Medical and Nursing Specialists, Physicians, and Physician Assistants Handbook

1 General Information

The information in this handbook is intended for Texas chiropractors, nurse practitioners (NP), clinical nurse specialists (CNS), certified nurse midwives (CNM), certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA), podiatrists, geneticists, maternity service clinics, physicians, and physician assistants. The handbook provides information about Texas Medicaid’s benefits, policies, and procedures.

Important:All providers are required to read and comply with “Section 1: Provider Enrollment and Responsibilities” (Vol. 1, General Information). In addition to required compliance with all requirements specific to Texas Medicaid, it is a violation of Texas Medicaid rules when a provider fails to provide healthcare services or items to Medicaid clients in accordance with accepted medical community standards and standards that govern occupations, as explained in Title 1 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §371.1659. Accordingly, in addition to being subject to sanctions for failure to comply with the requirements that are specific to Texas Medicaid, providers may also be subject to Texas Medicaid sanctions for failure, at all times, to deliver healthcare items and services to Medicaid clients in full accordance with all appli­cable licensure and certification requirements including, without limitation, those related to documentation and record maintenance.

Refer to:  “Section 1: Provider Enrollment and Responsibilities” (Vol. 1, General Information).

Subsection 2.2, “Provider Enrollment and Responsibilities” in the Medicaid Managed Care Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

Section 4, “THSteps Medical” in the Children’s Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

For information on Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), refer to:

Section 3, “Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)” in this handbook.

Subsection 4.1, “Enrollment” in this handbook for information about CRNAs.

Subsection 5.2, “Services, Benefits, Limitations, and Prior Authorization” in this handbook for information about geneticists.

Subsection 8.1, “Enrollment” in this handbook for information about NPs and CNSs

Section 9, “Physician” in this handbook.

1.1Payment Window Reimbursement Guidelines for Services Preceding an Inpatient Admission

According to the three-day and one-day payment window reimbursement guidelines, most professional and outpatient diagnostic and nondiagnostic services that are rendered within the designated timeframe of an inpatient hospital stay and are related to the inpatient hospital admission will not be reimbursed separately from the inpatient hospital stay if the services are rendered by the hospital or an entity that is wholly owned or operated by the hospital.

These reimbursement guidelines do not apply in the following circumstances:

•The professional services are rendered in the inpatient hospital setting.

•The hospital and the physician office or other entity are both owned by a third party, such as a health system.

•The hospital is not the sole or 100-percent owner of the entity.

Refer to:  Subsection 3.7.4.17, “Payment Window Reimbursement Guidelines” in the Inpatient and Outpatient Hospital Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for additional infor­mation about the payment window reimbursement guidelines.

2 Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment (CMT)

2.1Enrollment

To enroll in Texas Medicaid, a doctor of chiropractic medicine (DC) must be licensed by the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners and enrolled as a Medicare provider.

Providers cannot be enrolled if their license is due to expire within 30 days; a current license must be submitted.

2.2Services, Benefits, Limitations, and Prior Authorization

CMT performed by a chiropractor licensed by the Texas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners is a benefit of Texas Medicaid.

CMT is limited to an acute condition or an acute exacerbation of a chronic condition for a maximum of 12 visits in a consecutive 12-month period, and a maximum of one visit per day. The 12-month period consists of 12 consecutive months, beginning with the date the client receives the first treatment.

If the condition persists more than 180 days from the start of therapy, the condition is considered chronic, and treatment is no longer considered acute.

CMT is not a benefit of Texas Medicaid for maintenance therapy when:

•Further clinical improvement cannot reasonably be expected from continuous ongoing care.

•The chiropractic treatment becomes supportive rather than corrective in nature.

CMT may be reimbursed when billed using procedure codes 98940, 98941, or 98942.

Procedure codes 98940, 98941, and 98942 must be submitted with the AT modifier. The AT modifier is used to identify treatment provided for an acute condition or an exacerbation of a chronic condition that persists for 180 days or less from the start date of treatment. Providers may file an appeal for a claim denied beyond the 180 days of treatment with documentation supporting that further clinical improvement can be reasonably expected, maximal improvement has not been reached, and further improvement has not ceased.

Procedure code 98940 will be denied as part of another service when billed for the same date of service as 98941 or 98942 by any provider.

Procedure code 98941 will be denied as part of another service when billed for the same date of service as 98942 by any provider.

Texas Medicaid does not reimburse chiropractors for X-ray services, office visits, injections, supplies, appliances, spinalator treatments, laboratory services, physical therapy, or other adjunctive services furnished by themselves or by others under their orders or directions. Additionally, braces or supports, even though ordered by a physician (doctor of medicine [MD] or doctor of osteopathy [DO]) and supplied by a chiropractor are not reimbursable items.

CMT is reimbursed only for a diagnosis of subluxation of the spine. The level of subluxation must be indicated by the appropriate diagnosis codes listed below:

2.2.1Prior Authorization

Prior authorization is not required for CMT services.

2.3Documentation Requirements

Manipulations must be provided in accordance with an ongoing, written treatment plan that supports medical necessity of an acute condition or an acute exacerbation of a chronic condition.

Documentation that supports medical necessity for the treatment plan includes all of the following:

•Diagnosis

•Region(s) treated

•Degree of severity

•Impairment characteristics

•Physical examination findings, X-ray, or other pertinent findings

•Specific statements of short- and long-term goals

•A reasonable estimate of when the goals will be reached (estimated duration of treatment)

•Frequency of treatment (number of times per week)

•Equipment and/or the techniques utilized

The treatment plan must be updated as the client’s condition changes. Treatment plans must be maintained in the medical records and are subject to retrospective review.

2.4Claims Filing and Reimbursement

2.4.1Claims Information

Chiropractic services must be submitted to TMHP in an approved electronic claims format or on a CMS-1500 paper claim form. Providers may purchase CMS-1500 claim forms from the vendor of their choice. TMHP does not supply them.

When completing a CMS-1500 claim form, all required information must be included on the claim, as TMHP does not key any information from claim attachments. Superbills, or itemized statements, are not accepted as claim supplements.

Refer to:  “Section 3: TMHP Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)” (Vol. 1, General Information) for information on electronic claims submissions.

Subsection , “Section 6: Claims Filing” in “Section 6: Claims Filing” (Vol. 1, General Infor­mation) for general information about claims filing.

Subsection 6.5, “CMS-1500 Paper Claim Filing Instructions” in “Section 6: Claims Filing” (Vol. 1, General Information) for instructions on completing paper claims. Blocks that are not referenced are not required for processing by TMHP and may be left blank.

2.4.2Reimbursement

The Medicaid rates for chiropractic manipulative treatment (CMT) are reimbursed in accordance with 1 TAC §355.8085. See the online fee lookup (OFL) or the applicable fee schedule on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com.

Texas Medicaid implemented mandated rate reductions for certain services. The Online Fee Lookup (OFL) and static fee schedules include a column titled “Adjusted Fee” to display the individual fees with all mandated percentage reductions applied. Additional information about rate changes is available on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com/resources/rate-and-code-updates.

Note:Certain rate reductions including, but not limited to, reductions by place of service, client type program, or provider specialty may not be reflected in the Adjusted Fee column.

Refer to:  Subsection 2.2, “Fee-for-Service Reimbursement Methodology” in “Section 2: Texas Medicaid Fee-for-Service Reimbursement” (Vol. 1, General Information) for more infor­mation about reimbursement.

3 Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

3.1Provider Enrollment

To enroll in Texas Medicaid, a CNM must be licensed as a registered nurse and as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON), and be authorized to practice as a nurse-midwife. A registered nurse under the multistate licensure compact may be licensed in another state but certified as an APRN for the state of Texas by the Texas BON. Texas Medicaid accepts a signed letter of certification from the Texas BON as documentation of appropriate licensure and certification for enrollment.

The American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) is responsible for the certification requirements of CNMs.

Refer to:  The HHSC website at www.healthytexaswomen.org for information about family planning and the locations of family planning clinics that receive funding from the HHSC Family Planning Program.

Providers cannot be enrolled if their license is due to expire within 30 days; a current license must be submitted.

All providers of laboratory services must comply with the rules and regulations of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Providers not complying with CLIA are not reimbursed for laboratory services.

All APRNs (including CNMs, CRNAs, CNSs, and NPs) are enrolled within the categories of practice as determined by the Texas BON. CNSs and NPs must enroll as an APRN; CNMs and CRNAs may enroll using their specific titles.

A CNM must identify the licensed physician or group of physicians with whom there is an arrangement for referral and consultation if medical complications arise. All enrollment and re-enrollments are completed through the Provider Enrollment and Management System (PEMS). PEMS portal and upon initial enrollment and upon re-enrollment, the CNM must complete the Physician’s Letter of Agreement form that affirms the CNM’s referring or consulting physician arrangement. A separate letter of agreement must be submitted for each physician or group of physicians with whom an arrangement is made. This agreement must be signed by the CNM and the physician. The collaborating physician does not have to be a participating provider in Texas Medicaid. According to TAC, §354.1252 (3), if the collaborating physician or group is not a participating provider in Texas Medicaid, the CNM must inform clients of their potential financial responsibility. If the arrangement is changed or canceled, the CNM must notify TMHP Provider Enrollment in writing and a new letter of agreement must be completed and submitted to TMHP within 10 business days of the change or cancellation.

CNMs are encouraged to participate in or make referrals to family planning agencies.

Refer to:  “Section 1: Provider Enrollment and Responsibilities” (Vol. 1, General Information) for more information about enrollment in Texas Medicaid.

Subsection 4.2, “Enrollment” in the Children’s Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for more information about enrollment in the THSteps Program.

Subsection 2.1.1, “Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)” in the Radiology and Laboratory Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

3.1.1Enrollment in Texas Health Steps (THSteps)

CNMs may enroll as providers of THSteps medical checkups for newborns and adolescent females.

3.2Services, Benefits, Limitations, and Prior Authorization

CNM providers may be reimbursed for family planning, obstetrical, neonatal, and primary care services.

3.2.1Deliveries

CNM providers may be reimbursed for procedure code 59409, 59410, 59612, or 59614 for delivery services.

Refer to:  Section 4, “Obstetric Services” in the Gynecological, Obstetrics, and Family Planning Title XIX Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for billing requirements.

3.2.2Newborn Services

Routine newborn care may be reimbursed to CNM providers.

Refer to:  Subsection 4.3.9 *, “Newborn Examination” in the Children’s Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

Subsection 9.2.45, “Newborn Services” in this handbook for additional guidelines and limitations.

3.2.3Prenatal and Postpartum Services

CNM and physician providers are limited to a combined total of 20 outpatient prenatal care visits and 1 postpartum care visit per pregnancy. Normal pregnancies are anticipated to require around 11 visits per pregnancy and high-risk pregnancies are anticipated to require around 20 visits per pregnancy. If more than 20 visits are medically necessary, the provider can appeal with documentation supporting pregnancy complications. The high-risk client’s medical record documentation should reflect the need for increased visits and is subject to retrospective review.

When billing for prenatal services, use modifier TH with the appropriate evaluation and management procedure code to the highest level of specificity.

Postpartum care provided after discharge must be billed using procedure code 59430. Only one postpartum visit is allowed per pregnancy.

Refer to:  Section 4, “Obstetric Services” in the Gynecological, Obstetrics, and Family Planning Title XIX Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for billing requirements.

3.2.4Laboratory and Radiology Services

Laboratory (including pregnancy tests) and radiology services that are rendered during pregnancy must be billed separately from prenatal care visits.

3.2.5Prior Authorization

Prior authorization is not required for any of these services except delivery in the home. For prior autho­rization of a home delivery and the related supplies (procedure code S8415), the CNM must submit a written request for prior authorization during the client’s third trimester of pregnancy. The CNM must include a statement signed by a licensed physician who has examined the client during the third trimester and determined at that time that she is not at high risk and is suitable for a home delivery. Documentation must also include a plan for access to emergency transport for mother and neonate, if needed. Requests for home delivery prior authorizations must be submitted to the TMHP Medical Director at the following address:

Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership
Special Medical Prior Authorization
12357-B Riata Trace Parkway, Suite 100
Austin, TX 78727
Fax: 1-512-514-4213

Claims submitted for home deliveries performed by a CNM without prior authorization will be denied.

3.2.6Documentation Requirements

All services require documentation to support the medical necessity of the service rendered, including CNM services.

CNM services are subject to retrospective review and recoupment if documentation does not support the service billed.

3.2.7* Claims Filing and Reimbursement

CNMs must bill maternity services in one of two ways: itemizing each service individually on one claim form and filing at the time of delivery (the filing deadline is applied to the date of delivery) or itemizing each service individually and submitting claims as the services are rendered (the filing deadline is applied to each individual date of service).

CNM services must be submitted to TMHP in an approved electronic format or on the CMS-1500 claim form. Providers may purchase CMS-1500 claim forms from the vendor of their choice. TMHP does not supply the forms.

When completing a CMS-1500 claim form all required information must be included on the claim, as TMHP does not key any information from claim attachments. Superbills, or itemized statements, are not accepted as claim supplements.

According to 1 TAC §355.8161(a), the Medicaid rate for CNMs is 92 percent of the rate paid to a physician (doctor of medicine [MD] or doctor of osteopathy [DO]) for the same service and 100 percent of the rate paid to physicians for laboratory services, X-ray services, and injections.

Note:[Revised] CNM providers who are enrolled in Texas Medicaid as THSteps providers also receive 92 percent of the rate paid to a physician for THSteps services when a claim is submitted with their THSteps National Provider Identifier (NPI) as the billing provider.

[Revised] Physicians who submit a claim using the physician’s own NPI for services provided by a CNM must submit modifier SB on each claim detail if the physician does not make a decision regarding the client’s care or treatment on the same date of service as the billable medical visit.

Physicians may be reimbursed 92 percent of the established reimbursement rate for services provided by a CNM if the physician does not make a decision regarding the client’s care or treatment on the same date of service as the billable medical visit. This 92 percent reimbursement rate does not apply to laboratory services, X-ray services, and injections provided by a CNM.

Providers can refer to the Online Fee Lookup (OFL) or the applicable fee schedule on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com.

Texas Medicaid implemented mandated rate reductions for certain services. The OFL and static fee schedules include a column titled “Adjusted Fee” to display the individual fees with all mandated percentage reductions applied. Additional information about rate changes is available on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com/resources/rate-and-code-updates.

Refer to:  Subsection 4.1, “General Medicaid Eligibility” in “Section 4: Client Eligibility” (Vol. 1, General Information) for information about crossover payments.

“Section 3: TMHP Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)” (Vol. 1, General Information) for information on electronic claims submissions.

Subsection 6.1, “Claims Information” in “Section 6: Claims Filing” (Vol. 1, General Infor­mation) for general information about claims filing.

Subsection 6.5, “CMS-1500 Paper Claim Filing Instructions” in “Section 6: Claims Filing” (Vol. 1, General Information).

Subsection 2.2, “Fee-for-Service Reimbursement Methodology” in “Section 2: Texas Medicaid Fee-for-Service Reimbursement” (Vol. 1, General Information) for more infor­mation about reimbursement.

4 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

4.1Enrollment

To enroll in Texas Medicaid, a CRNA must be licensed as a registered nurse (RN) and as an APRN by the Texas BON and must be currently certified by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists or the Council on Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists. An RN under the multistate licensure compact may be licensed in another state but certified as an APRN for the state of Texas by the Texas BON. Texas Medicaid accepts a signed letter of certification from the Texas BON as acceptable documentation of appropriate licensure and certification for enrollment.

Medicare enrollment is a prerequisite for enrollment as a Medicaid provider. A current copy of the provider’s Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists or Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists Certificate must be submitted with the Medicaid provider enrollment application.

Providers cannot be enrolled if their license is due to expire within 30 days; a current license must be submitted.

4.2Services, Benefits, Limitations, and Prior Authorization

Medically necessary services that are performed by a CRNA are benefits if the services are within the scope of the CRNA’s practice as defined by state law; are prescribed, supervised by, and provided under the direction of a supervising physician (MD or DO), dentist, or podiatrist licensed in the state in which they practice and to the extent allowed by state law; and are provided under one of the following conditions:

•There is no physician anesthesiologist on the medical staff of the facility where the services are provided (e.g., rural settings).

•There is no physician anesthesiologist available to provide the services, as determined by the policies of the facility in which the services are provided.

•The physician, dentist, or podiatrist who performs the procedure that requires the services specifi­cally requests the services of a CRNA.

•The eligible client who requires the services specifically requests the services of a CRNA.

•The CRNA is scheduled or assigned to provide the services according to the policies of the facility in which the services are provided.

•The services are provided by the CRNA in connection with a medical emergency.

Texas Medicaid does not reimburse the CRNA for equipment, drugs, or supplies.

Refer to:  Subsection 4.2, “Services, Benefits, Limitations, and Prior Authorization” in the Inpatient and Outpatient Hospital Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for information about drugs, equipment and supplies.

4.2.1Prior Authorization

Services performed by a CRNA are subject to the same prior authorization guidelines as services performed by other provider types.

4.3Documentation Requirements

All services require documentation to support the medical necessity of the services rendered, including CRNA services. CRNA services are subject to retrospective review and recoupment if documentation does not support the service billed.

4.4Claims Filing and Reimbursement

4.4.1* Claims Information

[Revised] All CRNA services must be billed with a CRNA individual NPI or a CRNA group NPI. No payment for CRNA services will be made under a hospital or physician NPI.

CRNA services must be submitted to TMHP in an approved electronic format or on the CMS-1500 claim form. Providers may purchase CMS-1500 claim forms from the vendor of their choice. TMHP does not supply the forms.

When completing a CMS-1500 claim form, all required information must be included on the claim, as TMHP does not key any information from claim attachments. Superbills, or itemized statements, are not accepted as claim supplements.

Refer to:  “Section 3: TMHP Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)” (Vol. 1, General Information) for information on electronic claims submissions.

“Section 6: Claims Filing” (Vol. 1, General Information) for general information about claims filing.

Subsection 6.5, “CMS-1500 Paper Claim Filing Instructions” in “Section 6: Claims Filing” (Vol. 1, General Information) for instructions on completing paper claims. Blocks that are not referenced are not required for processing by TMHP and may be left blank.

Subsection 9.2.7.9.3, “CRNA, AA, and Other Qualified Professional Services” in this handbook for more information on billing for CRNA services.

4.4.1.1Interpreting the R&S Report

The Billed Qty field on the Remittance and Status (R&S) Report reflects only the number of time units TMHP processes. The Relative Value Units (RVUs) assigned for the procedure code are not shown in the Billed Qty field.

4.4.2Reimbursement

A CRNA is reimbursed the lesser of either the CRNA’s billed charges or 92 percent of the reimbursement for the same service paid to a physician (M.D. or D.O.) other than an anesthesiologist in accordance with 1 TAC §355.8221. A CRNA under the supervision of an anesthesiologist is reimbursed the lesser of the billed charges or 50 percent of the calculated payment for a supervised anesthesia service.

Texas Medicaid implemented mandated rate reductions for certain services. The OFL and static fee schedules include a column titled “Adjusted Fee” to display the individual fees with all mandated percentage reductions applied. Additional information about rate changes is available on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com/resources/rate-and-code-updates.

Note:Certain rate reductions including, but not limited to, reductions by place of service, client type program, or provider specialty may not be reflected in the Adjusted Fee column.

Refer to:  Subsection 9.2.7.8, “Reimbursement Methodology” in this handbook for more information about flat fees and time based fees.

5 Geneticists

5.1Enrollment

5.1.1* Geneticists

[Revised] Geneticists may enroll in Texas Medicaid as both a physician or physician group and as a geneticist. Enrollment as a geneticist allows enhanced reimbursement for specific procedure codes when a claim is submitted using the geneticist NPI.

A provider of genetic services that wishes to enroll in Texas Medicaid as a geneticist must complete the required Medicaid provider enrollment process through PEMS and enter into a written agreement with HHSC.

Prior to enrollment, applicant qualifications for the provision of genetic services are verified and approved by DSHS. Verification and approval are administered through the Newborn Screening Unit. Basic contract requirements are as follows:

•The provider must be a clinical geneticist (MD or DO) who is board eligible or board certified by the American Board of Medical Geneticists (ABMG).

Note:Board eligible providers are required to provide documentation reflecting completion of education requirements in a residency program in genetics.

•The provider must use a team of professionals to provide genetic evaluative, diagnostic, and counseling services. The team rendering the services must consist of professional staff including the clinical geneticist and at least one of the following: nurse, social worker, medical geneticist, or genetic counselor.

•[Revised] Upon DSHS approval, TMHP issues an NPI and a performing NPI for the provision of genetic services.

•Providers cannot be enrolled if their license is due to expire within 30 days; a current license must be submitted.

5.2Services, Benefits, Limitations, and Prior Authorization

Genetic services may be used to diagnose a condition, optimize disease treatment, predict future disease risk, and prevent adverse drug response. Genetic services may be provided by a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist and typically include one or more of the following:

•Comprehensive physical exams

•Diagnosis, management, and treatment for clients with genetically-related health problems

•Evaluation of family histories for the client and the client’s family members

•Genetic risk assessment

•Genetic laboratory tests

•Interpretation and evaluation of laboratory test results

•Education and counseling of clients, their families, and other medical professionals on the causes of genetic disorders

•Consultation with other medical professionals to provide treatment

Pharmacogenetics encompasses the use of information encoded in DNA to help predict responses to medicines and thereby enhance the effectiveness and safety of medicines for individual clients.

Refer to:  Subsection 9.2.41, “Pharmacogenetics” in this handbook for additional information about pharmacogenetics services.

5.2.1Family History

It is important for primary care providers to recognize potential genetic risk factors in a client so that they can make appropriate referrals to a genetic specialist.

Obtaining an accurate family history is an important part of clinical evaluations, even when genetic abnormalities are not suspected. Knowing the family history may help health-care providers identify single-gene disorders or chromosomal abnormalities that occur in multiple family members or through multiple generations. Some genetic disorders that can be traced through an accurate family history include diabetes, hypertension, certain forms of cancer, and cystic fibrosis. Early identification of the client’s risk for one of these diseases can lead to early intervention and preventive measures that can delay onset or improve health conditions.

Using a genetics-specific questionnaire helps to obtain the information needed to identify possible genetic patterns or disorders. The most commonly used questionnaires are provided by the American Medical Association and include the Prenatal Screening Questionnaire, the Pediatric Clinical Genetics Questionnaire, and the Adult History Form.

5.2.2Genetic Tests

Diagnostic tests to check for genetic abnormalities must be performed only if the test results will affect treatment decisions or provide prognostic information. Tests for conditions that are treated symptom­atically are not appropriate since the treatment would not change. Providers who are uncertain whether a test is appropriate are encouraged to contact a geneticist or other specialist to discuss the client’s needs.

Any genetic testing and screening procedure must be accompanied by appropriate non-directive counseling, both before and after the procedure. Information must be provided to the client and family (if appropriate) about the possible risks and purpose and nature of the tests being performed.

The interpretation of certain tests, such as nuchal translucency, requires additional education and experience. Texas Medicaid supports national certification standards when available.

