Archive
API

National Coverage Determination (NCD)

Cavernous Nerves by Electrical Stimulation with Penile Plethsmography

160.26

Expand All | Collapse All

Tracking Information

Publication Number
100-3
Manual Section Number
160.26
Manual Section Title
Cavernous Nerves by Electrical Stimulation with Penile Plethsmography
Version Number
1
Effective Date of this Version
08/24/2006
Ending Effective Date of this Version
Implementation Date
01/02/2007
Implementation QR Modifier Date

Description Information

Benefit Category
Diagnostic Tests (other)


Please Note: This may not be an exhaustive list of all applicable Medicare benefit categories for this item or service.

Item/Service Description

A. General

In nerve-sparing prostatic and colorectal surgical procedures, the assessment of the function of the cavernous nerves by direct application of electrical stimulation with penile plethysmography is a diagnostic test, also referred to as cavernosal nerve mapping, which may be performed to assess the integrity of the cavernous nerves. Through an open or laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon may want to assess the function of the cavernous nerves by stimulating the most distal end of the nerve that can be located by using an electrical nerve stimulator. The presence of a response and the degree of the response may be used to provide the surgeon with a more realistic assessment of the chance of the patient regaining potency and assist in choosing appropriate therapy.
Indications and Limitations of Coverage

B. Nationally Covered Indications

Not applicable.

C. Nationally Non-Covered Indications

Effective August 24, 2006, Cavernous Nerves Electrical Stimulation with penile plethysmography is non-covered under Medicare. CMS reviewed the evidence and determined that this test is not reasonable and necessary for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing nerve-sparing prostatic or colorectal surgical procedures.

D. Other

Also see §20.14, Plethysmograthy.

(This NCD last reviewed September 2006.)
Cross Reference
Claims Processing Instructions

Transmittal Information

Transmittal Number
61
Coverage Transmittal Link
https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Transmittals/Downloads/R61NCD.pdf
Revision History

11/2006 -Is not reasonable and necessary for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing nerve-sparing prostatic or colorectal surgical procedures. Effective date 8/24/2006. Implementation date 01/08/2007. (TN 61) (CR 5294)
Other

National Coverage Analyses (NCAs)

This NCD has been or is currently being reviewed under the National Coverage Determination process. The following are existing associations with NCAs, from the National Coverage Analyses database.

Coding Analyses for Labs (CALs)

This NCD has been or is currently being reviewed under the National Coverage Determination process. The following are existing associations with CALs, from the Coding Analyses for Labs database.

Additional Information

Other Versions
Title Version Effective Between
Cavernous Nerves by Electrical Stimulation with Penile Plethsmography 1 08/24/2006 - N/A You are here
CPT Copyright Statement
CPT only copyright 2002-2011 American Medical Association. All rights reserved. CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Applicable FARS/DFARS Apply to Government Use. Fee schedules, relative value units, conversion factors and/or related components are not assigned by the AMA, are not part of CPT, and the AMA is not recommending their use. The AMA does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or dispense medical services. The AMA assumes no liability for data contained or not contained herein.
Reasons for Denial
Note: This section has not been negotiated by the Negotiated RuleMaking Committee. It includes CMS’s interpretation of it’s longstanding policies and is included for informational purposes. Tests for screening purposes that are performed in the absense of signs, symptoms, complaints, or personal history of disease or injury are not covered except as explicity authorized by statue. These include exams required by insurance companies, business establishments, government agencies, or other third parties. Tests that are not reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of an illness or injury are not covered according to the statue. Failure to provide documentation of the medical necessity of tests may result in denial of claims. The documentation may include notes documenting relevant signs, symptoms, or abnormal findings that substantiate the medical necessity for ordering the tests. In addition, failure to provide independent verification that the test was ordered by the treating physician (or qualified nonphysician practitioner) through documentation in the physician’s office may result in denial. A claim for a test for which there is a national coverage or local medical review policy will be denied as not reasonable and necessary if it is submitted without an ICD-9-CM code or narrative diagnosis listed as covered in the policy unless other medical documentation justifying the necessity is submitted with the claim. If a national or local policy identifies a frequency expectation, a claim for a test that exceeds that expectation may be denied as not reasonable and necessary, unless it is submitted with documentation justifying increased frequency. Tests that are not ordered by a treating physician or other qualified treating nonphysician practitioner acting within the scope of their license and in compliance with Medicare requirements will be denied as not reasonable and necessary. Failure of the laboratory performing the test to have the appropriate Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988 (CLIA) certificate for the testing performed will result in denial of claims.
Submit Feedback/Ask a Question