurrent unexplained palpitations (RUP) study comparison of implantable loop recorder versus conventional diagnostic strategy. J Am Coll Cardiol. May ;49(19): PMID Farwell DJ, Freemantle N, Sulke AN. Use of implantable loop recorders in the diagnosis and management of syncope. Eur Heart J. Jul 2004;25(14): PMID Krahn AD, Klein GJ, Yee R, et al. Randomized assessment of syncope trial: conventional diagnostic testing versus a prolonged monitoring strategy. Circulation. Jul ;104(1): PMID Edvardsson N, Garutti C, Rieger G, et al. Unexplained syncope: implications of age and gender on patient characteristics and evaluation, the diagnostic yield of an implantable loop recorder, and the subsequent treatment. Clin Cardiol. Oct 2014;37(10): PMID Bhangu J, McMahon CG, Hall P, et al. Long-term cardiac monitoring in older adults with unexplained falls and syncope. Heart. May ;102(9): PMID Hindricks G, Pokushalov E, Urban L, et al. Performance of a new leadless implantable cardiac monitor in detecting and quantifying atrial fibrillation: Results of the XPECT trial. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. Apr 2010;3(2): PMID Hanke T, Charitos EI, Stierle U, et al. Twenty-four-hour holter monitor follow-up does not provide accurate heart rhythm status after surgical atrial fibrillation ablation therapy: up to 12 months experience with a novel permanently implantable heart rhythm monitor device. Circulation. Sep ;120(11 Suppl):S PMID 58. Afzal MR, Gunda S, Waheed S, et al. Role of outpatient cardiac rhythm monitoring in Page 7 of 12

8 cryptogenic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. Oct 2015;38(10): PMID Ziegler PD, Rogers JD, Ferreira SW, et al. Real-world experience with insertable cardiac monitors to find atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke. Cerebrovasc Dis. 2015;40(3-4): PMID Sanders P, Purerfellner H, Pokushalov E, et al. Performance of a new atrial fibrillation detection algorithm in a miniaturized insertable cardiac monitor: Results from the Reveal LINQ Usability Study. Heart Rhythm. Jul 2016;13(7): PMID Mittal S, Sanders P, Pokushalov E, et al. Safety profile of a miniaturized insertable cardiac monitor: results fromtwo prospective trials. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. Dec 2015;38(12): PMID Rothman SA, Laughlin JC, Seltzer J, et al. The diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias: a prospective multi-centerrandomized study comparing mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry versus standard loop event monitoring. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. Mar 2007;18(3): PMID Kadish AH, Reiffel JA, Clauser J, et al. Frequency of serious arrhythmias detected with ambulatory cardiactelemetry. Am J Cardiol. May ;105(9): PMID Joshi AK, Kowey PR, Prystowsky EN, et al. First experience with a Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry (MCOT) system for the diagnosis and management of cardiac arrhythmia. Am J Cardiol. Apr ;95(7): PMID Olson JA, Fouts AM, Padanilam BJ, et al. Utility of mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry for the diagnosis ofpalpitations, presyncope, syncope, and the assessment of therapy efficacy. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. May2007;18(5): PMID Saarel EV, Doratotaj S, Sterba R. Initial experience with novel mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry for children and adolescents with suspected arrhythmia. Congenit Heart Dis. Jan-Feb 2008;3(1): PMID Tayal AH, Tian M, Kelly KM, et al. Atrial fibrillation detected by mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry in cryptogenic TIA or stroke. Neurology. Nov ;71(21): PMID Favilla CG, Ingala E, Jara J, et al. Predictors of finding occult atrial fibrillation after cryptogenic stroke. Stroke. May 2015;46(5): PMID Kalani R, Bernstein R, Passman R, et al. Low yield of mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry after cryptogenic stroke in patients with extensive cardiac imaging. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. Sep 2015; 24(9): PMID Crawford MH, Bernstein SJ, Deedwania PC, et al. ACC/AHA Guidelines for Ambulatory Electrocardiography. A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Committee to Revise the Guidelines for Ambulatory Electrocardiography). Developed in collaboration with the North American Society for Pacing and Electrophysiology. J Am Coll Cardiol. Sep 1999;34(3): PMID Calkins H, Kuck KH, Cappato R, et al HRS/EHRA/ECAS expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: recommendations for patient selection, procedural techniques, patient management and follow-up, definitions, endpoints, and research trial design. J Interv Card Electrophysiol. Mar 2012;33(2): PMID Task Force members, Brignole M, Vardas P, et al. Indications for the use of diagnostic implantable and externalecg loop recorders. Europace. May 2009;11(5): PMID Culebras A, Messe SR, Chaturvedi S, et al. Summary of evidence-based guideline update: prevention of stroke in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. Feb ;82(8): PMID Document Precedence Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) Medical Policies are developed to provide clinical guidance and are based on research of current medical literature and review of Page 8 of 12