5.2.3Laboratory Practices

For many heritable diseases and conditions, test performance and interpretation of test results require information about client race/ethnicity, family history, and other pertinent clinical and laboratory infor­mation. To facilitate test requests and ensure prompt initiation of appropriate testing procedures and accurate interpretation of test results, the requesting provider must be aware of the specific client infor­mation needed by the laboratory before tests are ordered.

To help providers make appropriate test selections and requests, handle and submit specimens, and provide clinical care, laboratories that perform molecular genetic testing for heritable diseases and conditions must educate providers that request services about the molecular genetic tests the laboratory performs. For each molecular genetic test, the laboratory must provide the following information:

•Indications for testing

•Relevant clinical and laboratory information

•Client race and ethnicity

•Family history

•Pedigree

Testing performed on a client to provide genetic information for a family member, and testing performed on a non-Medicaid client to provide genetic information for a Medicaid client are not benefits of Texas Medicaid.

5.2.4Genetic Counselors

Genetic counselor services may be billed by a physician when the genetic counselor is under physician supervision and is an employee of the physician. Services provided by independent genetic counselors are not a benefit of Texas Medicaid.

5.2.5* Genetic Evaluation and Counseling by a Geneticist

[Revised] A provider enrolled in Texas Medicaid as a geneticist may bill the following evaluation and management codes and receive an enhanced reimbursement. All other procedure codes must be billed under the geneticist’s individual, group, or laboratory NPI.

One office consultation, performed by a geneticist, (procedure code 99244 or 99245) may be considered for reimbursement if procedure code 99244, 99245, 99254, or 99255 has not been submitted by and reimbursed to that geneticist in the previous three years.

Inpatient consultations, performed by a geneticist, (procedure code 99254 or 99255) may be reimbursed once every three years regardless of whether an office consultation has been reimbursed in the previous three years.

5.2.6Prior Authorization

Prior authorization is not required for services billed by a geneticist.

5.3Documentation Requirements

All services require documentation to support the medical necessity of the service rendered, including genetic services. Genetic services are subject to retrospective review and recoupment if documentation does not support the service billed.

5.4Claims Filing and Reimbursement

5.4.1Claims Information

Genetic services must be submitted to TMHP in an approved electronic format or on a CMS-1500 claim form. Providers may purchase CMS-1500 claim forms from the vendor of their choice. TMHP does not supply the forms.

When completing a CMS-1500 claim form, all required information must be included on the claim, as information is not keyed from attachments. Superbills, or itemized statements, are not accepted as claim supplements.

TMHP representatives are available for provider questions about genetic services, such as reimbursement rates and procedures. For more information, call the TMHP Contact Center at 1-800-925-9126.

Refer to:  “Section 3: TMHP Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)” (Vol. 1, General Information) for information on electronic claims submissions.

“Section 6: Claims Filing” (Vol. 1, General Information) for general information about claims filing.

Subsection 6.5, “CMS-1500 Paper Claim Filing Instructions” in “Section 6: Claims Filing” (Vol. 1, General Information) for instructions on completing paper claims. Blocks that are not referenced are not required for processing by TMHP and may be left blank.

5.4.2Reimbursement

Genetic services providers are reimbursed according to the established allowable maximum fee schedule. Providers can refer to the OFL or the applicable fee schedule on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com.

Texas Medicaid implemented mandated rate reductions for certain services. The OFL and static fee schedules include a column titled “Adjusted Fee” to display the individual fees with all mandated percentage reductions applied. Additional information about rate changes is available on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com/resources/rate-and-code-updates.

Refer to:  Subsection 2.2, “Fee-for-Service Reimbursement Methodology” in “Section 2: Texas Medicaid Fee-for-Service Reimbursement” (Vol. 1, General Information) for more infor­mation about reimbursement.

6 Licensed Midwife (LM)

6.1Provider Enrollment

To enroll in Texas Medicaid, an LM must be licensed as a midwife by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

Providers cannot be enrolled if their license is due to expire within 30 days; a current license must be submitted.

An LM must identify the licensed physician or group of physicians with whom there is an arrangement for referral and consultation if medical complications arise. All enrollment and re-enrollments are completed through the PEMS portal and upon initial enrollment and upon re-enrollment, the LM must complete the Physician’s Letter of Agreement form that affirms the LM’s referring or consulting physician arrangement. A separate letter of agreement must be submitted for each physician or group of physicians with whom an arrangement is made. This agreement must be signed by the LM and the physician.

If the arrangement is changed or canceled, the LM must notify TMHP Provider Enrollment in writing and a new letter of agreement must be completed and submitted to TMHP within 10 business days after the change or cancellation.

The referral physician or group does not have to be a participating provider in Texas Medicaid. According to TAC, §354.1253(c), if the referral physician or group is not a participating provider in Texas Medicaid, the LM must inform clients of their potential financial responsibility.

Refer to:  “Section 1: Provider Enrollment and Responsibilities” (Vol. 1, General Information) for more information about enrollment in Texas Medicaid.

6.2Services, Benefits, Limitations, and Prior Authorization

LM providers may be reimbursed for obstetrical and newborn care services provided in a freestanding birthing center that is also enrolled as a Texas Medicaid provider.

6.2.1Deliveries

LM providers may be reimbursed for procedure code 59409 for delivery services.

Refer to:  Section 4, “Obstetric Services” in the Gynecological, Obstetrics, and Family Planning Title XIX Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for billing requirements.

6.2.2Newborn Services

Newborn care procedure codes 99460 and 99463 may be reimbursed to LM providers.

Refer to:  Subsection 9.2.45, “Newborn Services” in this handbook for additional guidelines and limitations.

6.2.3Prenatal Services

LM providers must include modifier TH with the appropriate evaluation and management procedure code (99202, 99211, or 99212) for prenatal services.

LM providers are limited to a total of 20 outpatient prenatal care visits, performed in a birthing center, per pregnancy. Normal pregnancies are anticipated to require around 11 visits per pregnancy and high-risk pregnancies are anticipated to require around 20 visits per pregnancy. If more than 20 visits are medically necessary, the provider can appeal with documentation supporting pregnancy complications. The high-risk client’s medical record documentation should reflect the need for increased visits and is subject to retrospective review.

If a client is discharged before delivery, LM providers may submit procedure code 99218, 99219, or 99220 for labor services only. Clinical documentation that clearly demonstrates the level of medical decision-making (i.e., moderate or complex) must be included in the client’s medical record. All medical documentation is subject to retrospective review. Services that are not supported by the medical documentation are subject to recoupment.

Refer to:  Section 4, “Obstetric Services” in the Gynecological, Obstetrics, and Family Planning Title XIX Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for billing requirements.

6.2.4Prior Authorization

Prior authorization is not required for services billed by an LM.

6.2.5Documentation Requirements

All services require documentation to support the medical necessity of the service rendered, including LM services.

LM services are subject to retrospective review and recoupment if documentation does not support the service billed.

6.2.6Claims Filing and Reimbursement

LM services must be submitted to TMHP in an approved electronic format or on the CMS-1500 claim form. Providers may purchase CMS-1500 claim forms from the vendor of their choice. TMHP does not supply the forms.

When completing a CMS-1500 claim form all required information must be included on the claim, as TMHP does not key any information from claim attachments. Superbills, or itemized statements, are not accepted as claim supplements.

According to 1 TAC §355.8161 (b), the Medicaid rate for LMs is 70 percent of the rate paid to a physician (doctor of medicine [MD] or doctor of osteopathy [DO]) for the same service.

Providers can refer to the Online Fee Lookup (OFL) or the applicable fee schedule on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com.

Texas Medicaid implemented mandated rate reductions for certain services. The OFL and static fee schedules include a column titled “Adjusted Fee” to display the individual fees with all mandated percentage reductions applied. Additional information about rate changes is available on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com/resources/rate-and-code-updates.

7 Maternity Service Clinics (MSC)

7.1Provider Enrollment

To enroll in Texas Medicaid, MSCs must submit a complete application and meet the following requirements:

•Must be a facility that is not an administrative, organizational, or financial part of a hospital.

•Must be organized and operated to provide maternity clinic services to outpatients.

•Must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

•Must employ or have a contractual agreement or formal arrangement with a licensed MD or DO who assumes professional responsibility for the services provided to the clinic’s patients.

•Must adhere to the Bureau of Maternal and Child Health Maternity Guidelines, dated June 20, 1988, and subsequent revisions issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services, unless otherwise specified by the department or its designee.

•Must ensure that services provided to each patient are commensurate with the patient’s risk assessment and are documented in the patient’s medical record.

The supervising physician’s license information must be provided. Providers cannot be enrolled in Texas Medicaid if their licenses are due to expire within 30 days.

Medicare certification is not a prerequisite for MSC enrollment.

7.1.1Physician Responsibility

To meet the requirement to assume professional responsibility for the services provided to the clinic’s clients, the supervising physician must do the following:

•See the client at least once

•Prescribe the type of care to be provided or approve the client’s plan of care (POC)

•Periodically review the need for continued care (if the services are not limited by the prescription)

The physician must base the POC on a risk assessment completed by the physician or by licensed, professional clinic staff. The assessment must be based on findings obtained through a health history, laboratory or screening services, and a physical examination.

7.1.2Case Management Services to High-Risk Individuals

An MSC that wants to bill and receive reimbursement for case management services to high-risk individuals including infants, pregnant adolescents, and women must meet the eligibility criteria for case management services. To be considered for reimbursement for case management for these clients, the MSC must enroll as a group in Case Management for Children and Pregnant Women, and each eligible case manager must enroll as a performing provider.

Refer to:  Section 3, “Case Management for Children and Pregnant Women” in the Behavioral Health and Case Management Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for case management services provider eligibility criteria.

7.2* Services, Benefits, Limitations, and Prior Authorization

Services billed by an MSC are those provided by a physician or by licensed, professional clinic staff and are determined to be reasonable and medically necessary for the care of a pregnant adolescent or woman during the prenatal period and subsequent 60-day postpartum period. MSC benefits do not include deliveries.

MSCs are limited to 20 prenatal care visits and 1 postpartum care visit per pregnancy. Normal pregnancies are anticipated to require around 11 visits per pregnancy and high-risk pregnancies are anticipated to require around 20 visits per pregnancy. If more than 20 visits are medically necessary, the provider can appeal with documentation supporting pregnancy complications. The high-risk client’s medical record documentation must reflect the need for increased visits and is subject to retrospective review.

Procedure codes in the following table are for prenatal and postpartum care visits:

Providers must bill the most appropriate new or established prenatal visit code or postpartum visit code. New patient codes may be used when the client has not received any professional services from the provider, or another provider of the same specialty who belongs to the same group practice, within the past three years (36 months).

[Revised] An MSC may be reimbursed for prenatal and postpartum care visits only. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and urinalysis procedures are included in the charge for prenatal care and not separately reimbursed. Services other than prenatal and postpartum care visits will be denied. MSCs that are enrolled in Case Management for Children and Pregnant Women as a group may be reimbursed for these services under the group NPI assigned to their facility.

Medical services must be furnished on an outpatient basis by the physician or by licensed, professional clinic staff under the direction of the physician and must be within the staff’s scope of practice or licensure as defined by state law. Although the physician does not necessarily have to be present at the clinic when services are provided, the physician must assume professional responsibility for the medical services provided at the clinic and ensure through approval of the POC that the services are medically appropriate. The physician must spend as much time in the clinic as is necessary to ensure that clients are receiving medical services in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with accepted standards of medical practice.

MSCs must follow the procedures outlined throughout this manual. All service, frequency, and documentation requirements are applicable.

Providers submitting charges for high-risk prenatal care must document the high-risk diagnosis on the claim form and document the condition in the client’s medical record.

7.2.1Initial Prenatal Care Visit Components

The following initial prenatal care visit components should be completed as early as possible in the client’s pregnancy.

7.2.1.1History

History includes OB-GYN, present pregnancy, medical and surgical, substance use, environmental, nutritional, psychosocial (including violence), and family support system.

7.2.1.2Physical Examination

Physical examination includes height, weight, blood pressure; head, neck, lymph, breasts, heart, lungs, back, abdomen, pelvis, rectum, extremities, and skin; and uterine size, fetal heart rate, and location.

7.2.1.3* Laboratory Tests

The initial hematocrit or hemoglobin and each subsequent hematocrit or hemoglobin is included in the visit fee and is not separately reimbursable to MSCs.

[Revised] The laboratory services listed may not be billed using the MSC NPI. These services may be ordered by MSC personnel and provided by a reference laboratory.

[Revised] MSCs must supply the client’s Medicaid number and the MSC NPI to the reference laboratory when laboratory services are requested.

The laboratory services requested by an MSC may include, but are not limited to, the following:

•Hemoglobin, hematocrit, or complete blood count (CBC)

•Urinalysis

•Blood type and Rh

•Antibody screen

•Rubella antibody titer

•Serology for syphilis

•Hepatitis B surface antigen

•Cervical cytology

•Other laboratory tests

The following tests may be performed at the initial prenatal care visit, as indicated:

•Pregnancy test

•Gonorrhea test

•Urine culture

•Sickle cell test

•Tuberculosis (TB) test

•Chlamydia test

As stated in the Health and Safety Code §81.090, screening for Hepatitis B virus infection, HIV, and Syphilis must be performed at the initial prenatal care visit. In addition, HIV testing must be performed in the third trimester. HBV and Syphilis must be performed at labor and delivery.

Multiple marker screens for neural tube defects must be offered if the client initiates care between 16 and 20 weeks.

7.2.1.4Assessment

Assessment includes pregnancy, general health, medical, and psychosocial.

7.2.1.5Plan

Plan includes pregnancy, preventive health, medical, and referral as indicated.

7.2.1.6Education and Counseling

Education and counseling includes pregnancy, delivery, nutrition, breast-feeding, family planning, and preventive health. The education and counseling should also include the need for a medical home and information about THSteps medical and dental checkups for the client.

The complete physical examination may be completed at the second visit if the MSC’s routine involves a two-stage initial evaluation.

7.2.2Subsequent Prenatal Care Visits

The following is a recommended guide for the frequency of subsequent prenatal visits for a regular pregnancy:

•One visit every 4 weeks for the first 28 weeks of pregnancy.

•One visit every 2 to 3 weeks from 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy.

•One visit per week from 36 weeks to delivery.

More frequent visits may be medically necessary. Physicians, CNMs, and MSCs are limited to 20 prenatal care visits per pregnancy and 1 postpartum care visit per pregnancy after discharge from the hospital, without documentation of a complication of pregnancy.

Each subsequent visit must include the following:

•Interim History

•Problems

•Maternal status

•Fetal status

7.2.2.1Physical Examination

The physical examination must include the following:

•Weight and blood pressure

•Fundal height, fetal position and size, and fetal heart rate

•Extremities

7.2.2.2Laboratory Tests

Required laboratory tests include the following:

•Urinalysis for protein and glucose every visit

Note:The urinalysis for protein and glucose, hemoglobin, and hematocrit is included in the visit fee and is not separately reimbursable to MSCs.

•Hematocrit or hemoglobin repeated once a trimester and at 32 to 36 weeks of pregnancy

•Multiple marker screen for fetal abnormalities offered at 16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy

•Repeated antibody screen for Rh negative women at 28 weeks (followed by Rho immune globulin administration if indicated)

•Gestational diabetes screen at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, one hour post 50 gram glucose load

•Blood sample for HBsAg screening at the first examination and visit followed by a second blood sample for HBsAg screening on admission for delivery

•Other laboratory tests as indicated by the medical condition of the client

7.2.3Postpartum Care Visit

Postpartum care provided by MSCs must be billed using procedure code 59430. A maximum of 1 postpartum visit is allowed per pregnancy.

Refer to:  Section 4, “Obstetric Services” in the Gynecological, Obstetrics, and Family Planning Title XIX Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for billing requirements.

7.2.4Prior Authorization

Prior authorization is not required for services rendered in MSCs.

7.3Documentation Requirements

Each client must have a complete and accepted standard medical record with documentation for the initial visit with procedures, as well as each subsequent visit with procedures. Such records must be made available when requested by HHSC or TMHP for utilization and quality assurance reviews as required by federal regulations. The documentation record or a true copy or narrative abstract must be sent to the hospital of delivery by the client’s 35th week of pregnancy. The record must be made available to the client if the client transfers care to another institution. Records completed by licensed professional clinic staff under the direction of a physician must be signed by the supervising physician.

7.4Claims Filing and Reimbursement

MSC services must be submitted to TMHP in an approved electronic format or on the CMS-1500 claim form. Providers may purchase CMS-1500 claim forms from the vendor of their choice. TMHP does not supply the forms. When completing a CMS-1500 claim form, all required information must be included on the claim, as TMHP does not key any information from claim attachments. Superbills, or itemized statements, are not accepted as claim supplements.

Refer to:  “Section 3: TMHP Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)” (Vol. 1, General Information) for information on electronic claims submissions.

“Section 6: Claims Filing” (Vol. 1, General Information) for general information about claims filing.

Subsection 6.5, “CMS-1500 Paper Claim Filing Instructions” in “Section 6: Claims Filing” (Vol. 1, General Information). Blocks that are not referenced are not required for processing by TMHP and may be left blank.

MSCs are reimbursed in accordance with 1 TAC §355.8085. Providers can refer to the OFL or the appli­cable fee schedule on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com.

Texas Medicaid implemented mandated rate reductions for certain services. The OFL and static fee schedules include a column titled “Adjusted Fee” to display the individual fees with all mandated percentage reductions applied. Additional information about rate changes is available on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com/resources/rate-and-code-updates.

Note:Certain rate reductions including, but not limited to, reductions by place of service, client type program, or provider specialty may not be reflected in the Adjusted Fee column.

8 Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

For other APRNs, see Section 4, “Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)” in this handbook for information regarding CRNAs, and Section 3, “Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)” in this handbook for information about certified nurse midwives (CNMs).

8.1Enrollment

To enroll in Texas Medicaid, an NP or CNS must be licensed as a registered nurse and as an APRN by the Texas BON. A registered nurse under the multistate licensure compact may be licensed in another state but certified as an APRN for the state of Texas by the Texas BON. Texas Medicaid accepts a signed letter of certification from the Texas BON as documentation of appropriate licensure and certification for enrollment.

Providers cannot be enrolled if their license is due to expire within 30 days.

All providers of laboratory services must comply with the rules and regulations of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Providers not complying with CLIA are not reimbursed for laboratory services.

All APRNs (including CNMs, CRNAs, CNSs, and NPs) are enrolled within the categories of practice as determined by the Texas BON. CNSs and NPs must enroll as an APRN; CNMs and CRNAs may enroll using their specific titles.

Refer to:  Subsection 2.1.1, “Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)” in the Radiology and Laboratory Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

Section 3, “Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)” in this handbook for more information on CNM enrollment.

Section 4, “Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)” in this handbook for more information on CRNA enrollment.

APRNs may be included as primary care providers in the provider network for Medicaid and CHIP programs (both fee-for-service and managed care), regardless of whether the physician supervising the APRN is enrolled in Medicaid or in the provider network.

8.1.1Enrollment in Texas Health Steps (THSteps)

APRNs, including NPs, and CNSs, who are recognized by the Texas BON can enroll as THSteps providers and provide checkup services within their scope of practice. Specific information is found in the Children’s Services Handbook.

Refer to:  subsection 5.2, “Enrollment” in the Children’s Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for more information on enrollment procedures.

8.2* Services, Benefits, Limitations, and Prior Authorization

Services performed by NPs and CNSs are benefits if the services meet the following criteria:

•Are within the scope of practice for NPs and CNSs, as defined by Texas state law.

•Are consistent with rules and regulations promulgated by the Texas BON or other appropriate state licensing authority.

•Are covered by Texas Medicaid when provided by a licensed physician (MD or DO).

•Are reasonable and medically necessary as determined by HHSC or its designee.

NPs and CNSs who are employed or remunerated by a physician, hospital, facility, or other provider must not bill Texas Medicaid for their services if the billing results in duplicate payment for the same services.

[Revised] Physicians who submit a claim using the physician’s own NPI for services provided by an NP or CNS must submit modifier SA on each claim detail if the physician does not make a decision regarding the client’s care or treatment on the same date of service as the billable medical visit.

Benefit limitation information for services can be found in Section 9, “Physician” in this handbook, the Children’s Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks), and the Gynecological, Obstetrics, and Family Planning Title XIX Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

Payment for supplies is not a benefit of Texas Medicaid. Costs of supplies are included in the reimbursement for office visits.

Refer to:  Section 2, “Medicaid Title XIX Family Planning Services” in the Gynecological, Obstetrics, and Family Planning Title XIX Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

Section 9, “Physician” in this handbook.

Section 4, “THSteps Medical” in the Children’s Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for more information on THSteps services.

Subsection 9.3, “Collaborative Care Model (CoCM)” in this handbook for information about CoCM services.

8.2.1Prior Authorization

Services performed by an NP or CNS are subject to the same prior authorization guidelines as services performed by other provider types.

8.3Documentation Requirements

All services require documentation to support the medical necessity of the service rendered, including NP and CNS services. NP and CNS services are subject to retrospective review and recoupment if documentation does not support the service billed.

8.4Claims Filing and Reimbursement

8.4.1Claims Information

APRN services must be submitted to TMHP in an approved electronic format or on the CMS-1500 claim form. Providers may purchase CMS-1500 claim forms from the vendor of their choice. TMHP does not supply the forms.

When completing a CMS-1500 claim form, all required information must be included on the claim, as TMHP does not key any information from claim attachments. Superbills, or itemized statements, are not accepted as claim supplements.

Refer to:  “Section 3: TMHP Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)” (Vol. 1, General Information) for information on electronic claims submissions.

“Section 6: Claims Filing” (Vol. 1, General Information) for general information about claims filing.

Subsection 6.5, “CMS-1500 Paper Claim Filing Instructions” in “Section 6: Claims Filing” (Vol. 1, General Information) for instructions on completing paper claims. Blocks that are not referenced are not required for processing by TMHP and may be left blank.

8.4.2* Reimbursement

[Revised] According to 1 TAC §355.8281, the Medicaid rate for NPs and CNSs is 92 percent of the rate paid to a physician (MD or DO) for the same professional service and 100 percent of the rate paid to physicians for laboratory services, X-ray services, and injections. When NPs or CNSs bill Medicaid directly for services they performed, they must use their individual NPI. If the services are performed by the NP or CNS but billed by a physician or physician group, the billing provider is the physician or physician group. Physicians may be reimbursed 92 percent of the established reimbursement rate for services provided by an NP or CNS if the physician does not make a decision regarding the client’s care or treatment on the same date of service as the billable medical visit. This 92 percent reimbursement rate does not apply to laboratory services, X-ray services, and injections provided by an NP or CNS.

Note:[Revised] NP and CNS providers who are enrolled in Texas Medicaid as THSteps providers also receive 92 percent of the rate paid to a physician for THSteps services when a claim is submitted with their THSteps NPI as the billing provider.

Providers can refer to the OFL or the applicable fee schedule on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com.

Texas Medicaid implemented mandated rate reductions for certain services. The OFL and static fee schedules include a column titled “Adjusted Fee” to display the individual fees with all mandated percentage reductions applied. Additional information about rate changes is available on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com/resources/rate-and-code-updates.

Refer to:  Subsection 1.1, “Provider Enrollment” in “Section 1: Provider Enrollment and Responsibil­ities” (Vol. 1, General Information).

Subsection 2.2, “Fee-for-Service Reimbursement Methodology” in “Section 2: Texas Medicaid Fee-for-Service Reimbursement” (Vol. 1, General Information) for more infor­mation about reimbursement.

9 Physician

9.1Enrollment

9.1.1Physicians and Doctors

To enroll in Texas Medicaid to provide medical services, physicians (MD or DO), doctors of dental surgery [DDS], and doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM) must be authorized by the licensing authority of their profession to practice in the state where the services are performed at the time they are provided.

Providers cannot be enrolled in Texas Medicaid if their licenses are due to expire within 30 days. A current Texas license must be submitted.

Important:The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines mandate that physicians who provide durable medical equipment (DME) products such as spacers or nebulizers are required to enroll as Texas Medicaid DME providers.

All physicians except gynecologists, pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists, pediatric psychiatrists, and providers performing only Texas Health Steps (THSteps) medical or dental checkups must be enrolled in Medicare before enrolling in Medicaid. TMHP may waive the Medicare enrollment prerequisite for pediatricians or physicians whose type of practice and service may never be billed to Medicare.

9.2Services, Benefits, Limitations, and Prior Authorization

The Administrative Simplification provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 mandates the use of national coding and transaction standards. HIPAA requires that the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) system be used to report professional services, including physician services. Correct use of CPT coding requires using the most specific code that matches the services provided, based on the code’s description. Providers must pay special attention to the standard CPT descriptions for the evaluation and management (E/M) services. The medical record must document the specific elements necessary to satisfy the criteria for the level of services as described in CPT. Reimbursement may be recouped when the medical record documents a different level of service from what is submitted on the claim. The level of service provided and documented must be medically necessary, based on the clinical situation and needs of the client.

To receive reimbursement, providers must document the following information in the client’s medical record:

•The service

•The date rendered

•Pertinent information about the client’s condition supporting the need for the service

•The care given

Physician services include those reasonable and medically necessary services ordered and performed by physicians or under physician supervision that are within the scope of practice of their profession as defined by state law.

9.2.1Electronic Signatures in Prior Authorizations

Prior authorization requests may be submitted to the TMHP Prior Authorization Department via mail, fax, or the electronic portal. Prescribing or ordering providers, dispensing providers, clients’ responsible adults, and clients may sign prior authorization forms and supporting documentation using electronic or wet signatures.

Refer to:  Subsection 5.5.1.2, “Document Requirements and Retention” in “Section 5: Fee-for-Service Prior Authorizations” (Vol. 1, General Information) for additional information about electronic signatures.

9.2.2Teaching Physician and Resident Physician

The roles of the teaching physician and resident physician occur in the context of an accredited graduate medical education (GME) training program.

The teaching physician is the Medicaid-enrolled physician who is professionally responsible for the particular services that were provided and are being submitted for reimbursement; the physician must be affiliated and in good standing with an accredited GME program and must possess all appropriate licensure.

Physician services must be performed personally by the teaching physician or by the person to whom the physician has delegated the responsibility. The level of supervision required may be direct or personal.

In all cases, the client’s medical record must clearly document that the teaching physician provided identifiable supervision of the resident. As defined below, the supervision must be direct or personal depending on the setting and the clinical circumstances:

•Direct supervision means that the teaching physician must be in the same office, building, or facility when and where the service is provided and must be immediately available to furnish assistance and direction.

•Personal supervision means that the teaching physician must be physically present in the room when and where the service is being provided.

Personal supervision by the teaching physician is required during the key portions of all major surgeries and the key portions of all other physician services billed to Texas Medicaid if the immediate super­vision, participation, or intervention of the supervising physician is medically prudent in order to assure the health and safety of the client. Physician services that require personal supervision may include invasive procedures and evaluation and management services that require complex medical decision making. Situations that require personal supervision include those in which:

•The clinical condition of the client is unstable or will likely become unstable during, or as a result of, the planned medical intervention.

•The planned medical intervention, even under optimal conditions will result in a medically reasonable risk for significant morbidity or death following the procedure.

•Deviation from the expected technique at the time the procedure or service is performed presents a medically reasonable, causally-related, foreseeable risk to the patient’s life or health.

This criterion applies regardless of the place of service.

The teaching physician must provide medically appropriate, identifiable direct supervision for all other services that do not require personal supervision.

The following prerequisites apply when the teaching physician submits claims for services performed, in whole or in part, by the resident physician in the inpatient hospital setting, the outpatient hospital setting, and surgical services and procedures.

Note:When requesting services for prior authorization at patient discharge, the signature of the resident on the actual prescription is permitted as long as the Medicaid enrolled attending/supervising physician’s signature appears on the Home Health Services (Title XIX) DME/Medical Supplies Physician Order Form and on any letters or documentation provided to support medical necessity. The resident’s order and the Title XIX Form signed by the attending/supervising physician must be for the same service.

9.2.2.1Teaching Physician Prerequisites

Services provided in an outpatient setting.

All requirements for personal or direct supervision in the outpatient setting must be met for the services to qualify for reimbursement. The following tasks must be performed by the teaching physician and their completion must be documented in the patient’s medical record before the claims are submitted for consideration of reimbursement:

•Review the patient’s history and physical examination.

•Confirm or revise the patient’s diagnosis.

•Determine the course of treatment to be followed.

•Assure that any necessary supervision of interns or residents was provided.

•Confirm that documentation in the medical record supports the level of service provided.

Exception:Exception for E/M services furnished in certain primary care centers. Teaching physicians that meet the primary care exception under Medicare are allowed to bill for low-level and mid-level E/M services furnished by residents in the absence of a teaching physician. Facilities that meet the primary care exception under Medicare may bill Texas Medicaid, Family Planning, or the Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Services Program for new patient services (procedure codes 99202 and 99203) and established patient services (procedure codes 99211, 99212, and 99213).

Note:All services provided in an outpatient setting that do not qualify for the exception above require that the teaching physician examine the patient.

Services provided in an inpatient setting.

For services provided in an inpatient setting, the teaching physician must demonstrate that medically appropriate supervision was provided. The following tasks must be performed and their completion must be documented in the patient’s medical record before the claims are submitted for consideration of reimbursement. The documentation must be made in the same manner as required by federal regula­tions under Medicare:

•Review the patient’s history, review the resident’s physical examination, and examine the patient no later than 36 hours after the patient’s admission and before the patient’s discharge.

•Confirm or revise the patient’s diagnosis.

•Determine the course of treatment to be followed.

•Document the teaching physician’s presence and participation in the major surgical or other complex and dangerous procedure or situation.

•Confirm that documentation in the medical record supports the level of service provided.

•A face-to-face encounter with the client on the same day as any services provided by the resident physician.

Surgical services and procedures.

The teaching surgeon is responsible for the patient’s preoperative, operative, and postoperative care. The teaching physician must demonstrate that medically appropriate supervision was provided. The following tasks must be performed and their completion must be documented in the patient’s medical record before the claims are submitted for consideration of reimbursement. The documentation must be made in the same manner as required by federal regulations under Medicare:

•Review the patient’s history, review the resident’s physical examination, and examine the patient within a reasonable period of time after the patient’s admission and before the patient’s discharge.

•Confirm or revise the client’s diagnosis.

•Determine the course of treatment to be followed.

•Document the teaching physician’s presence and participation in the major surgical or other complex and dangerous procedure or situation.

Important:Reimbursement may be reduced, denied, or recouped if the prerequisites are not documented in the medical record. The documentation must be made in the same manner as required by federal regulations under Medicare.

9.2.3* Substitute Physician

Physicians may bill for the service of a substitute physician who sees clients in the billing physician’s practice under either a reciprocal or locum tenens arrangement.

A reciprocal arrangement is one in which a substitute physician covers for the billing physician on an occasional basis when the billing physician is unavailable to provide services. Reciprocal arrangements are limited to a continuous period no longer than 14 days and do not have to be in writing.

A locum tenens arrangement is one in which a substitute physician assumes the practice of a billing physician for a temporary period no longer than 90 days when the billing physician is absent for reasons such as illness, pregnancy, vacation, continuing medical education, or active duty in the armed forces. The locum tenens arrangement may be extended for a continuous period of longer than 90 days if the billing physician’s absence is due to being called or ordered to active duty as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces. Locum tenens arrangements must be in writing.

[Revised] The substitute physician must be enrolled in Texas Medicaid and must not be on the Texas Medicaid or HHSC Family Planning Program provider exclusion list. The billing provider’s name, address, and NPI must appear in Block 33 of the claim form. The name and office or mailing address of the substitute physician must be documented on the claim in Block 19, not Block 33.

When a physician bills for a substitute physician, modifier Q5 or Q6 must follow the procedure code in Block 24D for services provided by the substitute physician. The Q5 modifier is used to indicate a recip­rocal arrangement and the Q6 modifier is used to indicate a locum tenens arrangement.

[Revised] When physicians in a group practice bill substitute physician services, the performing NPI of the physician for whom the substitute provided services must be in Block 24J.

Physicians must familiarize themselves with these requirements and document accordingly. Those services not supported by the required documentation as detailed above will be subject to recoupment.

9.2.4Aerosol Treatment

Nebulized aerosol treatments (procedure codes 94640, 94644, and 94645) with short-acting beta-agonists are a benefit of Texas Medicaid and considered medically necessary when breathing is compro­mised by certain acute medical conditions. Documentation to support an aerosol treatment for the worsening of an acute or chronic condition must be maintained in the client’s medical record and is subject to retrospective review.

Procedure code 94645 is only a benefit in the outpatient setting, specifically in a hospital emergency department or an urgent care clinic.

Pulse oximetry and evaluation of the client’s use of an aerosol generator, nebulizer, or metered-dose inhaler are considered part of an evaluation and management (E/M) visit and will not be reimbursed separately.

Hypertonic saline used in aerosol therapy will be denied if billed separately.

Refer to:  Subsection 4.2.20.1, “Aerosol Treatment” in the Inpatient and Outpatient Hospital Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

9.2.4.1Diagnostic Testing

Nitric oxide expired gas determination (FeNO) measurement (procedure code 95012) is a benefit for Texas Medicaid.

FeNO measurement provided in the physician’s office is considered medically necessary as an adjunct to the established clinical and laboratory assessments for diagnosing and assessing asthma, predicting exacerbations, and evaluating the response of a client who has asthma to anti-inflammatory therapy. FeNO measurement may be reimbursed by Texas Medicaid when the test is used as follows:

•To assist in assessing the etiology of respiratory symptoms.

•To help identify the eosinophilic asthma phenotype.

•To assess potential response or failure to respond to anti-inflammatory agents, particularly inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).

•To establish a baseline FeNO during non-exacerbations for subsequent monitoring of chronic persistent asthma.

•To guide changes in dosing of anti-inflammatory medications, i.e., step-down dosing, step-up dosing, or discontinuation of anti-inflammatory medications.

•To assist in the evaluation of adherence to anti-inflammatory medications.

•To assess whether airway inflammation is contributing to respiratory symptoms.

The technical and interpretation components of procedure code 95012 will not be reimbursed separately, as the instrument produces an exhaled nitric oxide (NO) measurement that requires little interpretation. Procedure code 95012 will be limited to once per day and must be submitted with procedure code 94010 or 94060.

If FeNO is measured during an office visit where additional E/M components are fulfilled, a separate E/M procedure code may be reimbursed if it is submitted with modifier 25.

9.2.5Allergy Services

Texas Medicaid uses the following guidelines for reimbursement of allergy services.

9.2.5.1Allergy Immunotherapy

Allergen immunotherapy consists of the parenteral administration of allergenic extracts as antigens at periodic intervals, usually on an increasing dosage scale to a dosage which is maintained as maintenance therapy.

Preparation of the allergy vial or extracts is a benefit of Texas Medicaid when preparations are made in accordance with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Claims for preparations should be submitted using the following procedure codes:

Administration of the allergy extract may be reimbursed using procedure codes 95115 and 95117.

Rapid desensitization may be reimbursed using procedure code 95180 when submitted with diagnosis code Z516.

Allergen immunotherapy is a benefit for clients who have allergy conditions when the following criteria are met:

•A diagnosed hypersensitivity to an allergen can be indicated by one of the valid diagnosis codes listed below.

•Hypersensitivity cannot be managed by avoidance or pharmacologic therapy to control allergic symptoms, or the client has unacceptable side effects with pharmacologic therapy.

•The pharmacologic treatment is refused by the client or leads to significant side effects.

•The allergen content is based on appropriate skin testing, and the allergens are prepared for the client individually.

The preparation of the allergy vial or extract and the administration of an injection may be reimbursed for the following diagnosis codes:

9.2.5.1.1Prior Authorization for Allergy Immunotherapy

Authorization is not required for immunotherapy services; however, requests for services beyond the established limits of 160 doses per one-year period for procedure code 95165 may be considered for prior authorization with documentation of medical necessity. Documentation must be submitted to the Special Medical Prior Authorization Department and include the following information:

•Copy of the allergen testing results

•Severity and periodicity of symptoms

•Physical limitations created by the symptoms

•Concurrent drug treatment

•Explanation of how efficacy has not been achieved with prior treatment and the objectives of the new anticipated treatment program

9.2.5.1.2Limitations of Allergy Immunotherapy

The quantity billed for the allergy extract preparation procedure must represent the total number of doses to be administered from the vial. If the number of doses is not stated on the claim, a quantity of one is allowed.

Note:A “dose” is defined as the amount of antigen(s) administered in a single injection from a multidose vial.

Procedure code 95165 is limited to a total of 160 doses per one-year period, which begins the date the immunotherapy is initiated. Additional doses may be considered for reimbursement through prior authorization with documentation of medical necessity. Procedure code 95165 is limited to no more than ten doses per vial.

When an injection is given from a vial, providers should use an administration-only procedure code (95115 or 95117). Reimbursement for the administration is limited to one per day.

An office visit, clinic visit, treatment or observation room visit is not considered for reimbursement in addition to the fee for the preparation or the administration of the allergy vial or extract unless the additional visit results in a non-allergy-related diagnosis or a re-evaluation of the client’s condition. The following E/M procedure codes may be submitted with modifier 25:

Allergen immunotherapy that is considered experimental, investigational, or unproven is not a benefit of Texas Medicaid.

Single dose vials (procedure code 95144) are not a benefit of Texas Medicaid.

Refer to:  Subsection 4.5.5, “Outpatient Hospital Revenue Codes” in the Inpatient and Outpatient Hospital Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for more information about outpatient hospital revenue codes for clinic visits, treatment rooms, and observation services.

9.2.5.2Allergy Testing

Texas Medicaid benefits include allergy testing for clients with clinically significant allergic symptoms. Allergy testing is focused on determining the allergens that cause a particular reaction and the degree of the reaction. Allergy testing also provides justification for recommendations of particular medicines, of immunotherapy, or of specific avoidance measures in the environment.

Evaluation and management E/M services will not be reimbursed on the same date of service as allergy testing. Allergy testing will be paid and the E/M service will be denied as part of another procedure on the same date of service.

The following allergy tests are benefits of Texas Medicaid:

•Percutaneous and intracutaneous skin test. The skin test for IgE-mediated disease with allergenic extracts is used in the assessment of allergy-prone clients. The test involves the introduction of small quantities of test allergens below the epidermis. Procedure codes 95004, 95017, 95018, 95024, 95027, and/or 95028 should be used to submit skin tests for consideration of reimbursement.

•Patch or application tests. Patch testing (procedure code 95044) is used for diagnosing contact allergic dermatitis.

•Photo or photo patch skin test. Procedure codes 95052 and 95056 may be used for diagnosing contact allergic dermatitis.

•Ophthalmic mucous membrane or direct nasal mucous membrane tests. Nasal or ophthalmic mucous membrane tests (procedure codes 95060 and 95065) are used for the diagnosis of either food or inhalant allergies and involve the direct administration of the allergen to the mucosa.

•Inhalation bronchial challenge testing (not including necessary pulmonary function tests). Bronchial challenge testing with methacholine, histamine, or allergens (procedure code 95070) is used for defining asthma or airway hyperactivity when skin testing results are not consistent with the client’s medical history. Results of these tests are evaluated by objective measures of pulmonary function.

Procedure code 95199 may be used for an unlisted allergy or clinical immunologic service or procedure if there is not a specific procedure code that describes the service performed. Prior authorization is required for unlisted procedure codes. Every effort must be used to bill with the appropriate CPT code that describes the procedure being performed. If a code does not exist to describe the service performed, prior authorization may be requested using unlisted procedure code 95199 and must be submitted with documentation to assist in determining coverage. The documentation submitted must include all of the following:

•The client’s diagnosis

•Medical records indicating prior treatment for this diagnosis and the medical necessity of the requested procedure

•A clear, concise description of the procedure to be performed

•Reason for recommending this particular procedure

•A CPT or HCPCS procedure code that is comparable to the procedure being requested

•Documentation that this procedure is not investigational or experimental

•Place of service (POS) the procedure is to be performed

•The physician’s intended fee for this procedure

Prior authorization requests for Texas Medicaid fee-for-service clients must be submitted by the physician to the Special Medical Prior Authorization (SMPA) department.

The number of allergy tests performed must be indicated on the claim. When the number of tests is not specified, a quantity of one is allowed.

9.2.5.2.1Allergy Blood Tests

Allergy blood testing procedure codes 86001, 86003, 86005, and 86008 are a benefit when the test is performed for a reason that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

•The client is unable to discontinue medications

•An allergy skin test is inappropriate for the client for the following reasons:

•The client is pediatric

•The client is disabled

•The client suffers from a skin condition such as dermatitis

Radioallergosorbent tests (RAST) and multiple antigen simultaneous tests (MAST) are benefits of Texas Medicaid. RAST testing is used to detect specific allergens. RAST testing is usually performed by an independent lab; however, there are physicians who have the capability of performing these tests in their offices. Physicians who submit RAST/MAST tests performed in the office setting must use modifier SU to be considered for reimbursement. Without the use of the SU modifier, RAST/MAST testing submitted with POS 1 (office) is denied with the message, “Lab performed outside of office must be billed by the performing facility.”

RAST/MAST tests must be submitted using procedure codes 86003, 86005, and 86008.

Procedure code 86001 is limited to 20 allergens per rolling year, any provider.

Procedure code 86003 and 86008 are limited to 30 allergens per rolling year, any provider.

Procedure code 86005 is limited to 4 multiallergen tests per rolling year, same provider.

9.2.5.2.2Collagen Skin Test

Collagen skin tests are a benefit of Texas Medicaid using procedure code Q3031. Collagen skin tests are administered to detect a hypersensitivity to bovine collagen. This skin test is given four weeks prior to any type of surgical procedure that utilizes collagen.

Collagen injections that are used for cosmetic surgery are not considered medically necessary and are not a benefit of Texas Medicaid.

9.2.5.2.3Prior Authorization

Prior authorization is required for collagen skin test procedure code Q3031.

Prior authorization requests for Texas Medicaid fee-for-service clients must be submitted by the physician to the Special Medical Prior Authorization (SMPA) department.

Prior authorization is required for procedure codes 86001, 86003, and 86005 only if the limits are exceeded. The following medical documentation must be submitted to the SMPA Department with the prior authorization request for additional procedures:

•Results of any previous treatment

•Documentation that explains why the client’s treatment could not be completed within the policy limits for the requested procedures

•Client diagnosis and conditions that support the medical necessity for the additional procedures requested

•Client outcomes that the requested procedures will achieve

9.2.5.2.4Ingestion Challenge Test

Ingestion challenge tests are a benefit of Texas Medicaid using procedure codes 95076 and 95079.

Procedure code 95076 is limited to one service per day, any provider.

Procedure code 95079 is limited to twice per day, any provider.

Add-on procedure code 95079 must be billed with primary procedure code 95076.

9.2.6Ambulance Transport Services - Nonemergency

Nonemergency ambulance services require prior authorization in circumstances not involving an emergency. Facilities and other providers must request and obtain prior authorization before contacting the ambulance provider for nonemergency ambulance services.

Refer to:  Non-emergency Ambulance Prior Authorization Request on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com.

Subsection 2.2.2, “Nonemergency Ambulance Transport Services” in the Ambulance Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for more information about ambulance services.

Subsection 5.1.8, “Prior Authorization for Nonemergency Ambulance Transport” in “Section 5: Fee-for-Service Prior Authorizations” (Vol. 1, General Information) for more information about nonemergency ambulance transport prior authorization.

9.2.7Anesthesia

Anesthesia services are a benefit of Texas Medicaid with specific benefits and limitations to reimbursement.

Medicaid may reimburse anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) for administering anesthesia as defined within their individual scope of practice.

9.2.7.1Medical Direction by an Anesthesiologist

Medical direction by an anesthesiologist of an anesthesia practitioner (CRNA, AA, or other qualified professional) is a benefit of Texas Medicaid if the following criteria are met:

•No more than four anesthesia procedures are being performed concurrently.

•The anesthesiologist is physically present in the operating suite.

Exception:Anesthesiologists may be considered for reimbursement when they medically direct more than four anesthesia services or simultaneously supervise a combination of more than four CRNAs, AAs, or other qualified professionals under emergency circumstances only.

Medical direction provided by an anesthesiologist is a benefit of Texas Medicaid if the following criteria are met:

•The anesthesiologist performs a preanesthetic examination and evaluation.

•The anesthesiologist prescribes the anesthesia plan.

•The anesthesiologist personally participates in the critical portions of the anesthesia plan, including induction and emergence.

•The anesthesiologist ensures that a qualified professional can perform the procedures in the anesthesia plan that the anesthesiologist does not perform personally.

•The anesthesiologist monitors the course of anesthesia administration at intervals.

•The anesthesiologist provides direct supervision when medically directing an anesthesia procedure. Direct supervision means the anesthesiologist must be immediately available to furnish assistance and direction.

•The anesthesiologist provides postanesthesia care.

The anesthesiologist does not perform any other services (except as noted below) during the same time period. The anesthesiologist who directs the administration of no more than four anesthesia procedures may provide the following without affecting the eligibility of the medical direction services:

•Address an emergency of short duration in the immediate area

•Administer an epidural or caudal anesthetic to ease labor pain

•Provide periodic, rather than continuous, monitoring of an obstetrical patient

•Receive clients entering the operating suite for the next surgery

•Check or discharge clients in the recovery room

•Handle scheduling matters

As noted above, an anesthesiologist may concurrently medically direct up to four anesthesia procedures. Concurrency is defined as the maximum number of procedures that the anesthesiologist is medically directing within the context of a single procedure and whether those other procedures overlap each other. Concurrency is not dependent on each of the cases involving a Medicaid client. For example, if three procedures are medically directed but only two involve Medicaid clients, the Medicaid claims must be billed as concurrent medical direction of three procedures.