9 common medical practices in the treatment and diagnosis of disease. The applicable group/individual contract and member certificate language, or employer s benefit plan if an ASO group, determines benefits that are in effect at the time of service. Since medical practices and knowledge are constantly evolving, BCBSVT reserves the right to review and revise its medical policies periodically. To the extent that there may be any conflict between medical policy and contract/employer benefit plan language, the member s contract/employer benefit plan language takes precedence. Audit Information BCBSVT reserves the right to conduct audits on any provider and/or facility to ensure compliance with the guidelines stated in the medical policy. If an audit identifies instances of non-compliance with this medical policy, BCBSVT reserves the right to recoup all noncompliant payments. Benefit Determination Guidance Administrative and Contractual Guidance Prior approval is required and benefits are subject to all terms, limitations and conditions of the subscriber contract. Incomplete authorization requests may result in a delay of decision pending submission of missing information. To be considered compete, see policy guidelines above. An approved referral authorization for members of the New England Health Plan (NEHP) is required. A prior approval for Access Blue New England (ABNE) members is required. NEHP/ABNE members may have different benefits for services listed in this policy. To con firm benefits, please contact the customer service department at the member s health plan. Federal Employee Program (FEP): Members may have different benefits that apply. For further information please contact FEP customer service or refer to the FEP Service Benefit Plan Brochure. It is important to verify the member s benefits prior to providing the service to determine if benefits are available or if there is a specific exclusion in the member s benefit. Coverage varies according to the member s group or individual contract. Not all groups are required to follow the Vermont legislative mandates. Member Contract language takes precedence over medical policy when there is a conflict. If the member receives benefits through an Administrative Services Only (ASO) group, benefits may vary or not apply. To verify benefit information, please refer to the member s employer benefit plan documents or contact the customer service department. Language in the employer benefit plan documents takes precedence over medical policy when there is a conflict. Policy Implementation/Update information 11/2015 Adoption of BCBSA policy # Category III codes require prior approval. 09/2017 External input received. Added description changes. References updated. Policy Page 9 of 12

10 statements remain unchanged. Eligible providers Qualified healthcare professionals practicing within the scope of their license(s). Approved by BCBSVT Medical Directors Date Approved Gabrielle Bercy-Roberson, MD, MPH, MBA Senior Medical Director Chair, Health Policy Committee Joshua Plavin, MD, MPH, MBA Chief Medical Officer Attachment I CPT Code Table & Instructions Code Type Number Description Policy Instructions The following codes will be considered as medically necessary when applicable criteria have been met. CPT CPT Implantation of patient-activated cardiac event recorder Removal of an implantable, patientactivated cardiac event recorder CPT External mobile cardiovascular telemetry with electrocardiographic recording, concurrent computerized real time data analysis and greater than 24 hours of accessible ECG data storage (retrievable with query) with ECG triggered and patient selected events transmitted to a remote attended surveillance center for up to 30 days; review and interpretation with report by a physician or other qualified health care professional Both of these codes can only be reported once Page 10 of 12

11 per 30 days of service CPT External mobile cardiovascular telemetry with electrocardiographic recording, concurrent computerized real time data analysis and greater than 24 hours of accessible ECG data storage (retrievable with query) with ECG triggered and patient selected events transmitted to a remote attended surveillance center for up to 30 days; technical support for connection and patient instructions for use, attended surveillance, analysis and transmission of daily and emergent data reports as prescribed by a physician or other qualified health care professional CPT External patient and, when performed, auto activated electrocardiographic rhythm derived event recording with symptom-related memory loop with remote download capability up to 30 days, 24-hour attended monitoring; includes transmission, review and interpretation by a physician or other qualified health care professional This code represents a bundled CPT code including all components of AEM monitoring, including ECG analysis of all the recorded strips during a 30-day period. CPT External patient and, when performed, auto activated electrocardiographic rhythm derived event recording with symptom-related memory loop with remote download capability up to 30 days, 24-hour attended monitoring; recording (includes connection, recording, and disconnection) CPT External patient and, when performed, auto activated electrocardiographic rhythm derived event recording with symptom-related memory loop with remote download capability up to 30 days, 24-hour attended monitoring; transmission and analysis Page 11 of 12

12 CPT External patient and, when performed, auto activated electrocardiographic rhythm derived event recording with symptom-related memory loop with remote download capability up to 30 days, 24-hour attended monitoring; review and interpretation by a physician or other qualified health care professional CPT 0295T External electrocardiographic recording for more than 48 hours up to 21 days by continuous rhythm recording and storage; includes recording, scanning analysis with report, review and interpretation Prior Approval Required CPT 0296T External electrocardiographic recording for more than 48 hours up to 21 days by continuous rhythm recording and storage; recording (include connection and initial recording) Prior Approval Required CPT 0297T External electrocardiographic recording for more than 48 hours up to 21 days by continuous rhythm recording and storage; scanning analysis with report Prior Approval Required CPT 0298T External electrocardiographic recording for more than 48 hours up to 21 days by continuous rhythm recording and storage; review and interpretation Prior Approval Required Page 12 of 12