For medical direction, the anesthesiologist must document in the client’s medical record that he or she did the following:

•Performed the pre-anesthetic exam and evaluation.

•Provided indicated post-anesthesia care.

•Was present during the critical and key portions of the anesthesia procedure, including, if appli­cable, induction and emergence.

•Was present during the anesthesia procedure to monitor the client’s status.

The following information must be available to state agencies upon request and is subject to retro­spective review:

•The name of each CRNA, AA, or other qualified professional that was concurrently medically directed or supervised and a description of the procedure that was performed must be documented and maintained.

•Signatures of the anesthesiologist, CRNA, AA, or other qualified professional involved in adminis­tering anesthesia services must be documented in the client’s medical record.

9.2.7.2Anesthesia for Sterilization

Refer to:  Subsection 2.2, “Services, Benefits, Limitations, and Prior Authorization” in the Gyneco­logical, Obstetrics, and Family Planning Title XIX Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for the complete list of family planning diagnosis codes.

Subsection 2.2.8, “Sterilization and Sterilization-Related Procedures” in the Gynecological, Obstetrics, and Family Planning Title XIX Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

Section 4, “Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)” in the Clinics and Other Outpatient Facility Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for more information about FQHCs and billing the annual family planning examination for Title XIX clients.

9.2.7.3Anesthesia for Labor and Delivery

Providers must bill the most appropriate procedure code for the service provided. Other time-based procedure codes cannot be submitted if either 01960 or 01967 is the most appropriate procedure code.

The following procedure codes must be used for obstetrical anesthesia:

Procedure codes 01960 and 01967 are limited to once every 210 days when billed by any provider and are reimbursed a flat fee. The time reported must be in minutes. Providers should refer to the definition of time in the CPT manual in the “Anesthesia Guidelines—Time Reporting” section.

Procedure code 01968 or 01969 may be considered for reimbursement when submitted with procedure code 01967. For a Cesarean delivery following a planned vaginal delivery, the anesthesia administered during labor must be billed with procedure code 01967 and must indicate the time in minutes that represents the time between the start and stop times for the procedure. The additional anesthesia services administered during the operative session for a Cesarean delivery must be submitted using procedure code 01968 or 01969 and must indicate the time spent administering the epidural and the actual face-to-face time spent with the client. The insertion and injection of the epidural are not considered separately for reimbursement.

All time must be documented in block 24D of the claim form or the appropriate field of the chosen electronic format.

For continuous epidural analgesia procedure codes, Texas Medicaid reimburses providers for the time when the physician is physically present and monitors the continuous epidural. Reimbursable time refers to the period between the catheter insertion and when the delivery commences.

9.2.7.4Anesthesia Provided by the Surgeon (Other Than Labor and Delivery)

Local, regional, or general anesthesia provided by the operating surgeon is not reimbursed separately from the surgery. A surgeon billing for a surgery will not be reimbursed for the anesthesia when billing for the surgery, even when using the CPT modifier 47. The anesthesia service is included in the global surgical fee.

9.2.7.5Complicated Anesthesia

The following procedure codes may be reimbursed in addition to an anesthesia procedure or service: 99100, 99116, 99135, and 99140. Documentation supporting the medical necessity for use of the procedure codes may be subject to retrospective review.

Procedure code 99140 is not reimbursed for diagnosis code O80 or O82 when one of these diagnoses is documented as the referenced diagnosis on the claim. The referenced diagnosis must indicate the complicating condition. An emergency is defined as existing when delay in treatment of the client would lead to a significant increase in the threat to life or body part.

9.2.7.6Multiple Procedures

When billing for anesthesia and other services on the same claim, the anesthesia charge must appear in the first detail line for correct reimbursement. Any other services billed on the same day must be billed as subsequent line items.

When billing for multiple anesthesia services performed on the same day or during the same operative session, use the procedure code with the higher RVU. For accurate reimbursement, apply the total minutes and dollars for all anesthesia services rendered on the higher RVU code. Multiple services reimbursement guidelines apply.

9.2.7.7Monitored Anesthesia Care

Monitored anesthesia care may include any of the following:

•Intraoperative monitoring by an anesthesiologist or qualified professional under the medical direction of an anesthesiologist

•Monitoring of the client’s vital physiological signs in anticipation of the need for general anesthesia

•Monitoring of the client’s development of an adverse physiological reaction to a surgical procedure

Anesthesiologists, CRNAs, AAs, or other qualified professionals may use modifier QS to report monitored anesthesia care.

The QS modifier is an informational modifier.

9.2.7.8Reimbursement Methodology

There are two types of reimbursement for anesthesia procedure codes.

•Flat fee

•Time-based fees, which require documentation of the exact amount of face-to-face time with the client

Anesthesiologists directing one or multiple CRNAs and/or AAs during medical procedures will be reimbursed at 50 percent of the established reimbursement rate.

An AA under the supervision of an anesthesiologist is reimbursed the lesser of the billed charges or 50 percent of the calculated payment for a supervised anesthesia service.

If multiple CRNAs, anesthesiologists, or anesthesiologist assistants under anesthesiologist supervision are providing anesthesia services for a client, only one CRNA or AA and one anesthesiologist may be reimbursed.

Both the flat-fee and time-based-fee procedure codes must be submitted with modifiers and are subject to medical direction/supervision reimbursement adjustments.

Flat Fees

Both OB related anesthesia procedure codes 01960 and 01967 are considered for reimbursement with a flat-fee rate.

•Flat fees are subject to medically-directed modifier combination adjustments based on the modifier submitted with the anesthesia procedure code.

•The time-based add-on procedure code 01968 must be billed in addition to the flat fee when anesthesia for Cesarean delivery following neuraxial labor analgesia/anesthesia has occurred.

For flat-fee anesthesiology codes, anesthesia time begins when the anesthesia practitioner begins to prepare the client for the induction of anesthesia in the operating room or the equivalent area and ends when the anesthesia practitioner is no longer in personal attendance, that is, when the client may be safely placed under postoperative supervision.

Time-Based Fees

For time-based anesthesiology procedure codes, anesthesia time is the time during which an anesthesia practitioner is present with the client. Anesthesia time begins when the anesthesia practitioner begins to prepare the client for the induction of anesthesia in the operating room or the equivalent area and ends when the anesthesia practitioner is no longer in personal attendance (e.g., when the client may be safely placed under postoperative supervision).

For time-based anesthesiology codes, anesthesia practitioners must document interruptions in anesthesia time in the client’s medical record.

The documented time must be the same in the records or claims of the anesthesiologist and other anesthesia practitioners who were medically directed by the anesthesiologist.

One time unit is equal to 15 minutes of anesthesia. Providers must submit the total anesthesia time in minutes on the claim. The claims administrator will convert total minutes to time units.

Reimbursement of time-based anesthesia services is derived by adding the RVUs (e.g., base units) for the procedures performed (when multiple procedures are performed use the procedure with the highest RVUs) to the total face-to-face anesthesia time in minutes divided by 15 minutes, multiplied by the appropriate conversion factor:

[RVUs + (Minutes / 15] x Conversion Factor = Anesthesia Reimbursement

Conversion Factor

A conversion factor is the multiplier that transforms relative values into payment amounts. There is a standard conversion factor for anesthesia services.

9.2.7.9Anesthesia Modifiers

Each anesthesia procedure code must be submitted with the appropriate anesthesia modifier combi­nation whether billing as the sole provider or for the medical direction of CRNAs, AAs, or other qualified professionals.

When an anesthesia procedure is billed without the appropriate reimbursement modifiers or is billed with modifier combinations other than those listed below in the Modifier Combinations section, the claim will be denied.

A procedure billed with a modifier indicating that the anesthesia was personally performed by an anesthesiologist (modifier AA) will be denied if another claim has been paid indicating the service was personally performed by, and reimbursed to, a CRNA (modifier QZ) for the same client, date of service, and procedure code. The opposite is also true—a CRNA-administered procedure will be denied if a previous claim was paid to an anesthesiologist for the same client, date of service, and procedure code. Denied claims may be appealed with supporting documentation of any unusual circumstances.

9.2.7.9.1State-Defined Modifiers

Modifiers U1 (indicating one Medicaid claim billed by an anesthesia practitioner) and U2 (indicating two Medicaid claims) are state-defined modifiers that must be billed by an anesthesiologist, CRNA, AA, or other qualified professional.

Modifier U1, indicating that only one Medicaid claim will be submitted, cannot be billed by two providers for the same procedure, client, and date of service. Modifier U2, indicating that two Medicaid claims will be submitted, can only be billed by two providers for the same procedure, client, and date of service if one of the providers was medically directed by the other. Denied claims may be appealed with supporting documentation of any unusual circumstances.

Anesthesia providers must submit modifier U1 or U2 in combination with an appropriate pricing modifier (AA, GC, QY, QK, AD, QZ, QX) when billing for any payable anesthesia procedure codes.

9.2.7.9.2Modifier Combinations

When a single claim per client is billed by the anesthesiologist for personally performing the anesthesia service, the AA and U1 modifier combination must be billed together.

Anesthesiologists may be reimbursed for medical direction of CRNAs, AAs, or other qualified profes­sional by using one of the following modifier combinations:

9.2.7.9.3CRNA, AA, and Other Qualified Professional Services

Modifiers QZ and U1 must be submitted when a CRNA has personally performed the anesthesia services, is not medically directed by the anesthesiologist, and is directed by the physician.

Modifiers QX and U2 must be submitted by a CRNA, AA, or other qualified professional who provided services under the medical direction of an anesthesiologist.

9.2.7.10Prior Authorization for Anesthesia

9.2.7.10.1Anesthesia for Medical Services

Anesthesia services provided in combination with most medical surgical procedures do not require prior authorization. However, some medical surgical procedures may require prior authorization. Anesthesia may be reimbursed if prior authorization for the surgical procedure was not obtained, but services provided by the facility, surgeon, and assistant surgeon will be denied.

9.2.7.11Claims Filing

Texas Medicaid reimburses anesthesiologists based on the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) of 1982. Anesthesiologists must identify the following information on their claims:

•Procedure performed (CPT anesthesia code in Block 24 of the CMS-1500 paper claim form).

•Person (physician, CRNA, or AA) administering anesthesia (modifiers must be used to designate this provider type).

•Time in minutes.

•Any other appropriate modifier (refer to subsection 6.3.5, “Modifiers” in “Section 6: Claims Filing” (Vol. 1, General Information) for a list of the most common modifiers).

9.2.7.12Anesthesia (General) for THSteps Dental

Refer to:  Section 3, “Texas Health Steps (THSteps) Dental” in the Children’s Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for additional information.

9.2.8Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is considered medically necessary when used as a means to treat covered medical conditions that are caused or significantly worsened by the client’s obesity in cases where those comorbid conditions cannot be adequately treated by standard measures unless significant weight reduction takes place. The pathophysiology of the covered comorbid conditions must be sufficiently severe that the expected benefits of weight loss subsequent to this surgery significantly outweigh the risks associated with bariatric surgery.

The following procedure codes may be reimbursed for medically necessary bariatric surgery services with prior authorization: 43644, 43645, 43659, 43770, 43771, 43772, 43773, 43774, 43775, 43842, 43843, 43845, 43846, 43847, 43848, 43886, 43887, and 43888.

Bariatric surgery is not a benefit when the primary purpose of the surgery is any of the following:

•For weight loss for its own sake

•For cosmetic purposes

•For reasons of psychological dissatisfaction with personal body image

•For the client’s or provider’s convenience or preference

9.2.8.1Prior Authorization for Bariatric Surgery

All clients must meet the criteria outlined below.

The same contraindications exist for bariatric surgery as for any other elective abdominal surgery. Documentation provided for prior authorization must attest that none of the following additional contraindications exist:

•Endocrine cause for obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pancreatitis, cirrhosis, portal hypertension, or abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract

•Chronic, long-term steroid treatment

•Pregnant, or plans to become pregnant within 18 months

•Noncompliance with medical treatment

•Significant psychological disorders that would be exacerbated or interfere with the long-term management of the client after the operation

•Active malignancy

All clients must undergo preoperative psychological evaluation by a behavioral health provider and have clearance for surgery if any of the following conditions exist:

•They have a history of psychiatric or psychological disorders.

•They are currently under the care of a psychologist or psychiatrist.

•They are on psychotropic medications.

The client’s medical record must include documentation of the evaluation.

Clients without a history of psychiatric or psychological disorder must also undergo a preoperative psychological evaluation by a behavioral health provider and have clearance for surgery. The client’s medical record must include documentation that the client is psychologically mature and able to cope with the postsurgical changes of the surgery.

Documentation must be submitted with the prior authorization request that is signed by the surgeon and attests that the services are provided by a facility in Texas that is one of the following:

•Accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).

•A children’s hospital that has a bariatric surgery program and provides access to an experienced surgeon who employs a team that is capable of long-term follow-up of the metabolic and psycho­social needs of the client and family.

Bariatric surgery for clients who are 20 years of age and younger may be prior authorized when the client meets all of the following criteria:

•The client has reached a Tanner Scale stage IV or V plus 95 percent of adult height based on bone age.

•The client has a body mass index (BMI) of greater than or equal to 40 kg/m2.

•The client has one or more comorbid conditions that are exacerbated by or attributable to obesity.

•Female clients must be at least 13 years of age and menstruating.

•Male clients must be at least 15 years of age.

Bariatric surgery for clients who are 21 years of age and older may be prior authorized when the client meets all of the following criteria:

•The client has a BMI of greater than or equal to 35 kg/m2.

•The client has one or more of the following comorbid conditions that are exacerbated by or attrib­utable to obesity:

•Obesity-associated hypoventilation

•Moderate to severe sleep apnea (defined as apnea/hypoapnea index of 16 or more events per hour)

•Congestive heart failure

•Obesity-induced cardiomyopathy

•Refractory hypertension resistant to pharmacotherapy (defined as blood pressure greater than 140mmHg systolic or greater than 90mmHg diastolic, despite maximally tolerated doses of at least three different classes of antihypertensive medications)

•Pseudotumor cerebri (documented idiopathic intracerebral hypertension)

•Adult onset (Type II) diabetes (with or without complications) with Hgb A1c greater than 9 percent, regardless of therapy, or 7 to 9 percent on maximal medical therapy (defined as taking insulin or maximally tolerated doses of at least two different classes of oral hypoglycemic medications)

•Cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease

•Refractory hyperlipidemia (defined as triglycerides greater than 250 mg/dl, cholesterol greater than 220/mg/dl, HDL less than 35 mg/dl, or LDL greater than 200 mg/dl, despite maximally tolerated doses of at least two different classes of lipid-lowering medications)

•Recurrent or chronic skin ulcerations with infection

•Pulmonary hypertension

•Chronic joint disease, deterioration of the joint cartilage, and the formation of new bone (bone spurs) at the margins of the joints, with symptoms that severely affect work or leisure activities, on maximal medical therapy (defined as maximally tolerated dose of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or COX-II inhibitor or acetaminophen and the completion of at least one physical-therapist-supervised exercise program)

•Hepatic steatosis without evidence of active inflammation

Documentation must include a summary of the treatment provided for the client’s comorbid conditions, including descriptions of how the client’s response to standard treatment measures are unsatisfactory and why the bariatric surgery is medically necessary in the context of current treatment and medically-reasonable alternatives that are available.

Referral for bariatric surgery to the bariatric surgeon is required from the practitioner who is treating the comorbid condition(s). The bariatric surgeon will determine the client’s eligibility for bariatric surgery. Documentation of the referral must be submitted with the prior authorization request.

The client must have had previous unsuccessful medical treatment for obesity, as documented in the medical record. All of the following minimal requirements must be met:

•The client has made a diligent effort to achieve healthy body weight with such efforts described in the medical record and certified by the operating surgeon.

•The client has failed to maintain a healthy weight despite a minimum of 6 months documented regular participation in a structured dietary program overseen by a physician (M.D. or D.O.) within 12 months of the request date.

Documentation that is submitted for prior authorization must also include all of the following:

•The process by which the client will receive postoperative surgical, nutritional, and psychological services.

•Affirmation that the client and the parent/guardian (if applicable) understand and will support the changes in eating habits that must accompany the surgery and the extensive postoperative follow-up.

Repeat bariatric surgery may be considered medically necessary in either of the following circumstances:

•To correct complications from bariatric surgery such as band malfunction, obstruction, or stricture

•To convert to a Roux-en-Y gastroenterostomy or to correct pouch failure in an otherwise compliant client when the initial bariatric surgery met medical necessity criteria

Note:Conversion to a Roux-en-Y gastroenterostomy may be considered medically necessary for clients who have not had adequate success (defined as a loss of more than 50 percent of excess body weight) two years following the primary bariatric surgery procedure, and the client has been compliant with a prescribed nutrition and exercise program following the procedure.

All documentation required for prior authorization is to be maintained in the client’s medical record and is subject to retrospective review. This includes medical records from both the practitioner treating the comorbid condition(s) and the bariatric surgeon.

Providers may fax or mail prior authorization requests for bariatric surgery services for clients who are 20 years of age and younger to the TMHP Comprehensive Care Program (CCP) Prior Authorization Department. Prior authorization requests for clients who are 21 years of age and older may be faxed or mailed to the TMHP Special Medical Prior Authorization Department.

Clients may be eligible under Texas Medicaid or CCP for separate reimbursement for nutritional and psychological assessment and counseling associated with bariatric surgery.

Behavioral health services provided as part of the preoperative or postoperative phase of bariatric surgery are subject to behavioral health guidelines, and are not considered part of the bariatric surgery.

Refer to:  Subsection 7, “Inpatient Psychiatric Services” in the Behavioral Health and Case Management Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for information about behavioral health services.

9.2.9Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Intravesical for Treatment of Bladder Cancer

Live BCG for intravesical (procedure code 90586) or transvesical (procedure code J9030) are benefits of Texas Medicaid for the following diagnosis codes:

Procedure code 90585 is a benefit of Texas Medicaid for diagnosis code Z23. Authorization is not required for the BCG vaccine.

Bladder instillation of anticarcinogenic agent (procedure code 51720) may be reimbursed separately when billed with BCG instillation (procedure code 90586 or J9030).

9.2.10Behavioral Health Services

Refer to:  The Behavioral Health and Case Management Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

9.2.11Biopsy

A biopsy refers to the surgical excision of tissue for pathological examination.

If a surgeon bills separate charges for a surgical procedure and a biopsy on the same organ or structure on the same day, the charges are reviewed and reimbursed only for the service with the higher of the allowed amounts.

9.2.12Biofeedback Services

Biofeedback services are a benefit of Texas Medicaid for clients who are 4 years of age and older with the following conditions:

•Urinary incontinence

•Fecal incontinence

•Migraine and tension headache

Biofeedback services may be reimbursed using procedure codes 90901, 90912, and 90913.

Biofeedback services are limited to a maximum of 18 sessions rendered by any provider for the lifetime of each client for each condition.

Biofeedback services that are not a benefit of Texas Medicaid are the following:

•Biofeedback performed in the home setting

•Neurofeedback (such as, but not limited to, electroencephalography [EEG])

•Treatment for muscle tension, except tension headache

•Psychological, psychophysiological, and behavioral health therapy and psychosomatic conditions

•Investigational or experimental biofeedback services and procedures

Procedure codes 90901, 90912, and 90913 are limited to one service per day. The reimbursement for procedure codes 90901, 90912, and 90913 include all modalities of the biofeedback training performed on the same day, regardless of the time increments or the number of modalities performed.

Any device used during a biofeedback session is considered part of the procedure and will not be reimbursed separately.

9.2.12.1Biofeedback Certification

A staff member who is certified by Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) must perform biofeedback services.

The certification types accepted by Texas Medicaid are the following:

•General biofeedback certification (BCB)

•Pelvic muscle dysfunction biofeedback certification (BCB-PMD)

Providers must maintain documentation in the client’s medical record to support the medical necessity of the biofeedback service provided. Documentation must include the name of the staff person who provided the biofeedback and the prescribing physician must maintain in the office a record of the current certification of the staff member(s) who perform biofeedback. Documentation is subject to retrospective review.

9.2.12.2Prior Authorization for Biofeedback Services

Prior authorization is required for biofeedback services.

•Any combination of procedure codes 90901, 90912, and 90913 are a benefit for biofeedback sessions for urinary or fecal incontinence conditions in clients who are 4 years of age and older.

•Procedure code 90901 is a benefit for biofeedback sessions for migraine or tension headache conditions.

The initial request may include up to 12 visits and not exceed a total duration of 12 weeks. Documen­tation of the following must be submitted for consideration of prior authorization:

•Conventional treatments that were given but were not successful, including, but not limited to, pharmacotherapy, exercise, rest, and heating and cooling modalities.

•Statements from the prescribing physician that the client is capable of understanding the require­ments and agrees actively to participate in the biofeedback sessions.

•Name and certification information for the person performing the training.

In addition, documentation must be submitted to support the specific type of biofeedback requested.

Urinary and Fecal Incontinence

•Diagnosis of fecal or urinary stress, urge, overflow, or a mix of stress and urge incontinence in a client who is 4 years of age or older.

•Exclusion by the physician of any underlying medical conditions that could be causing the problem.

•Failed pelvic floor muscle exercise (PME) training for clients who are 21 years of age and older.

Note:Failed trial of PME training is defined as no clinically significant improvement in urinary incontinence after completing four weeks of an ordered plan of PME exercises.

Migraine and tension headache

•A diagnosis of migraine, tension headache, or mixed migraine and tension headache.

•Symptoms that occur with a duration of at least 4 hours for at least 15 days a month over at least 3 months.

•Failure of first-line approaches, including avoidance of precipitating stimuli and pharmacological prophylaxis.

Prior authorization requests must be submitted by the physician to the Special Medical Prior Authori­zation (SMPA) Department. The request must be submitted with documentation that supports medical necessity. Providers may submit prior authorization requests online through the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com, by fax to 1-512-514-4213, or by mail to the following address:

Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership
Special Medical Prior Authorization
12357-B Riata Trace Parkway
Austin, TX 78727

After the client completes the initial biofeedback treatment course, prior authorization may be considered for a total of six follow-up sessions not to exceed three sessions per week and total duration not to exceed eight weeks. Providers must submit prior authorization documentation for the same condition as the original request, and must include each original symptom and how it has objectively improved. Documentation may include, but is not limited to, the following:

•For treatment of urinary incontinence, improvement in continence scores, vitality, health, a decrease in high-grade stress incontinence, nocturnal enuresis, and urine loss with activity. In clients who are 21 years of age and older, evidence of increased pelvic floor contraction strength and the ability to hold the contractions longer and to perform more repetitions.

•For treatment of fecal incontinence, improvement in continence scores, squeeze and anal pressures, squeeze duration, vitality, and health. In clients who are 21 years of age and older, evidence of increased pelvic floor contraction strength and the ability to hold the contractions longer and to perform more repetitions.

•For migraine and tension headaches, diminished intensity, frequency, and duration of the headache activity.

9.2.13Blepharoplasty Procedures

Procedure codes 15820, 15821, 67911, 67961, 67966, 67971, 67973, 67974, and 67975 are not diagnosis-restricted.

Procedure codes 67901, 67902, 67903, 67904, 67906, 67908, and 67909 may be reimbursed for clients who are 20 years of age and younger without prior authorization when performed for one of the following diagnosis codes:

Procedure codes 67901, 67902, 67903, 67904, 67906, and 67908 do not require prior authorization for clients who are 21 years of age and older when billed for the following diagnosis codes:

Blepharoplasty for clients who are 21 years of age and older requires mandatory prior authorization. The following information from the physician is required at the time of the request for blepharoplasty for procedure codes 15820, 15821, 67901, 67902, 67903, 67904, 67906, 67908, 67909, 67911:

•A brief history and physical evaluation

•Photographs of the eyelid problem

•Visual field measurements

•Diagnosis code

The following blepharoplasty and eyelid repair procedures do not require prior authorization:

All supporting documentation must be included with the request for authorization. Send requests and documentation to the following address:

Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership
Special Medical Prior Authorization
12357-B Riata Trace Parkway, Suite 100
Austin, TX 78727
Fax: 1-512-514-4213

Retroactive authorization may be granted on an appeal basis when submitted with the appropriate documentation.

9.2.14Bone Growth Stimulation

Professional services for bone growth stimulation (procedure codes 20974, 20975, and 20979) are a benefit of Texas Medicaid.

Prior authorization is required for a bone growth stimulator device (procedure codes E0747, E0748, E0749, and E0760).

Refer to:  Subsection 2.2.8, “Bone Growth Stimulators” in the Durable Medical Equipment, Medical Supplies, and Nutritional Products Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for prior autho­rization criteria.

9.2.14.1Invasive Bone Growth Stimulation

Invasive bone growth stimulation (procedure code 20975) is indicated for the following conditions:

•Nonunion of long bone fractures (i.e., clavicle, humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, fibula, and metacarpal, metatarsal, carpal, and tarsal bones). Nonunion of long bone fractures is considered to exist only when serial radiographs have confirmed that fracture healing has ceased for three or more months prior to starting treatment with the bone growth stimulator. Serial radiographs must include a minimum of 2 sets of radiographs separated by a minimum of 90 days. Each set of radio­graphs must include multiple views of the fracture site.

•Failed fusion of a joint other than the spine when a minimum of three months has elapsed since the joint fusion was performed.

•Congenital pseudoarthrosis.

•An adjunct to spinal fusion surgery for patients at high risk for pseudoarthrosis due to previously failed spinal fusion at the same site.

•An adjunct to multiple-level fusion, which involves three or more vertebrae (e.g., L3-L5, L4-S1, etc.).

9.2.14.2Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulation

Non-invasive bone growth stimulation (procedure code 20974) is indicated for the following conditions:

•Nonunions, failed fusions, and congenital pseudarthrosis where there is no evidence of progression of healing for three or more months despite appropriate fracture care.

•Delayed unions of fractures of failed arthrodesis at high risk sites (e.g., open or segmental tibial fractures, carpal navicular fractures).

Documentation must also indicate all of the following:

•Serial radiographs have confirmed that no progressive signs of healing have occurred.

•The fractured gap is 1 cm or less.

•The individual can be adequately immobilized and is likely to comply with non-weight-bearing restrictions.

Non-invasive bone growth stimulation for spinal application is indicated for the following conditions:

•One or more failed fusions.

•Grade II or worse spondylolisthesis.

•A multiple-level fusion with extensive bone grafting is required.

•Other risk factors for fusion failure are present, including gross obesity, degenerative osteoarthritis, severe spondylolisthesis, current smoking, previous fusion surgery, previous disc surgery, or gross instability.

9.2.14.3Ultrasound Bone Growth Stimulation

Ultrasound bone growth stimulation (procedure code 20979) is indicated for nonunion of a fracture, other than the skull or vertebrae, in a skeletally mature person, which is documented by a minimum of two sets of radiographs that were:

•Obtained prior to starting treatment with the osteogenesis stimulator.

•Separated by a minimum of 90 days.

•Taken with multiple views of the fracture site.

•Accompanied by a written interpretation by a physician who states that there has been no clinically significant evidence of fracture healing between the two set of radiographs.

Documentation must also indicate evidence of all of the following:

•The fracture is not tumor-related.

•The fracture is not fresh (less than 7 days), closed or grade I open, tibial diaphyseal fractures, or closed fractures of the distal radius (Colles fracture).

9.2.14.4Reimbursement

Professional claims that are submitted for bone growth stimulation (procedure codes 20974, 20975, and 20979) may be reimbursed if the claim includes documentation of one of the following:

•Documentation of medical necessity as outlined for each type of bone growth stimulation.

•The corresponding bone growth stimulator device was submitted within 95 days of the date the bone growth stimulation procedure was performed.

The appropriate evaluation and management (E/M) procedure code must be billed for monitoring the effectiveness of bone growth stimulation treatment.

Procedure codes 20974, 20975, and 20979 are limited to one per six months. During the six-month limitation period, a subsequent fracture that meets the criteria for a bone growth stimulator may be reimbursed after the submission of an appeal with documentation of medical necessity that demon­strates the criteria have been met.

9.2.15Cancer Screening and Testing

9.2.15.1BRCA Testing

Refer to:  Subsection 2.2.6, “Breast Cancer Gene 1 and 2 (BRCA) Testing” in the Radiology and Laboratory Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

9.2.15.2Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer screening is a benefit of Texas Medicaid. Fecal occult blood tests, multi-targeted stool DNA (mt-sDNA) tests, screening colonoscopies, and sigmoidoscopies are evidenced based methods of colorectal cancer screening. Screening refers to the testing of asymptomatic persons to assess their risk for the development of colorectal cancer. Screening has been shown to decrease mortality due to this cancer by detecting cancers at earlier stages and allowing the removal of adenomas, thus preventing the subsequent development of cancer.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends screening people at average risk for colorectal cancer beginning at 45 years of age by any of the following methods:

•A fecal occult blood test (FOBT)* or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year, or

•A multi-targeted stool DNA test (mt-sDNA) every three years, or

•Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years, or

•A Flexible sigmoidoscopy every ten years, in addition to annual FIT screening, or

•Colonoscopy every ten years

Note:For FOBT, the take-home multiple sample method with three samples should be used.

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines indicate that the net benefit of colorectal cancer screening in adults who are 76 years of age and older who have been previously screened is small. The risks should be considered on an individual basis, as screening in this age group is most appropriate for those healthy enough to undergo treatment.

The ACS and USPSTF recommends screening for people at high-risk for colorectal cancer once every two years.

Indications/characteristics of a high-risk individual may include one or more of the following:

•A close relative (sibling, parent or child) has had colorectal cancer or an adenomatous polyp.

•There is a family history of familial adenomatous polyposis.

•There is a family history of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.

•There is a personal history of adenomatous polyps.

•There is a personal history of colorectal cancer.

•There is a personal history of colonic polyps.

•There is a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Note:“Relative” means close blood relatives including first degree male or female relatives (parents, siblings, or children), second-degree relatives (aunts, uncles, grandparents, nieces, nephews), and third-degree relatives (first cousins, great-grandparents) who are on the same side of the family as the clients.

Colorectal screening services are considered for reimbursement when submitted using procedure codes G0328 (with modifier QW), G0104, G0105, and G0121, by associated risk category based on the ACS and USPSTF frequency recommendations. Reimbursement for these procedure codes is considered when medical necessity is documented in the client’s record.

Fecal Occult Blood Tests

Procedure code G0328 (with modifier QW) and 82270 may be reimbursed once per rolling year for clients who are 45 years of age and older.

MT-sDNA Test

Procedure code 81528 is considered for reimbursement once every three years for clients who are 45 years of age and older.

Sigmoidoscopies

Procedure code G0104 is considered for reimbursement once every five years for clients who are 45 years of age and older when submitted with diagnosis code Z0000, Z0001, Z1210, Z1211, Z1213, Z859, Z86002, Z86003, Z86004, Z86006, Z86007, or Z86010, as recommended by the ACS and USPSTF. Diagnosis code Z0000 or Z0001 may be used for screening if no other diagnosis is appropriate for the service rendered, but not more frequently than recommended by the USPSTF.

If a lesion or growth is detected that results in a biopsy or removal of the growth during a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy, the appropriate diagnostic procedure classified as a flexible sigmoidoscopy with biopsy or removal must be reported.

Colonoscopies: Average Risk

Procedure code G0121 is considered for reimbursement once every ten rolling years for clients who are 45 years of age and older when submitted with diagnosis code Z0000, Z0001, Z1210, Z1211, or Z1213. Diagnosis code Z0000 or Z0001 may be used for screening if no other diagnosis is appropriate for the service rendered, but not more frequently than recommended by the USPSTF.

Colonoscopies: High-Risk

Procedure code G0105 is considered for reimbursement once every two years for clients who meet the definition of high-risk. Procedure code G0105 must be submitted with one of the following diagnosis codes:

9.2.15.2.1Prior Authorization for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Prior authorization is not required for colorectal screening.

9.2.15.2.2Exclusions

Barium enemas for colorectal cancer screening are not a benefit of Texas Medicaid.

9.2.15.3Genetic Testing for Colorectal Cancer

Genetic testing for colorectal cancer may be considered for reimbursement to independent laboratories with prior authorization.

Genetic testing may be provided to clients who have a known predisposition (i.e., having a first- or second-degree relative) for colorectal cancer. Results of the testing may indicate whether the client has an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. A first-degree relative is defined as a sibling, parent, or offspring. A second-degree relative is defined as an uncle, aunt, grandparent, nephew, niece, or half-sibling.

Genetic test results, when informative, may influence clinical management decisions. Documentation in the medical record must reflect that the client or family members have been given information on the nature, inheritance, and implications of genetic disorders to help them make informed medical and personal decisions before the genetic testing.

Genetic testing for colorectal cancer may be considered for reimbursement with the following procedure codes:

Diagnosis code Z800 is acceptable as a diagnosis for the procedure codes in the table above. Prior autho­rization is still required and must be obtained for these services. Interpretation of gene mutation analysis results is not reimbursed separately. Interpretation is part of the physician E/M service.

The genetic testing for colorectal testing procedure codes in the table above are limited to once per lifetime for any procedure code by any provider. Testing is limited to once per lifetime for any procedure code by any provider, regardless of whether additional services are authorized.

 

Providers must maintain the following documentation in the client’s medical record for genetic testing for colorectal cancer:

•Documentation of formal pre-test counseling, including assessment of the client’s ability to under­stand the risks and limitations of the test.

•The client’s informed choice to proceed with the genetic testing for colorectal cancer.

The provider must order the most appropriate test based on familial medical history and the availability of previous family testing results.

The medical record is subject to retrospective review.

9.2.15.3.1Testing for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

Testing for familial adenomatous polyposis (procedure codes 81201, 81202, and 81203) may be offered to clients who have well-defined hereditary cancer syndromes and for whom a positive or negative result will change medical care. Testing for familial adenomatous polyposis may be considered for reimbursement with documentation of at least one of the following:

•The client has more than 20 polyps.

•The client has a first-degree relative with familial adenomatous polyposis and a documented mutation.

•For clients who are 7 years of age and younger, testing must be medically necessary and supported by documentation with a clear rationale for testing, which must be retained in the client’s medical record.

9.2.15.3.2Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC)

Testing for HNPCC (procedure codes 81288, 81292, 81293, 81294, 81295, 81296, 81297, 81298, 81299, 81300, 81301, 81317, 81318, and 81319) is used to determine whether a client has an increased risk of colorectal cancer or other HNPCC-associated cancers, including Lynch Syndrome. Results of the test may influence clinical management decisions. Testing for HNPCC may be considered for reimbursement with documentation of at least one of the following:

•The client has three or more family members, one of whom is a first-degree relative, with colorectal cancer; two successive generations are affected; one or more of the colorectal cancers was diagnosed before the family member was 50 years of age; and familial adenomatous polyposis has been ruled out for the client.

•The client has had two previous HNPCCs.

•The client has colorectal cancer and a first-degree relative who has one of the following:

•Colorectal cancer or HNPCC extracolonic cancer at 50 years of age and younger

•Colorectal adenoma at 40 years of age and younger

•The client has had colorectal cancer or endometrial cancer at 50 years of age and younger.

•The client has had right-sided colorectal cancer with an undifferentiated pattern of histology at 50 years of age and younger.

•The client has had signet-cell type colorectal cancer at 50 years of age and younger.

•The client has had a colorectal adenoma at 40 years of age and younger.

•The client is asymptomatic and has a first- or second-degree relative who has a documented HPNCC mutation.

•The client has a family history of malignant neoplasm in the gastrointestinal tract.

•For clients who are 20 years of age and younger, testing must be medically necessary and supported by documentation with a clear rationale for testing, which must be retained in the client’s medical record.

9.2.15.3.3Prior Authorization for Genetic Testing for Colorectal Cancer

Prior authorization is required for genetic testing for colorectal cancer. A completed Special Medical Authorization Request Form must be signed, dated, and submitted by the ordering provider rendering direct care. Requests from laboratories will not be processed. The provider should then share the autho­rization number with the laboratory submitting the claim.

A provider’s signature, including the prescribing provider’s, on a submitted document indicates that the provider certifies, to the best of the provider’s knowledge, the information in the document is true, accurate, and complete.

Medical documentation that is submitted by the physician must verify the client’s diagnosis or family history. Requisition forms from the laboratory are not sufficient for verification of the personal and family history.

To complete the prior authorization process, the provider must mail or fax the request to the TMHP Special Medical Prior Authorization Unit and include documentation of medical necessity. The form may be faxed to 1-512-514-4213 or mailed to the following address:

Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership
Special Medical Prior Authorization Department
12357-B Riata Trace Parkway, Suite 100
Austin, TX 78727

A request for retroactive authorization must be submitted no later than 7 calendar days after the lab draw is performed. To facilitate a determination of medical necessity and avoid unnecessary denials, the ordering physician rendering care must provide correct and complete information, including the accurate medical necessity of the services requested.

9.2.15.4Mammography (Screening and Diagnostic Studies of the Breast)

The following breast imaging studies are benefits of Texas Medicaid:

•Screening mammogram

•Diagnostic mammogram

•Diagnostic breast ultrasound

The American Cancer Society recommends that women discuss when to start breast cancer screening mammography with their provider beginning at 40 years of age.

By the age of 45 all women should begin annual breast cancer mammography screening.

By the age of 55 women may transition to screening with mammography every other year, or in some cases may continue annual screenings in consultation with their healthcare provider.

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), also known as three-dimensional (3D) mammography, provides 3D images and is a modification of conventional mammography. Screening DBT is used, along with conventional screening mammography, to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer.

Diagnostic DBT is used, along with conventional diagnostic mammography, to diagnose breast disease in women or men who have breast symptoms or findings on physical examination or screening mammogram.

A screening mammogram may be billed using procedure code 77067.

Procedure code 77063 must be billed with primary procedure code 77067. Reimbursement may be considered for procedure code 77063 when performed on the same date of service, by any provider, as procedure code 77067.

Procedure codes 77063 and 77067 are limited to one per rolling year, any provider.

A diagnostic mammogram may be billed using procedure code 77065 or 77066.

Procedure code 77065 will be denied if it is submitted for the same date of service as procedure code 77066 by any provider.

Procedure code G0279 must be billed with primary procedure code 77065 or 77066. Reimbursement may be considered for procedure code G0279 when performed on the same date of service, by any provider, as procedure code 77065 or 77066.

Reimbursement may be considered for a screening mammogram (procedure code 77063 or 77067) performed on the same patient on the same date of service as a diagnostic mammogram (procedure code 77065, 77066, or G0279), by submitting the diagnostic mammography with the modifier GG.

A mammogram may be indicated for a male client based on medical necessity due to existing signs and symptoms. In such rare circumstances, procedure codes 77065, 77066, and G0279 may be considered for reimbursement.

Other breast diagnostic radiology procedures may be medically necessary based on existing signs and symptoms. When indicated, such procedures may be considered for reimbursement using procedure code 76098, 77053, or 77054. Procedure code 77053 will be denied if it is submitted for the same date of service as procedure code 77054 by any provider. Procedure code 76098 may be reimbursed for both male and female clients.

Breast ultrasound may be considered for reimbursement using procedure code 76641 or 76642.

Authorization is not required for these services.

The prescribing physician must maintain documentation of medical necessity in the client’s medical record.

The radiologist or interpreting physician at the testing facility may determine and document that, because of the abnormal result of the diagnostic test performed, additional studies are medically necessary. The radiologist or interpreting physician ordering the additional studies must provide documentation to the prescribing physician.

9.2.15.5Prognostic Breast and Gynecological Cancer Studies

Prognostic breast and gynecological cancer studies are benefits of Texas Medicaid when ordered by a physician for the purpose of determining the best course of treatment for a patient with breast/gyneco­logical cancers.

Prognostic breast and gynecological cancer studies are divided into three categories: Receptor assays, Her-2/neu, and gene expression profiling.

•Receptor Assays (procedure codes 84233 and 84234) - The estrogen receptor assay (ERA) and the progesterone receptor assay (PRA) are tests in which a tissue sample is exposed to radioactively tagged estrogen or progesterone. The presence of these receptors can have prognostic significance in breast and endometrial cancer.

•Her-2/neu (procedure codes 83950, 88237, 88239, 88271, 88274, 88291, 88341, 88342, 88344, 88360, 88361, 88364, 88365, 88366, 88367, 88368, 88369, 88373, 88374, and 88377) - Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her-2/neu) is responsible for the production of a protein that signals cell growth. The overexpression of Her-2/neu in breast cancer is associated with decreased overall survival and response to some therapies. Each procedure used in the analysis should be coded separately.

•Gene expression profiling (procedure code 81519 and 81520) - Gene expression profiling analyzes the expression of a panel of genes to predict the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence in clients with newly diagnosed early stage invasive breast cancer.

Reimbursement for procedure codes 88360 and 88361 is limited to claims with a diagnosis of breast or uterine cancer as listed in the following table:

Testing for other diagnoses will be denied.

Interpretation of receptor assays, and Her-2/neu results is not considered separately for reimbursement. Interpretation is part of the physician’s E/M service.

Gene expression profiling (procedure code 81519 and 81520) is a benefit when all of the following criteria are met:

•The test is ordered by an oncologist.

•The client has newly diagnosed breast cancer. (“Newly diagnosed” means that not more than six months have elapsed since the initial diagnosis.)

•There is no evidence of metastatic breast cancer.

Procedure code 81519 is a benefit when all the following additional criteria are met:

•The clinical stage of the breast cancer is I, II, or IIIa, and the cancer has not spread to more than three lymph nodes.

•The primary tumor is estrogen receptor positive and Her-2/neu receptor negative, or the primary tumor is Her-2/neu receptor positive and less than 1 cm in diameter.

•The client is a candidate for adjuvant chemotherapy.

•The outcome of the test will guide decision-making regarding adjuvant chemotherapy.

Procedure code 81520 is a benefit when all the following additional criteria are met:

•The clinical stage of the breast cancer is I or II, and the cancer has not spread to more than three lymph nodes.

•The primary tumor is hormone receptor positive.

•The client is female and post-menopausal.

Procedure code 81519 may be reimbursed once per lifetime, any procedure, any provider, when submitted with one of the following diagnosis codes:

Procedure code 81520 may be reimbursed once per lifetime, any procedure, any provider, when submitted with one of the following diagnosis codes:

Gene expression profiling is limited to once per lifetime, but may be considered for reimbursement more than once per lifetime for the same client on appeal. The provider must submit documentation that demonstrates that the client has a new, second, primary breast cancer diagnosis that meets the criteria described above.

The provider must maintain documentation of medical necessity in the client’s medical record. Retro­spective review may be performed to ensure that the documentation supports the medical necessity of the service.

Gene expression profiling is not covered for repeat testing or testing of multiple tumor sites in the same client.

9.2.16Capsulotomy

A capsulotomy is a benefit when not performed with a joint surgery.

9.2.17Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is a physician-supervised program that furnishes physician-prescribed exercise, cardiac risk factor modification, psychosocial assessment, and outcomes assessment. Cardiac rehabili­tation programs must include all of the following:

•Physician-prescribed exercise for each day on which cardiac rehabilitation items and services are furnished

•Cardiac risk factor modification, including education, counseling, and behavioral intervention, tailored to a client’s individual needs

•Psychosocial assessment

•Outcomes assessment

•An individual treatment plan that specifies how components are used for a client and that is reviewed and signed by the prescribing physician every 30 days

Cardiac rehabilitation procedure codes 93797 and 93798 are benefits of Texas Medicaid.

The appropriate procedure code must be billed with one of the following diagnosis codes:

Coverage of cardiac rehabilitation programs is considered reasonable and necessary only for clients for whom there is documentation of any of the following conditions within the 12 months immediately preceding the beginning of the program:

•Acute myocardial infarction

•Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG)

•Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or coronary stenting

•Heart valve repair or replacement

•Major pulmonary surgery

•Sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation

•Class III or class IV congestive heart failure

•Chronic stable angina

Note:A cardiac rehabilitation program in which the cardiac monitoring is done using telephoni­cally transmitted electrocardiograms (ECGs) to a remote site is not a benefit of Texas Medicaid.

Cardiac rehabilitation must be provided in a facility that has the necessary cardiopulmonary, emergency, diagnostic, and therapeutic life-saving equipment (e.g., oxygen, cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment, or defibrillator) available for immediate use.

Cardiac rehabilitation is limited to 2 one-hour sessions per day for 18 weeks per rolling year and can not exceed 36 sessions.

Cardiac rehabilitation may be considered medically necessary beyond 36 sessions if the client has another documented cardiac event or if the prescribing physician documents that a continuation of cardiac rehabilitation is medically necessary. To confirm that a continuation of cardiac rehabilitation is at the request of or is coordinated with the prescribing physician, the medical record must include evidence of communication between the cardiac rehabilitation staff and the prescribing physician. If the physician responsible for such follow-up is the medical director, then the physician’s notes must be evident in each client’s chart.

Additional cardiac rehabilitation sessions must be prior authorized and must not exceed a total of 36 sessions for 52 weeks from the date of authorization of additional sessions.

If no clinically-significant arrhythmia is documented during the first three weeks of the program, the physician may give the order for the client to complete the remaining portion of the cardiac rehabili­tation without telemetry monitoring.

Although cardiac rehabilitation may be considered a form of physical therapy, it is a specialized program that is conducted by personnel who are not physicians but are trained in both basic and advanced cardiac life support techniques and exercise therapy for coronary disease and who provide the services under the direct supervision of a physician.

Direct supervision of a physician means that a physician must be immediately available and accessible for medical consultations and emergencies at all times when items and services are being furnished under cardiac rehabilitation programs.

9.2.17.1Prior Authorization for Cardiac Rehabilitation

Prior authorization is not required for the initial 36 sessions of cardiac rehabilitation.

Cardiac rehabilitation may be considered medically necessary beyond 36 sessions in the following circumstances:

•The medical record must support the client has had another cardiac event; or

•The prescribing physician documents that a continuation of cardiac rehabilitation is medically necessary. Documentation must include the following:

•Progress made from the beginning of cardiac rehabilitation period to the current service request date, including progress towards previous goals.

•Information that supports the client’s capability of continued measurable progress.

•A proposed treatment plan for the requested extension dates with specific goals related to the client’s individual needs.

Requests for prior authorization for additional sessions that exceed a total of 36 sessions in 52 weeks will not be granted. Prior authorization must be obtained through the TMHP Special Medical Prior Autho­rization (SMPA) Department.

9.2.17.2Reimbursement

The evaluation provided by the cardiac rehabilitation team at the beginning of each cardiac rehabili­tation session is not considered a separate service and will be included in the reimbursement for the cardiac rehabilitation session. Evaluation and management (E/M) services unrelated to cardiac rehabil­itation may be billed with modifier 25 appended to the E/M code when a separately identifiable E/M service was provided on the same day by the provider that rendered cardiac rehabilitation. Documen­tation that supports the provision of a significant, separately identifiable E/M service must be maintained in the client’s medical record and made available to Texas Medicaid upon request.

Physical and occupational therapy will not be reimbursed when furnished in addition to cardiac rehabil­itation exercise program services unless there is also a diagnosis of a non-cardiac condition that requires such therapy, e.g., a client who is recuperating from an acute phase of heart disease and may have had a stroke that requires physical and/or occupational therapy.

Client education services, such as formal lectures and counseling on diet, nutrition, and sexual activity, that help a client adjust living habits because of the cardiac condition; will not be separately reimbursed when the services are provided as part of the cardiac rehabilitation program.

9.2.18Casting, Splinting, and Strapping

Casting, splinting, and strapping are subject to global surgery fee guidelines. The following procedure codes for casting, splinting, and strapping are a benefit of Texas Medicaid:

 

The following procedure codes for cast removal, windowing, wedging, or repair may be reimbursed to a provider other than the provider who applied the initial cast, splint, or strap:

Authorization is not required for casting, splinting, or strapping services.

 

9.2.19Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

CPR (procedure code 92950) is a benefit of Texas Medicaid and may be reimbursed when medical necessity is documented in the client’s medical record. Only the primary provider performing CPR may be reimbursed for procedure code 92950. CPR billed as an ambulance service by an ambulance provider will be denied.

CPR may be billed with the same date of service as critical care when reported as a separately identifiable procedure. The time spent performing CPR must not be included in the time reported as critical care.

9.2.20Circumcisions

Texas Medicaid may provide reimbursement for circumcisions billed with procedure code 54150 or procedure code 54161. Circumcisions performed on clients who are 1 year of age and older must be documented with medical necessity.

Refer to:  Subsection 9.2.45.1, “Circumcisions for Newborns” in this handbook for additional benefit information.

9.2.21Closure of Wounds

The repair of wounds is defined as simple, intermediate, or complex. Simple repair involves the dermis and subcutaneous tissue and requires a one-layer closure. Intermediate repair requires some layered closure of deeper layers of subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia. Complex repair involves more layered closure, debridement, extensive undermining, stints, or retention sutures.

Wound closures may use sutures, staples, or tissue adhesives. Wounds closed with adhesive strips must not be reported using wound closure procedure codes. When adhesive strips are the only wound closure material used, providers must report the most appropriate E/M visit procedure code on their claim.

Simple exploration of nerves, blood vessels, or tendons exposed in an open wound is considered inclusive to the wound closure and will not be reimbursed separately.

The lengths of multiple closures of wounds must be added together and billed as one procedure code if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

•The closures have the same CPT classification (see “Repair [Closure]” in the CPT manual).

•The closures are in anatomic sites that are grouped together in the same procedure code descriptor.

Providers must submit the procedure code that represents the total length of the repairs. Lengths of repairs from different CPT classifications or groupings of anatomic sites must be billed as separate procedure codes.

Wound closures must be billed using the following procedure codes:

Multiple wounds on the same day will be paid the full allowed amount for the major (largest total length of the repair at the same anatomic site) wound and one-half the allowed amount for each additional laceration (total length of the repair at the same anatomic site).

No separate payment will be made for incision closures billed in addition to a surgical procedure when the closure is part of that surgical procedure.

No separate payment will be made for supplies in the office.

When the debridement is carried out separately without immediate primary closure, when gross contamination requires prolonged cleansing, or when large amounts of devitalized or contaminated tissue are removed, debridement may be reimbursed separately. Debridement rendered during the same surgical session as wound closure is considered inclusive to the closure and is not reimbursed separately.

Refer to:  Subsection 9.2.71.11, “Supplies, Trays, and Drugs” in this handbook for the hospital-based emergency department.

Wound suture and wound closure are considered part of any surgical procedure performed on the same area, except for excision of benign or malignant lesion procedure codes that require more than simple closure. Providers may be reimbursed for the appropriate intermediate or complex closure procedure code. Multiple surgery guidelines apply.

The exceptions listed above apply to the following excision and closure procedure codes:

9.2.22Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implants, when medically indicated, are benefits of Texas Medicaid with prior authorization. A cochlear implant device (procedure code 69930) is an electronic instrument, part of which is implanted surgically to stimulate auditory nerve fibers, and part of which is worn externally to capture and amplify sound. These devices are available in single and multichannel models. Cochlear implants are used to provide awareness and identification of sound and to facilitate communication for persons who are profoundly hearing impaired.

Refer to:  Subsection 3.2.1, “Cochlear Implants” in the Vision and Hearing Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for additional information on benefit and authorization require­ments for cochlear implants.

9.2.23Colon Capsule Endoscopy

Colon capsule endoscopy (procedure code 91113) is a benefit of Texas Medicaid and limited to the following diagnosis codes:

9.2.24Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

CGM (procedure codes 95250 and 95251) is a benefit of Texas Medicaid with prior authorization.

Procedure codes 95250 and 95251 are limited to once per 12 calendar months by any provider.

The rental or purchase of a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) is considered part of the CGM and is not reimbursed separately.

9.2.24.1Prior Authorization for Continuous Glucose Monitoring

CGM requires prior authorization and must be prescribed by a physician performing the glucose monitoring.

CGM may be prior authorized for clients with Type I diabetes or diabetes during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes. The client must be compliant with his or her current medical regimen, use insulin injections three or more times per day or be on an insulin pump, and have documented self-blood glucose monitoring at least four times per day. At least one or more of the following conditions must also be present:

•Frequent unexplained hypoglycemic episodes

•Unexplained large fluctuations in daily, preprandial blood glucose

•Episodes of ketoacidosis or hospitalization for uncontrolled glucose

Additional CGM services may be considered with documentation of medical necessity that indicates the client meets the criteria above and has a change in condition that would warrant a second procedure within 12 calendar months.

To avoid unnecessary denials, the physician must provide correct and complete information, including documentation of medical necessity for the requested services. The physician must maintain documen­tation of medical necessity in the client’s medical record. The requesting provider may be asked for additional information to clarify or complete a request for the use of CGM.

9.2.25Developmental Screening and Testing and Aphasia Assessment

The following types of developmental screening and testing and aphasia assessment are benefits of Texas Medicaid when medically necessary:

•Developmental screening when performed outside of a Texas Health Steps (THSteps) medical checkup (procedure code 96110)

•Developmental testing (procedure codes 96112 and 96113 [add-on procedure code must be submitted with primary procedure code 96112])

•Assessment of aphasia (procedure code 96105)

Re-evaluations are a benefit of Texas Medicaid only to address a clinical need, to provide the documen­tation needed to measure a client’s status over time, and to direct the plan of care.

Procedure codes 96105, 96110, 96112, and 96113 are used to report medically necessary aphasia assessment, developmental screening, and testing.

Prior authorization is not required for developmental screening, developmental testing, and aphasia assessment.

9.2.25.1Developmental Screening

Developmental screening requiring the use of a standardized, validated screening tool (procedure code 96110) is a benefit of Texas Medicaid for clients who are birth through 6 years of age.

Developmental screening is limited to once per rolling year, any provider, outside of a THSteps medical checkup when medically necessary. This screening should only be completed for a diagnosis of suspected developmental delay or to evaluate a change in the client’s developmental status outside of a THSteps medical checkup.

Developmental screening should be used to identify clients who are birth through 6 years of age and who may need a more comprehensive evaluation. Results of developmental screening may guide or identify the need for further testing. Clients with abnormal screening results must be referred to an appropriate provider for further testing. Clients who are birth through 35 months of age who have suspected devel­opmental delay must be referred to Texas Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) within 7 days after the child has been identified.

Refer to:  Subsection 2.9, “Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Services” in the Children’s Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for additional information on the Texas ECI program.

Subsection 4.3.11.1.2, “Developmental Surveillance or Screening” in the Children’s Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for additional information on developmental screening for THSteps checkups.

9.2.25.2Developmental Testing

Developmental testing (procedure codes 96112 and 96113) is a benefit of Texas Medicaid for clients who are birth through 20 years of age.

Developmental testing consists of an extended evaluation and requires the use of a standardized norm-referenced tool. Developmental testing is medically necessary when there is suspected developmental delay supported by clinical evidence. Developmental testing is only medically indicated when clinical evidence suggests the following:

•Suspected developmental delay or atypical development when the diagnosis cannot be clearly identified through clinical interview or standardized screening tool alone.

•Retesting of a client to evaluate a change in developmental status that results in a change of treatment plan.

Procedure codes 96112 and 96113 are limited to two services per rolling year, any provider.

Developmental testing performed when a development delay or a change in the client’s developmental status is not suspected is not a benefit of Texas Medicaid.

Developmental testing is not a benefit when completed for the purposes of entering day care, Head Start, or a school setting.

Providers cannot bill the client for developmental testing that better fits the description of develop­mental screening.

The physician must maintain documentation of medical necessity in the client’s medical record. Retro­spective review may be performed to ensure that the documentation supports the medical necessity of the service. The following information is required at least every six months to establish medical necessity:

•The physician’s prescription that includes a description of the specific service being prescribed

•The treatment plan that includes a copy of the current evaluation and documented age of the child at the time of the evaluation

9.2.25.3Assessment of Aphasia

Aphasia assessment (procedure code 96105) is a benefit of Texas Medicaid when medically necessary and is limited to the following diagnosis codes:

Procedure code 96105 is limited to two services per rolling year, any provider.

9.2.25.412-Hour Limitation for Procedure Codes 96110, 96112, and 96113

APRNs, PAs, and psychologists are limited to a maximum, combined total of 12 hours per day for devel­opmental screening and testing, and inpatient and outpatient mental health services.

Because physicians (M.D. and D.O.) can delegate and may submit claims for services in excess of 12 hours per day, they are not subject to the 12-hour system limitation.

Developmental screening and testing are included in the 12-hour per day, per provider, system limitation. The following table lists the procedure codes that are included in the 12-hour per day system limitation, along with the time increments the system will apply based on the billed procedure code. The time increments applied will be used to calculate the 12-hour per day system limitation.

Refer to:  Subsection 4.5, “Twelve Hour System Limitation” in the Behavioral Health and Case Management Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for more information about procedure codes included in the 12-hour system limitation.

All providers, including physicians and all providers to whom they delegate services, are subject to retro­spective review. HHSC and TMHP routinely perform retrospective reviews of all providers. All providers are subject to retrospective review for the total hours of services performed and billed in excess of 12 hours per day. Retrospective review may include:

•All E/M procedure codes, including those listed in the Evaluation and Management Section of the CPT Manual, billed with a diagnosis listed in the diagnosis table above under Neurobehavioral Testing

•All developmental screening and testing procedure codes included in the 12-hour system limitation

Note:Developmental screening and testing procedure codes and mental health procedure codes are included in the review. If a provider provides developmental and neurological assessment and testing at more than one location, any of these services may be retrospectively reviewed.

9.2.26Diagnostic Tests

9.2.26.1Blood Pressure Monitoring

Blood pressure monitoring by either self-measured blood pressure monitoring or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is a benefit of Texas Medicaid when used as a diagnostic tool to assist a physician in diagnosing hypertension in individuals whose blood pressure is either elevated, or inconclusive when evaluated in the office alone.

Self-measured blood pressure monitoring and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring may also be used for the following:

•Clients who are under treatment for established hypertension

•Evaluating refractory or treatment-resistant blood pressure

•Evaluating symptoms such as light-headedness corresponding with blood pressure changes

•Evaluating nighttime blood pressure

•Examining diurnal patterns of blood pressure

Self-measured blood pressure monitoring and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring are indicated for the evaluation of one of the following conditions:

•White coat hypertension, which is defined as the following:

•Blood pressure measurements taken in the clinic or office are greater than 140/90 mm Hg on at least three separate visits, with two separate measurements made at each visit.

•At least two separately documented blood pressure measurements taken outside of the clinic or office that are less than 140/90 mm Hg.

•There is no evidence of end-organ damage.

•Resistant hypertension

•Hypotensive symptoms as a response to hypertension medications

•Nocturnal angina

•Episodic hypertension

•Syncope

Self-measured blood pressure monitoring and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring are indicated for initial diagnosis of hypertension and should not be used for maintenance monitoring.

Self-measured blood pressure monitoring may also be indicated for re-evaluation of clients previously diagnosed with hypertension.

Providers must document that the self-measured blood pressure monitoring was performed for at least 24 hours.

Procedure code 99473 is limited to one service per year, any provider. Procedure code 99473 may be considered for reimbursement more than once per year when the following documentation of medical necessity is submitted with the claim:

•Documentation of erroneous blood pressure readings-excessively high or low blood pressure, blood pressure readings excessively inconsistent with those measured professionally

•Documentation of erroneous blood pressure logs-day of the week, time of day, setting or location, or timing of medication administration inconsistent with prior professional instruction

•Documentation of poor health literacy, developmental, or intellectual challenges that may require repeated client education

•Client purchase or receipt of new blood pressure device

Procedure code 99474 is limited to four services per year, any provider, and may be reimbursed only if a claim for procedure code 99473 has been submitted within 12 rolling months.

Only one method of blood pressure monitoring (self-measured or ambulatory) may be reimbursed within a rolling 12-month period. Self-measured blood pressure monitoring submitted within the same rolling 12-month period as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring will be denied.

Use procedure codes 93784, 93786, 93788, and/or 93790 to bill in 24-hour increments for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is limited to two services per lifetime, any provider. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring performed more than twice per lifetime may be considered when documentation of medical necessity is submitted with the claim.

9.2.26.2Ambulatory and Long-Term Electroencephalogram (Ambulatory EEG)

Ambulatory EEG monitoring is a covered benefit for clients in whom a seizure diathesis is suspected but not defined by history, physical, and resting EEG.

The EEG technical component procedure codes are limited to 3 studies for each physician for the same client per 6 months when medically necessary.

The following procedure codes should be submitted when billing for the EEG technical component:

Procedure code 95700 will be limited to three units per six months for each physician for the same client.

Professional component procedure codes are limited to three studies per six months for each physician for the same client, when medically necessary.

Technical component procedure codes are limited to three studies per six months for each physician for the same client, when medically necessary.

Note: A study includes one unit of procedure code 95700 (set-up, education, and takedown) and any appropriate combination of the corresponding technical and professional procedure codes.

The following procedure codes should be submitted when billing for the EEG professional component:

The procedure codes in the tables above may be reimbursed when they are submitted with the following diagnosis codes:

Other diagnosis codes may be considered on appeal with supporting medical documentation to the TMHP Medical Director.

9.2.26.3Bone Marrow Aspiration, Biopsy

Physicians may bill procedure code 85097 if interpretation is for smear interpretation, or procedure code 88305 if interpretation is for preparation and interpretation of cell block. If both procedure codes 85097 and 88305 are billed, procedure code 88305 is paid and procedure code 85097 is denied.

Physicians may bill procedure code 85097 or 88305 for preparation and interpretation of the specimen.

9.2.26.4Cytopathology Studies—Other Than Gynecological

Procurement and handling of the specimen for cytopathology of sites other than vaginal, cervical, or uterine is considered part of the client’s E/M and will not be reimbursed separately.

Procedure codes 88160, 88161, and 88162 are reimbursed according to the POS where the cytopathology smear is interpreted.

Procedure code 88177 is limited to three services per day by the same provider.

9.2.26.5Echoencephalography

Echoencephalography (procedure code 76506) is medically indicated for the following conditions or diagnosis codes:

9.2.26.6Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Electrocardiograms (ECG) are a benefit of Texas Medicaid when used for the evaluation and management (E/M) of a confirmed or suspected primary disease of the heart, pericardium, and coronary arteries or when necessary for management of diseases that are not primarily cardiac, but can affect the heart directly or indirectly.

ECGs are limited to six treatments for each client, by any provider per benefit period.

For ECGs, a benefit period is defined as 12 consecutive months, beginning with the month the client receives the first ECG.

The following procedure codes may be reimbursed for ECGs: 93000, 93005, 93010, 93040, 93041, and 93042.

Claims that are denied for exceeding the six-ECG limitation may be appealed with documentation supporting medical necessity. The documentation must include the following:

•Diagnosis

•Treatment history

•Documentation of why additional ECGs are needed

The report of the professional component (the interpretation) for the ECG must be a complete written report that includes relevant findings and appropriate comparisons.

The interpretation may appear on the actual tracing.

When the ECG is performed in conjunction with the performance of an evaluation and management (E/M) service, the interpretation may appear with a progress note or other report of the E/M service; however, if the ECG is billed as a separate service from the E/M service, the interpretation should contain the same information as a report made upon the tracing itself.

A simple notation of “ECG/EKG normal” without an accompanying tracing will not suffice as documen­tation of a separately payable interpretation.

Appropriate documentation, which includes a copy of the ECG tracing, must be kept in the client’s medical record. Documentation must support the medical necessity of the ECG. Documentation may appear on the actual tracing or with a progress note or report. Documentation is subject to retrospective review.

Only an ECG interpretation that directly contributes to the diagnosis and treatment of a client may be considered for reimbursement. Services, such as routine admission ECGs performed without medical indications, that do not directly contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of an individual client are not considered medically necessary.

9.2.26.6.1Prior Authorization for ECG

Prior authorization is not required for ECGs performed in the emergency room or inpatient hospital setting.

Prior authorization is required for more than six ECGs in a rolling 12-month period.

Requests for additional ECGs must be submitted on the Special Medical Prior Authorization (SMPA) Request Form along with documentation of medical necessity.

Providers may request a prior authorization up to 12 months in advance. When requesting retroactive authorization, a provider must submit the request no later than 14 calendar days after the ECG is completed.

Before submitting a prior authorization request for an ECG, a provider must have a completed SMPA Request Form that has been signed and dated by a physician who is familiar with the client. The completed SMPA Request Form must include the procedure codes and numerical quantities for the services requested. The completed SMPA Request Form with the original dated signature must be maintained by the prescribing physician in the client’s medical record.

The SMPA Request Form must include all of the following information, which is related to medical necessity:

•Procedure requested (CPT)

•Diagnosis

•Treatment history

•Treatment plan

Prior authorization requests submitted by paper, must be faxed or mailed with the completed SMPA Request Form to the SMPA department and a copy of the signed and dated form must be retained in the client’s medical record at the provider’s place of business. Requests may be faxed or mailed to the following address:

Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership
Special Medical Prior Authorization
12357-B Riata Trace Parkway
Austin, TX 78727
Fax: 1-512-514-4213

Requests for prior authorization can also be submitted online through the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com.

9.2.26.7Esophageal pH Probe Monitoring

Esophageal pH monitoring uses an indwelling pH microelectrode positioned just above the esophageal sphincter. The pH electrode and skin reference electrode are connected to a battery-powered pH meter and transmitter worn as a shoulder harness. The esophageal pH is monitored continuously and a strip chart is used to record the pH determinations. The patient is usually monitored for a 24-hour period. Esophageal pH monitoring is a medically appropriate adjunct procedure to help establish the presence or absence of gastroesophageal reflux.

Esophageal pH probe monitoring should be coded with procedure codes 91034, 91035, and 78262.

Esophageal pH probe testing (procedure codes 78262, 91034, and 91035) are limited to two services per rolling year, same procedure, any provider.

Claims that are denied for exceeding two services per rolling year may be considered on appeal with documentation of one of the following:

•The client is new and the provider has been unsuccessful in obtaining the client’s previous records from a different provider.

•The provider is not aware that the client received previous esophageal testing.

Only one appeal will be considered per client, for the same provider. Providers must request prior autho­rization for any additional esophageal testing performed after the appealed service.

9.2.26.7.1Prior Authorization

Esophageal pH probe testing (procedure codes 78262, 91034, and 91035) require prior authorization for services that exceed two per rolling year.

Requests for additional testing may be considered when submitted with documentation of medical necessity that supports, but is not limited to, the following:

•Adult’s unintentional weight loss is more than 5 percent of their normal body weight in a span of 12 months or less

•Child’s weight loss is 3 to 5 percent of their body mass in less than 30 days

•Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that include heartburn and regurgitation that do not respond to treatment with medication

•Atypical symptoms of GERD, such as chest pain, coughing, wheezing, hoarseness, and sore throat

Prior authorization requests must be submitted to the Special Medical Prior Authorization Department using the Special Medical Prior Authorization (SMPA) Request Form. The completed prior authori­zation request form must be maintained by the requesting provider and the prescribing physician. The original, signed copy must be kept by the physician in the client’s medical record.

9.2.26.8Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori)

Initial testing for H. pylori may be performed using the following tests:

•Serology testing (procedure codes 83009 and 86677)

•Stool testing (procedure code 87338 with modifier QW)

•Breath testing (procedure codes 78267, 78268, 83013, and 83014)

Serology testing for H. pylori is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that is preferred for initial diagnosis but is not indicated after a diagnosis has been made. Serology testing is not indicated or covered for monitoring a response to therapy.

Procedure codes 83009 and 86677 are allowed once per lifetime when submitted by any provider. A second test may be considered on appeal with documentation that indicates the original test result was negative for H. pylori.

Urea breath tests (UBTs) and fecal antigen tests provide reliable means of identifying active H. pylori infection before antibiotic therapy. UBTs are the most reliable non-endoscopic test to document eradi­cation of H. pylori infection.

H. pylori is accepted as an etiologic factor in duodenal ulcers, peptic ulcer disease, gastric carcinoma, and primary B cell gastric lymphoma. H. pylori testing may be indicated for symptomatic clients who have a documented history of chronic/recurrent duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, or chronic gastritis. The history must delineate the failed conservative treatment for the condition.

H. pylori testing is not indicated or covered for any of the following:

•New onset uncomplicated dyspepsia.

•New onset dyspepsia responsive to conservative treatment (e.g., withdrawal of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAID] and/or use of antisecretory agents). If the treatment does not prove successful in eliminating the symptoms, further testing may be indicated to determine the presence of H. pylori.

•Screening for H. pylori in asymptomatic clients.

•Dyspeptic clients requiring endoscopy and biopsy.

H. pylori testing is not indicated under the following circumstances:

•There has been a negative endoscopy in the previous 90 days.

•An endoscopy is planned.

•H. pylori is of new onset and still being treated.

H. pylori testing will be denied if it is performed within 90 days of an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Procedure codes 87338 (with modifier QW), 78267, 78268, 83013, and 83014 may be reimbursed within the 90 days if the provider submits documentation that indicates the client was tested for eradication after treatment.

If a follow-up breath or stool test is used to document eradication of H. pylori, the medical record documentation must verify the history of the following previous complication(s):

•The client remains symptomatic after a treatment regimen for H. pylori.

•The client is asymptomatic after H. pylori eradication therapy but has a history of hemorrhage, perforation, or outlet obstruction from peptic ulcer disease.

•The client has a history of ulcer on chronic NSAID or anticoagulant therapy.

Testing for H. pylori eradication after the completion of antibiotic therapy (procedure codes 87338 [with modifier QW], 78267, 78268, 83013, and 83014) will be denied if billed less than 35 days after the initial test.

Procedure code 87339 is not a benefit of Texas Medicaid.

9.2.26.9Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

Refer to:  Subsection 3.2.1, “Cardiac Nuclear Imaging” in the Radiology and Laboratory Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

9.2.26.10Pediatric Pneumogram

A pediatric pneumogram (procedure code 94772) is a 12-hour to 24-hour recording of breathing effort, heart rate, oxygen level, and airflow to the lungs during sleep. The study is useful in identifying abnormal breathing patterns, with or without bradycardia, especially in premature infants.

The following diagnosis codes may be reimbursed for a pediatric pneumogram in infants from birth through 11 months of age:

A pediatric pneumogram is limited to two services per lifetime without prior authorization when submitted with one of the diagnosis codes listed above. Additional studies may be considered under CCP with documentation of medical necessity, and will require prior authorization.

Refer to:  Section 2, “Medicaid Children’s Services Comprehensive Care Program (CCP)” in the Children’s Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

EMGs, polysomnography, EEGs, and ECGs are denied when billed on the same day as a pediatric pneumogram.

Pediatric pneumograms are reimbursed on the same day as an apnea monitor (rented monthly) if documentation supports the medical necessity.

Pneumogram supplies are considered part of the technical component and are denied if billed separately.

9.2.27Diagnostic Doppler Sonography

Diagnostic Doppler sonography is a benefit of Texas Medicaid when treatment decisions depend on the results. Authorization is not required for diagnostic Doppler services.

Doppler sonography uses a transducer that transmits and receives the returned sound waves as vibra­tions. The transducer turns the vibrations into electrical pulses that travel to the ultrasonic scanner where they are processed and transformed into a digital image. It is used to study blood flow throughout the body.

A vascular diagnostic study may be personally performed by a physician or by a technologist. The accuracy of noninvasive vascular diagnostic studies depends on the knowledge, skill, and experience of the technologist and physician performing and interpreting the study. Consequently, the physician who performs and/or interprets the study must be able to document training through recent residency training or post-graduate continuing medical education and experience and must maintain that documentation for post-payment review.

If noninvasive vascular diagnostic studies are performed by a technologist, the technologist must have demonstrated competency in ultrasound by receiving one of the following credentials in vascular ultra­sound technology:

•Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS) provided by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

•Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) provided by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS)

•Vascular Sonographer (VS) provided by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), Sonography

Alternately, such studies must be performed in a facility or vascular laboratory accredited by one of the following nationally recognized accreditation organizations. If a vascular laboratory or facility is accredited, the technologists performing noninvasive cerebrovascular arterial studies in that laboratory are considered to have demonstrated competency in cerebrovascular ultrasound:

•American College of Radiology (ACR) Vascular Ultrasound Accreditation Program

•Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL)

9.2.27.1Cerebrovascular Doppler Studies

Cerebrovascular Doppler sonography includes both extracranial and transcranial (intracranial) studies. This group of Doppler studies is used to investigate cerebral hemodynamics (e.g., blood flow, vasculitis, cerebral fluid collection/hydrocephalus, cerebral vascular disorders,). Cerebrovascular Doppler sonog­raphy should not be used when treatment decisions will not be affected by the findings.

Cerebrovascular Doppler studies for the diagnosis of migraine are considered experimental and are not a benefit of Texas Medicaid.

Extracranial arterial Doppler (procedure codes 93880 and 93882) are limited to the following diagnosis codes:

Transcranial Doppler (procedure codes 93886, 93888, 93890, 93892, and 93893) are limited to the following diagnosis codes:

In addition to the diagnosis codes listed in the table above, procedure codes 93886 and 93888 are benefits for clients who are 2 through 16 years of age with sickle cell disease to evaluate the risk of stroke when submitted with the following diagnosis codes:

9.2.27.2Peripheral Doppler Studies

Peripheral Doppler sonography is used to determine vascular impedance and evaluate peripheral masses and peripheral nerve continuity.

9.2.27.3Peripheral Arterial Doppler Studies

Noninvasive peripheral arterial examinations that are performed to establish the level and degree of arterial occlusive disease are reasonable and necessary if significant signs or symptoms of possible limbischemia are present, and the client is a candidate for invasive therapeutic procedures.

Peripheral arterial Doppler (procedure codes 93922, 93923, 93924, 93925, 93926, 93930, and 93931) are limited to the following diagnosis codes (unless otherwise indicated):

9.2.27.4Peripheral Venous Doppler Studies

Non-invasive vascular diagnostic studies utilize ultrasonic Doppler and physiologic principles to assess irregularities in blood flow in the venous system.

Peripheral venous Doppler (procedure codes 93970 and 93971) are limited to the following diagnosis codes:

In addition to the diagnosis codes listed in the table above, procedure code 93971 is also a benefit when submitted with diagnosis code Z01810, Z01818, or Z09.

Doppler echocardiography color flow velocity mapping (procedure code 93325) must be billed with one of the corresponding procedure codes in column B to be considered for reimbursement:

9.2.27.5Limitations for Diagnostic Doppler Sonography

Documentation of medical necessity for the diagnostic Doppler study must be maintained by the ordering provider in the client’s medical record.

Procedure codes described as complete bilateral studies are inclusive codes, and right and left studies billed on the same day will be reimbursed at a quantity of one.

Diagnostic Doppler procedure codes are limited to one study per day, same provider.

When medically necessary, multiple Doppler procedures (e.g., studies of extracranial arteries and intra­cranial arteries) billed on the same day by the same provider will be reimbursed at full fee for the first study and one-half fee for each additional study, regardless of the number of services billed.

The use of transcranial Doppler studies performed for the assessment of stroke risk in clients who are 2 through 16 years of age who have sickle cell anemia should be limited to once every 6 months.

The use of a simple hand-held or other Doppler device that does not produce hard copy output or that does not permit analysis of bidirectional vascular flow is considered part of the physical examination of the vascular system and is not separately reported.

9.2.28Evoked Response Tests and Neuromuscular Procedures

The following services are a benefit of Texas Medicaid:

•Autonomic function test (AFT)

•Electromyography (EMG)

•Nerve conduction studies (NCS)

•Evoked potential (EP) testing

•Motion analysis studies

9.2.28.1Autonomic Function Tests

AFTs are a benefit of Texas Medicaid when submitted with procedure codes 95921, 95922, 95923, and 95924.

Procedure codes 95921, 95922, 95923, and 95924 are limited to once per date of service, by the same provider.

Autonomic disorders may be congenital or acquired (primary or secondary). Some of the conditions under which autonomic function testing may be appropriate include, but are not limited to, the following:

•Amyloid neuropathy

•Diabetic autonomic neuropathy

•Distal small fiber neuropathy

•Excessive sweating

•Gastrointestinal dysfunction

•Idiopathic neuropathy

•Irregular heart rate

•Multiple system atrophy

•Orthostatic symptoms

•Pure autonomic failure

•Reflex sympathetic dystrophy or causalgia (sympathetically maintained pain)

•Sjogren’s syndrome

The reason for the referral, the specific autonomic function being tested, and a clear diagnostic impression must be documented in the client’s medical record for each AFT performed.

The client’s medical records must clearly document the medical necessity for the AFT. The medical record documentation must reflect the actual results of specific tests (such as latency and amplitude).

Medical necessity for reevaluation of a client (beyond the initial consultation and testing) must be clearly documented in the client’s medical record. Supporting documentation includes, but is not limited to, the following:

•The client has new symptoms unrelated to those previously evaluated, suggestive of a new diagnosis.

•Evidence that the client’s condition is changing rapidly, supported by the following:

•Diagnosis

•Current clinical signs and symptoms

•Prior clinical condition

•Expected clinical disease course

•Clinical benefit of additional studies.

The client’s medical records are subject to retrospective review. Wave form recordings obtained during the testing will aid documentation requirements in cases where a review becomes necessary.

9.2.28.2Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS), collectively known as electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing, must be medically indicated and may be reimbursed with the diagnosis codes listed below. Testing must be performed using EDX equipment that provides assessment of all parameters of the recorded signals. Studies performed with devices designed only for screening purposes rather than diagnoses are not a benefit of Texas Medicaid.

Any EDX testing procedures may be reimbursed up to four different dates of service per calendar year, same provider. Any E/M service will be denied as part of another service when billed for the same date of service as EMG or NCS service by the same provider.

Claims for nerve conduction studies that are denied for exceeding the maximum number of studies allowed per day, may be appealed with supporting medical record documentation.

The reason for the referral, the specific site(s) tested, and a clear diagnostic impression must be documented in the client’s medical record for each NCS or EMG study performed.

The client’s medical records must clearly document the medical necessity for the NCS and EMG testing. The medical record documentation must reflect the actual results of specific tests (such as latency and amplitude).

Medical necessity for re-evaluation of a client (beyond the initial consultation and testing) must be clearly documented in the client’s medical record. Supporting documentation includes, but is not limited to, the following:

•The client has new symptoms unrelated to those previously evaluated, suggestive of a new diagnosis. Examples may include suspected:

•Peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes

•Other neuropathies (traumatic, metabolic, or demyelinating)

•Neuromuscular junction disorders (myasthenia gravis, botulism)

•Myopathies (dermatomyositis, congenital myopathies)

•Unexplained symptoms suggestive of peripheral nerve, muscle or neuromuscular junction pathology, manifested by muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, loss of dexterity, spasticity, sensory deficits, swallowing dysfunction, diplopia, or dysarthria

•The client’s diagnosis could not be confirmed on previous studies, although suspected.

•Evidence exists that the client’s condition is changing rapidly, supported by the following:

•Diagnosis

•Current clinical signs and symptoms

•Prior clinical condition

•Expected clinical disease course

•There is clinical benefit of additional electrodiagnostic studies.

The client’s medical records are subject to retrospective review. NCS hard copies of the wave form recordings obtained during the testing will aid documentation requirements in cases where a review becomes necessary.

9.2.28.2.1EMG

The following EMG procedure codes may be reimbursed for one service per day, each procedure, by the same provider:

Procedure code 95866 may be reimbursed up to two services per day, same provider. Procedure code 95870 may be reimbursed in multiple quantities if specific muscles are documented.

The needle EMG examination must be performed by a physician specially trained in electrodiagnostic medicine, as these tests are simultaneously performed and interpreted.

Surface or macro-EMG testing is considered experimental and is not a benefit of the Texas Medicaid.

9.2.28.2.2NCS

NCS are reimbursed by Texas Medicaid with documentation of medical necessity using the following procedure codes:

NCS must be performed by one of the following:

•A physician

•A trained individual under the direct supervision of a physician. (Direct supervision means that the physician is in close physical proximity to the electrodiagnostic laboratory while testing is underway, immediately available to provide the trained individual with assistance and direction, and responsible for selecting the appropriate NCS to be performed.)

When the same studies are performed on unique sites by the same provider for the same date of service, studies for the first site must be billed without a modifier and studies for each additional site must be billed with modifier XE, XP, XS, or XU, indicating a distinct procedural service. Modifier 59 should be used when modifier XE, XP, XS, or XU is not appropriate.

Procedure codes 95907, 95908, 95909, 95910, 95911, 95912, and 95913 may be reimbursed only once when multiple sites on the same nerve are stimulated or recorded.

Prior authorization is required when the anticipated number of nerve conduction studies planned for an evaluation exceeds the following maximum number of studies:

Requests for prior authorization must be submitted to the Special Medical Prior Authorization department (SMPA) using the Special Medical Prior Authorization (SMPA) Request Form.

Note:An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or a physician assistant (PA) may sign all documentation related to the provision of evoked response tests and neuromuscular proce­dures on behalf of the client’s physician when the physician delegates this authority to the APRN or PA. The APRN or PA provider’s signature and license number must appear on the forms where the physician signature and license number blocks are required.

Requests must include documentation supporting medical necessity for the number of studies requested, and they must be received on or before the requested DOS. Requests received after the services are performed will be denied for DOS that occurred before the date the request was received.

Medical record documentation must establish medical necessity for the additional studies, including one or more of the following:

•Other diagnosis in the differential that require consideration should include provider notes about both of the following:

•The additional diagnoses considered.

•The clinical signs, symptoms, or electrodiagnostic findings that necessitated the inclusion.

•If multiple diagnoses have been established by nerve conduction studies and the recommendations in the table above for a single diagnostic category do not apply, then the provider should document all diagnoses established as a result of EDX testing.

•Testing of an asymptomatic contralateral limb to establish normative values for an individual client (particularly the elderly, diabetic, and clients with a history of ethyl alcohol [ETOH] usage).

•Comorbid clinical conditions are identified. The clinical condition must be one that may cause sensory or motor symptoms, for example:

•Underlying metabolic disease (such as thyroid condition or diabetes mellitus)

•Nutritional deficiency (alcoholism)

•Malignant disease

•Inflammatory disorder (including but not limited to lupus, sarcoidosis or Sjögren’s syndrome)

9.2.28.3Evoked Potential Testing

Evoked potential (EP) tests are a benefit of Texas Medicaid when medically necessary. The most common EP tests are:

•Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs)

•Motor evoked potentials (MEPs)

•Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs)

•Visual evoked potentials (VEPs)

Each EP test (procedure codes 92650, 92651, 92652, 92653, 95925, 95926, 95927, 95928, 95929, 95930, 95938, or 95939) is considered a bilateral procedure and is limited to once per date of service any provider regardless of modifiers that indicate multiple sites were tested.

EP tests may be reimbursed up to four services per rolling year, any combination of services by any provider. Claims that exceed the limitation of four services per rolling year may be considered for reimbursement on appeal with documentation that supports the medical necessity.

Intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring (procedure codes 95940 and 95941) is a benefit when performed in addition to each evoked potential test on the same day.

The documentation for the intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring must include the time for which each test is performed.

Procedure codes 95940 and 95941 are limited to a maximum of two hours per date of service, per client, same procedure, any provider.

Procedure codes 95940 and 95941 must be billed in conjunction with one of the following procedure codes or the service will be denied:

 

Procedure codes 95940 and 95941 cannot be reported by the surgeon or anesthesiologist.

The reason for the referral, the specific nerve evoked potential being tested, and a clear diagnostic impression must be documented in the client’s medical record for each EP study performed.

The client’s medical records must clearly document the medical necessity for the EP testing. The medical record documentation must reflect the actual results of specific tests (such as latency and amplitude).

Medical necessity for re-evaluation of a client (beyond the initial consultation and testing) must be clearly documented in the client’s medical record. Supporting documentation includes, but is not limited to, the following:

•The client has new symptoms unrelated to those previously evaluated, suggestive of a new diagnosis.

•Evidence exists that the client’s condition is changing rapidly, supported by the following:

•Diagnosis

•Current clinical signs and symptoms

•Prior clinical condition

•Expected clinical disease course

•There is clinical benefit of additional studies.

The client’s medical records are subject to retrospective review. Wave form recordings obtained during the testing will aid documentation requirements in cases where a review becomes necessary.

9.2.28.3.1Visual Evoked Potentials

Some of the conditions under which VEP testing (procedure code 95930) may be appropriate include, but are not limited to, the following:

•Identification of persons at increased risk for developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis.

•Diagnosing, monitoring, and assessing treatment response in multiple sclerosis.

•Localizing the cause of a visual field defect not explained by lesions seen on CT or MRI, or by metabolic disorders or infectious disease.

•Evaluating the signs and symptoms of visual loss in persons who are unable to communicate (e.g., unresponsive persons, non-verbal persons).

•Evaluating clients who experience double vision, blurred vision, loss of vision, eye injuries, head injuries, or weakness of the eyes, arms, or legs.

9.2.28.4Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP)

Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) is a benefit of Texas Medicaid when submitted with procedure codes 92517, 92518, and 92519.

VEMP testing must be medically indicated and may be reimbursed when submitted with one of the following diagnosis codes:

VEMP testing is not medically necessary for any other indications and will not be covered.

Some conditions under which VEMP testing (procedure codes 92517, 92518, and 92519) may be appro­priate include:

•Evaluation of chronic symptoms of pressure, tinnitus, disorientation, or chronic vertigo after all other recommended vestibular tests are completed and is lacking a definitive diagnosis.

•Evaluation after a positive CT scan for Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS)

Documentation must include other differential diagnoses under consideration, and must include the following:

•The additional diagnoses considered.

•The clinical signs, symptoms, or electrodiagnostic findings that necessitated the inclusion.

All of the following criteria are documentation requirements for VEMP testing:

•For each VEMP test performed, the referral reason includes a clear diagnostic impression documented in the client’s medical record

•Medical necessity for the VEMP test must be clearly documented in the medical record and reflect the actual results of specific tests (which could include latency and amplitude).

•Medical necessity for client reevaluation after the initial consultation and testing must be clearly documented in the medical record. Supporting documentation must include the following:

•New symptoms unrelated to previously evaluated symptoms which may result in a new diagnosis.

•Rapidly changing client condition documentation, supported by the following:

•Diagnosis

•Current clinical signs and symptoms

•Prior clinical condition

•Expected clinical disease course

•Clinical benefit of additional studies

The client’s medical records are subject to retrospective review.

9.2.28.5Motion Analysis Studies

Motion analysis studies (procedure codes 96000, 96001, 96002, and 96003) are a benefit of Texas Medicaid for clients who are 3 through 20 years of age.

Procedure codes 96000, 96001, 96002, and 96003 are limited to one per date of service by the same provider and two per rolling year, any provider.

In the following table, the procedure codes in Column A will be denied when they are submitted on the same date of service by the same provider as the procedure codes in Column B:

Documentation must include the following information that indicates the client meets all the require­ments for motion analysis studies. The client must be:

•Ambulatory for a minimum of ten consecutive steps, with or without assistive devices.

•At least three years of age.

•Physically able to tolerate up to three hours of testing.

The reason for the referral and a clear diagnostic impression must be documented in the client’s medical record for each motion analysis study performed.

The client’s medical records must clearly document the medical necessity for the motion analysis study. The medical record documentation must reflect the actual results of specific tests.

Medical necessity for re-evaluation of a client (beyond the initial consultation and testing) must be clearly documented in the client’s medical record. Supporting documentation includes, but is not limited to, the following:

•The client has new symptoms unrelated to those previously evaluated, suggestive of a new diagnosis.

•Evidence exists that the client’s condition is changing rapidly, supported by the following:

•Diagnosis

•Current clinical signs and symptoms

•Prior clinical condition

•Expected clinical disease course

•There is clinical benefit of additional studies.

The client’s medical records are subject to retrospective review.

9.2.29Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

ECMO may be effective on a short-term basis for clients with life-threatening respiratory and/or cardiac insufficiency.

ECMO may be reimbursed for clients who have the following clinical indications (this is not an all-inclusive list):

•Persistent pulmonary hypertension

•Meconium aspiration syndrome

•Respiratory distress syndrome

•Adult respiratory distress syndrome

•Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

•Sepsis

•Pneumonia

•Preoperative and postoperative congenital heart disease or heart transplantation

•Reversible causes of cardiac failure

•Cardiomyopathy

•Myocarditis

•Aspiration pneumonia

•Pulmonary contusion

•Pulmonary embolism

The following procedure codes may be used when billing ECMO:

Terminal disease with expectation of short survival, advanced multiple organ failure syndrome, irreversible central nervous system injury and severe immunosuppression are contraindications to ECMO. Claims for ECMO services may be recouped if the services are provided in the presence of these conditions.

The initial 24 hours of veno-venous (VV) ECMO should be submitted using procedure code 33946. Procedure code 33948 should be used for each additional 24 hours. Procedure code 33946 is denied as part of procedure code 33948 if submitted with the same date of service. Procedure codes 33946 and 33948 are limited to one per day when billed by any provider.

The initial 24 hours of veno-arterial (VA) ECMO should be submitted using procedure code 33947. Procedure code 33949 should be used for each additional 24 hours. Procedure code 33947 is denied as part of procedure code 33949 if submitted with the same date of service. Procedure codes 33947 and 33949 are limited to one per day when billed by any provider.

If insertion of VV cannula (procedure codes 33951, 33952, 33953, 33954, 33955, and 33956) for prolonged extracorporeal circulation for cardiopulmonary insufficiency is submitted by the same provider with the same date of service as procedure code 33946 or 33948, the insertion of the cannula is denied, and the ECMO (procedure code 33946 or 33948) is considered for reimbursement.

If insertion of VA cannula (procedure codes 33951, 33952, 33953, 33954, 33955, and 33956) for prolonged extracorporeal circulation for cardiopulmonary insufficiency is submitted by the same provider with the same date of service as procedure code 33947 or 33949, the insertion of the cannula is denied, and the ECMO (procedure code 33947 and 33949) is considered for reimbursement.

9.2.30Family Planning

Physicians, PAs, NPs, CNSs, and CNMs are encouraged to provide family planning services to Texas Medicaid clients, especially pregnant and postpartum clients. No separate enrollment is required. Providers are reimbursed for family planning services through Texas Medicaid (Title XIX) or through the DSHS Family Planning Program.

Refer to:  Section 2, “Medicaid Title XIX Family Planning Services” in the Gynecological, Obstetrics, and Family Planning Title XIX Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

Section 2, “Healthy Texas Women (HTW) Program Overview” in the Healthy Texas Women Program Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

The Health and Human Services Commission Family Planning Program Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

9.2.31Gynecological Health Services

Gynecological examinations, surgical procedures, and treatments are benefits of Texas Medicaid.

Refer to:  Section 6, “Gynecological Health Services” in the Gynecological, Obstetrics, and Family Planning Title XIX Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for information about contraception, sterilizations, and family planning annual examinations.

9.2.32Hospital Visits

Refer to:  Subsection 9.2.58 *, “Physician Evaluation and Management (E/M) Services” in this handbook.

9.2.33Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Physicians who bill for the professional component of HBOT must use procedure code 99183. Hospital providers who bill for the chamber time must use procedure code G0277 with revenue code 413.

Note:Although oxygen may be administered by mask, cannula, or tube in addition to the hyper­baric treatment, the use of oxygen by mask, or other device, or applied topically is not considered hyperbaric treatment in itself.

Texas Medicaid recognizes the following indications for HBOT, as approved by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS):

•Air or gas embolism

•Carbon monoxide poisoning

•Central retinal artery occlusion

•Compromised skin grafts and flaps

•Crush injuries, compartment syndrome, and other acute traumatic ischemias

•Decompression sickness

•Delayed radiation injury (soft tissue and bony necrosis)

•Diabetic foot ulcer

•Severe anemia

•Clostridial myositis and myonecrosis (gas gangrene)

•Intracranial abscess

•Necrotizing soft tissue infections

•Refractory osteomyelitis

•Acute thermal burn injuries

HBOT is not a replacement for other standard successful therapeutic measures.

Texas Medicaid considers HBOT experimental and investigational for any indications other than the ones approved by UHMS and outlined in this section. Non-covered indications include, but are not limited to, autism and traumatic brain injury.

Oxygen administered outside of a hyperbaric chamber, by any means, is not considered hyperbaric treatment.

The physician must be in constant attendance of hyperbaric oxygen therapy during compression and decompression of the chamber and may not delegate the rendering of the service. Both the facility’s medical record and the client’s medical record must contain documentation to support that there was a physician in attendance who provided direct supervision of the compression and decompression phases of the HBOT treatment. All documentation pertaining to HBOT is subject to retrospective review.

9.2.33.1Prior Authorization for HBOT

HBOT procedure codes 99183 and G0277 require prior authorization. Prior authorization requests submitted for procedure code G0277 must also include revenue code 413. When requesting prior autho­rization, providers should use the Special Medical Prior Authorization (SMPA) Request Form on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com.

Refer to:  “Section 5: Fee-for-Service Prior Authorizations” (Vol. 1, General Information) for detailed information about prior authorization requirements.

The prior authorization request must include documentation that supports medical necessity and is specific to each appropriate covered indication as listed in the following table:

Procedure code 99183 is authorized according to the number of professional sessions (total HBOT treat­ments), and procedure code G0277 is authorized according to the number of 30-minute intervals of chamber time. The units in the columns for procedure codes 99183 and G0277 represent the maximum number of sessions and intervals that are allowed for that procedure code per authorization.

Limitations beyond those listed in the table above are considered experimental and investigational.

In emergency situations, the prior authorization request must be submitted no later than three business days after the date the service is rendered. Providers must not submit a claim until the prior authori­zation request has been approved. If the request has not been approved, the claim will be denied.

9.2.34Ilizarov Device and Procedure

Providers must use procedure codes 20692, 20693, 20694, and 20999 when submitting claims for the Ilizarov procedure. A global fee payment methodology is applied to the Ilizarov device procedure codes. Procedure codes 20692, 20693, 20694, and 20999 include the preconstruction, surgical application, adjustments to the device for up to 6 months, and the removal of the device.

Providers who bill for other external fixator devices, such as the Monticelli device, should continue to use procedure codes 20690 or 20692, where applicable, when billing for the surgical applications.

9.2.35Immunization Guidelines and Administration

Texas Medicaid reimburses immunizations (vaccines and toxoids) that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends as routine.

Providers must follow the most current ACIP recommendations unless they conflict with guidelines from the Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) Program, in which case providers must follow TVFC guidelines. Providers must also provide the appropriate vaccine information statements (VISs) produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). VISs explain the benefits and risks of the vaccines and toxoids administered.

Note:Administered vaccines and toxoids must be reported to DSHS. After obtaining consent, DSHS submits all reported vaccines and toxoids to a centralized repository of immunization histories. This lifespan registry is known in Texas as ImmTrac2.

9.2.35.1Administration Fee

An administration fee may be reimbursed for all covered vaccines and toxoids that are administered according to the ACIP. The following procedure codes may be reimbursed when billed for vaccine and toxoid administration:

Procedure codes 90460 and 90461 are benefits for services rendered to clients who are birth through 18 years of age when counseling is provided for the immunization administered.

Procedure codes 90471, 90472, 90473, and 90474 are benefits when counseling is not provided for the immunization administered. Procedure codes 90471 and 90472 may be reimbursed for services rendered to clients of any age. Procedure codes 90473 and 90474 are restricted to clients who are 20 years of age and younger.

The administration fee may be reimbursed when the procedure code for the vaccine or toxoid adminis­tered (regardless of the source of the vaccine or toxoid) and the administration fee procedure code are billed on the same claim with the same date of service. Only one administration fee may be reimbursed to any provider for each vaccine or toxoid administered per day.

The following vaccines and toxoids procedure codes are a benefit of Texas Medicaid for clients based on the number of recognized components as follows:

Each vaccine or toxoid and its administration must be submitted on the claim in the following sequence: the vaccine procedure code immediately followed by the applicable immunization administration procedure code(s). All of the immunization administration procedure codes that correspond to a single vaccine or toxoid procedure code must be submitted on the same claim as the vaccine or toxoid procedure code.

Each vaccine or toxoid procedure code must be submitted with the appropriate “administration with counseling” procedure code(s) (procedure codes 90460 and 90461) or the most appropriate “adminis­tration without counseling” procedure code (procedure code 90471, 90472, 90473, or 90474). If an “administration with counseling” procedure code is submitted with an “administration without counseling” procedure code for the same vaccine or toxoid, the second administration of the vaccine or toxoid will be denied.

Administration with Counseling

Providers must submit claims for immunization administration procedure codes 90460 or 90461 based on the number of components per vaccine. Providers must specify the number of components per vaccine by billing 90460 and 90461 as defined by the procedure code descriptions:

•Procedure code 90460 is submitted for the administration of the first component.

•Procedure code 90461 is submitted for the administration of each additional component identified in the vaccine.

Procedure code 90461 will be denied if procedure code 90460 has not been submitted on the same claim for the same vaccine or toxoid.

The necessary counseling that is conducted by a physician or other qualified health-care professional must be documented in the client’s medical record.

The following is an example of how to submit claims for immunization administration procedure codes when counseling is provided:

 

Note:The term “components” refers to the number of antigens that prevent disease(s) caused by one organism. Combination vaccines are those that contain multiple vaccine components.

Administration without Counseling

Procedure codes 90471, 90472, 90473, and 90474 may be reimbursed per vaccine based on the route of administration.

The following is an example of how to submit claims for injection administration procedure codes when counseling is not provided:

 

9.2.35.2Documentation

Providers must document the following information in the client’s medical record, which is subject to retrospective review to determine appropriate utilization and reimbursement of this service:

•The vaccine or toxoid given

•The date of the vaccine or toxoid administration (day, month, year)

•The name of the vaccine or toxoid manufacturer and the vaccine or toxoid lot number

•The signature and title of the person administering the vaccine or toxoid

•The organization’s name and address

•The publication date of the VIS issued to the client, parent, or guardian

•The site at which the vaccine was given (recommended)

9.2.35.3Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)

VAERS encourages providers to report any adverse event that occurs after the administration of any vaccine in the United States, even if it’s unclear whether a vaccine caused it. The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (NCVIA) requires health-care providers to report:

•Any adverse event listed by the vaccine manufacturer as a contraindication to subsequent doses of the vaccine.

•Any reaction listed in the VAERS Reportable Events Table that occurs within the specified time period after vaccination.

Clinically significant adverse events should be reported even if it is unclear whether a vaccine caused the event.

Documentation of the injection site is recommended but not required.

A copy of the Reportable Events Table can be obtained by calling VAERS at 1-800-822-7967 or by downloading it from vaers.hhs.gov/docs/VAERS_Table_of_Reportable_Events_Following_

Vaccination.pdf.

9.2.36Immunizations for Clients Birth through 20 Years of Age

Administration of vaccines and toxoids to clients who are birth through 20 years of age may be a benefit of THSteps when provided as part of a THSteps medical checkup. A THSteps provider who bills vaccines and toxoids with diagnosis or age restrictions is subject to those restrictions. In addition to the age appropriate diagnosis for the THSteps preventive care medical checkup, providers must bill the claim with the diagnosis code that indicates the condition that necessitates the vaccine or toxoid.

If an immunization is administered as part of the preventive care medical checkup, diagnosis code Z23 may also be included on the claim, in addition to the age-appropriate diagnosis.

If an immunization is the only service provided during an office visit, providers may submit only diagnosis code Z23 on the claim.

Administration of vaccines and toxoids to clients who are birth through 20 years of age may be a benefit of CCP when the vaccine or toxoid is provided as part of an acute medical visit outside of a THSteps medical checkup.

Refer to:  Section 4, “THSteps Medical” in the Children’s Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for more information on THSteps age related diagnosis codes.

9.2.36.1Vaccine Coverage Through the TVFC Program

Providers may refer to the TVFC web site at www.dshs.texas.gov/immunize/tvfc/default.shtm for infor­mation about the program and for a list of vaccines available through the program.

Note:All vaccines and toxoids recommended by Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are available from the TVFC Program to enrolled clinic sites. Clinics participating in the TVFC Program have agreed to administer all ACIP-recommended vaccines to the eligible populations that are served.

When a single antigen vaccine or toxoid or a comparable antigen vaccine or toxoid is available through TVFC, but the provider chooses to use a different ACIP-recommended product, the administration fee will be reimbursed but the vaccine or toxoid will not be reimbursed.

Although Texas Medicaid does not mandate that providers enroll in TVFC, Texas Medicaid will not reimburse providers when the vaccine is available through TVFC. Only the administration fee will be reimbursed through Texas Medicaid when the vaccine or toxoid procedure code is identified on the claim. Clients may not be billed for vaccines and toxoids that are available through TVFC.

If a vaccine or toxoid meets the definition of “not available” through TVFC, it may be separately reimbursed through CCP when billed with modifier U1. Modifier U1 may be used in the following situations:

•The TVFC, based on their federal resolution (distribution/guidelines), does not distribute an HHSC-approved vaccine or toxoid following the ACIP recommendation, and the provider purchases vaccine to administer to all ACIP-recommended ages or risk groups.

•A new vaccine or toxoid approved by the ACIP with established guidelines, but has not been negotiated or added to a TVFC contract

•Funding for new vaccine or toxoid has not been established by TVFC

•Insufficient vaccine and toxoid supply due to national supply or distribution issues, as reported to HHSC by TVFC

HHSC will notify providers if a vaccine or toxoid meets the definition of “not available” from TVFC and when the provider’s privately purchased vaccine or toxoid may be billed with modifier U1. Modifier U1 must not be used due to a provider’s failure to enroll in TVFC or to maintain sufficient TVFC vaccine or toxoid inventory.

Refer to:  Subsection 4.1.3, “Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) Program” in the Children’s Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for additional information about TVFC and immunizations for infants and children.

9.2.36.2Vaccine and Toxoid Procedure Codes

The following vaccine and toxoid procedure codes may be reimbursed for Texas Medicaid clients who are birth through 20 years of age:

9.2.37Immunizations for Clients Who Are 21 Years of Age and Older

Vaccines and toxoids may be reimbursed through Texas Medicaid at a fee determined by HHSC when the vaccine is medically necessary. Providers are expected to follow the ACIP recommendations for administration.

The following immunizations are identified and recommended by the ACIP for clients who are 21 years of age and older (this list is not all-inclusive):

The specific diagnosis necessitating the vaccine or toxoid is required when billing the administration fee procedure code in combination with the appropriate vaccine procedure code. Diagnosis code Z23 may also be included. The type of immunization given will be identified by the procedure code.

9.2.38Postexposure Prophylaxis for Rabies

Postexposure prophylaxis for rabies procedure codes 90375, 90376, 90377, and 90675 is a benefit of Texas Medicaid. Rabies vaccine for pre-exposure procedure code 90676 is not a benefit of Texas Medicaid.

Postexposure rabies vaccine is limited to clients with diagnosis code Z203.

Animal bites to people must be reported as soon as possible to the Local Rabies Control Authority (LRCA).

Postexposure prophylaxis for rabies is not necessary following exposure to an animal that tests negative for the rabies virus.

An exposed person who has never received a complete pre- or postexposure rabies vaccine series will first receive a dose of rabies immune globulin (HRIG). This is a blood product that contains antibodies against rabies and gives immediate, short-term protection. The injection should be given in or near the wound area.

HRIG that is not administered when vaccination begins can be administered up to seven days after the administration of the first dose of vaccine. Beyond the seventh day, HRIG is not recommended since an antibody response to the vaccine is presumed to have occurred, and HRIG may inhibit the immune response to the vaccine.

The recommended dose of HRIG is 20 IU/kg body weight. This formula is applicable to all age groups, including children.

The postexposure treatment will also include five doses of rabies vaccine (1.0 ml. intramuscular). The first dose should be given as soon as possible after the exposure (day 0). Additional doses should be given on days 3, 7, 14, and 28 after the first shot. For an exposed person who has previously been vaccinated with a complete pre- or postexposure vaccine series, two doses of rabies vaccine should be given on days 0 and 3.

Health care providers, who determine their client requires the preventative rabies vaccination series after valid rabies exposure, may obtain the biologicals directly from the manufacturer or through one of the DSHS depots around the state.

Injection administration is a benefit for administration of rabies vaccine for post exposure.

9.2.38.1Prior Authorization for Postexposure Rabies Vaccine

Prior authorization is not required for postexposure rabies vaccine. The physician must maintain documentation of the exposure in the client’s medical record.

9.2.38.2Limitations for Postexposure Rabies Vaccine

Reimbursement for postexposure rabies vaccine is limited to one per client per day, by any provider.

Reimbursement for postexposure rabies vaccine is limited to 5 occurrences per 90 rolling days. Claims billed for any vaccine given beyond 90 rolling days will be denied.

9.2.38.2.1Obtaining Rabies Vaccine and HRIG from DSHS for PEP Use

Providers may obtain the vaccine and HRIG directly from the manufacturer. If a provider is not able to obtain the vaccine and/or HRIG directly, providers may contact DSHS local or state public health professionals.

For each potential rabies exposure, providers must consult with their local health department or the DSHS regional ZC program office that serves their area. Requests for consultations made to DSHS after-hours or on holidays should be directed to the DSHS On-Call Physician at 1-888-963-7111.

Local public health professionals or regional ZC staff will help providers determine whether or not the exposure situation warrants PEP. If the exposure situation is determined to be valid, providers will be given detailed information about how to obtain rabies vaccine and HRIG for the patient.

Providers can refer to the following DSHS web pages for the contact information of local public health professionals:

•Full Service Local Health Departments and Districts of Texas at www.dshs.texas.gov/regions/lhds.shtm

•Zoonosis Control Branch at www.dshs.texas.gov/idcu/health/zoonosis/contact/

•Use of a Reduced (4-Dose) Vaccine Schedule for Postexposure Prophylaxis to Prevent Human Rabies, Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices March 19, 2010 www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr5902.pdf

•DSHS rabies website at www.dshs.texas.gov/idcu/disease/Rabies/

•Regional DSHS ZC offices

•“Human Rabies Prevention—United States, 2008 Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices”

•CDC rabies website at www.cdc.gov/rabies/

9.2.39Implantable Infusion Pumps

Implantable infusion pump (IIPs) are intended to provide long-term, continuous, or intermittent drug infusion. They may be medically necessary in the following circumstances:

•Administration of intrathecal or epidural antispasmodic drugs to treat refractory intractable spasticity

•Administration of Intrathecal, epidural, or central venous analgesic (opioid or non-opioid) drugs for treatment of severe chronic intractable pain

•Administration of intrahepatic chemotherapy for primary liver cancer or metastatic cancer with metastases limited to the liver

•Administration of intra-arterial chemotherapy in head and neck cancers

An implantable infusion pump is not a benefit for the following uses:

•Continuous insulin infusion for diabetes

•Continuous heparin infusion for recurrent thromboembolic disease

•Continuous intralesional infusion for severe chronic intractable pain

•Continuous intra-arterial infusion

•Continuous intra-articular infusion for severe chronic intractable pain

•Administration of antibiotics for osteomyelitis

All supplies associated with an IIP are included with the reimbursement for the surgery to implant the infusion pump and are not reimbursed separately.

Providers may be reimbursed for implantable infusion pumps using procedure codes E0782, E0783, and E0786. If procedure codes E0782 and E0783 are billed with the same date of service, only one may be reimbursed.

9.2.39.0.1Prior Authorization for Implantable Infusion Pumps

Implantable infusion pumps (procedure codes E0782, E0783, and E0786) require prior authorization.

Prior authorization is not required for the physician services associated with the insertion, revision, removal, refilling, or maintenance of the IIP.

Providers must request prior authorization through the Special Medical Prior Authorization (SMPA) department. The ASC or DME provider may submit a request for prior authorization using the Special Medical Prior Authorization (SMPA) Form, which must be completed and signed by a physician.

The completed, signed and dated SMPA form must be maintained by the provider and the prescribing physician in the client’s medical record.

The completed SMPA Form must include the procedure code and quantity for the services that are requested. Documentation that is submitted with the prior authorization request must indicate whether the IIP will be provided by the ASC or the DME provider.

To avoid unnecessary denials, the physician must provide correct and complete information, including documentation of medical necessity for the requested IIP. The requesting provider may be asked for additional information to clarify or complete a request for the IIP.

Documentation submitted with the prior authorization request must indicate the client or caregiver has:

•The ability to provide a return demonstration performance.

•The attention, desire, interest, flexibility, and independence.

•An understanding of cause and effect and object permanence.

As indicated in the following sections, supporting documentation that is based on the type of IIP requested must be included with the request for prior authorization. All of the documentation listed under the specific type of IIP must be included with the request for prior authorization.

9.2.39.0.2IIP for Administration of Anti-spasmodic Drug to Treat Severe Refractory Spasticity

The following documentation is required for prior authorization:

•Initial evaluation

•Type of surgical implantation and description of IIP requested

•Symptoms:

•Degree of spasticity

•Affected muscle groups

•Functional impact

•Duration of symptoms

•Any recent hospitalizations (within past 12 months)

•Comorbid conditions

•All pertinent laboratory and radiology results

•Treatment history of self-administration with evidence of:

•A minimum of six weeks of non-invasive methods of spasticity control, including, but not limited to, oral antispasmodics, that either:

•Failed to adequately control the spasticity, or

•Produced intolerable side effects

•The role, participation, and compliance of the family or client that demonstrate the following:

•The ability to provide a return demonstration performance

•Attentiveness, desire, interest, flexibility, and independence

•An understanding of cause and effect and object permanence

•Favorable response to a trial intrathecal dose of the antispasmodic

•No contraindications to implantation exist, including, but not limited to, the following:

•Coagulopathy

•Infection

•Other implanted devices where the “crosstalk” between devices may inadvertently change the prescription

•Allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug being administered

•Treatment plan, including the following:

•Antispasmodic to be infused

•Follow-up, including pump refilling, maintenance, and monitoring of changes in infusion rate

•Expected outcome

•Treatment goals

9.2.39.1IIP for Administration of Analgesic (Opioid or Nonopioid) Drug for Treatment of Severe Intractable Pain

The following documentation is required for prior authorization:

•The initial evaluation

•Type of surgical implantation and description of IIP requested

•Symptoms:

•Severity of pain

•Functional impact

•Source of pain or location, including whether pain is malignant or non-malignant

•Duration of symptoms

•Any recent hospitalizations (within the past 12 months)

•Comorbid conditions

•All pertinent laboratory and radiology results

•A life expectancy of at least three months

Note:The standard of care for treatment of severe intractable pain for a client with a life expectancy of less than three months is to use less invasive techniques such as an external infusion pump.

For malignant pain, the following documentation is required for prior authorization:

•Treatment history with evidence of a favorable response to a trial intrathecal dose of the analgesic drug, defined as a minimum of 50 percent reduction in pain

•Failure of more conservative methods of pain control, including, but not limited to, oral analgesics, surgery, or therapy, that were ineffective due to one of the following:

•Failed to adequately control the pain, or

•Produced intolerable side effects

Note:The standard of care for treatment of severe intractable pain for a client with a life expectancy of less than three months is to use less invasive techniques such as an external infusion pump.

For nonmalignant pain, the following documentation is required for prior authorization:

•A minimum of six months of more conservative methods of pain control, including but not limited to oral analgesics, surgery, attempts to eliminate physical and behavioral abnormalities that may cause an exaggerated pain reaction, that were ineffective due to one of the following:

•Failed to adequately control the pain, or

•Produced intolerable side effects

Examples of non-malignant severe intractable pain include, but are not limited to, the following:

•Complex regional pain syndrome I & II (causalgia/RSD) refractory to other treatments.

•Post herpetic neuralgia

•Failed back syndrome

•Phantom limb pain

•Arachnoiditis (proven with MRI/increased CSF protein levels)

•Spinal cord myelopathy (refractory to conservative measurements)

•The role, participation, and compliance of the family or client that demonstrate the following:

•The ability to provide a return demonstration performance

•Attentiveness, desire, interest, flexibility, and independence

•An understanding of cause and effect and object permanence

•No contraindications to implantation exist, including, but not limited to, the following:

•Coagulopathy

•Infection

•Other implanted devices where the “crosstalk” between devices may inadvertently change the prescription

•Tumor encroachment on the thecal sac

•Allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug being administered

•Treatment plan, including the following:

•Analgesic to be infused

•Follow-up including pump refilling, maintenance, and monitoring of changes in infusion rate

•Expected outcome

•Treatment goals

9.2.39.2IIP for Administration of Intrahepatic Chemotherapy in Primary Liver Cancer or Colorectal Cancer with Liver Metastases

The following documentation is required for prior authorization:

•The initial evaluation

•Type of surgical implantation and description of IIP requested

•Diagnosis of one of the following:

•Primary liver cancer

•Metastatic cancer with metastases limited to the liver

•Any recent hospitalizations (within the past 12 months)

•Comorbid conditions

•All pertinent laboratory and radiology results

•The role, participation, and compliance of the family and/or client demonstrating:

•The ability to provide a return demonstration performance

•Attentiveness, desire, interest, flexibility, and independence

•An understanding of cause and effect and object permanence

•No contraindications to implantation exist, including, but not limited to, the following:

•Coagulopathy

•Infection

•Other implanted devices where the “crosstalk” between devices may inadvertently change the prescription

•Allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug being administered

•Treatment plan, including the following:

•Chemotherapeutic agent to be infused. The prescribed drug must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the intended use and must be compatible with the implantable device (such as floxuridine or methotrexate)

•Follow-up, including pump refilling, maintenance, and monitoring of changes in infusion rate

•Expected outcome

•Treatment goals

9.2.39.3IIP for Administration of Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy in Head and Neck Cancers

The following documentation is required for prior authorization:

•Initial evaluation

•Type of surgical implantation and description of IIP requested

•Diagnosis and site(s) of any metastases

•Any hospitalizations (within the past 12 months) and all other diagnoses

•All pertinent laboratory and radiology results

•The role, participation, and compliance of the family or client that demonstrates the following:

•The ability to provide a return demonstrate performance

•Attentiveness, desire, interest, flexibility, and independence

•An understanding of cause and effect and object permanence

•No contraindications to implantation exist, including, but not limited to, the following:

•Coagulopathy

•Infection

•Other implanted devices where the “crosstalk” between devices may inadvertently change the prescription

•Allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug being administered

•Treatment plan, including the following:

•Chemotherapeutic agent to be infused

•Follow-up, including pump refilling, maintenance, and monitoring of changes in infusion rate

•Expected outcome

•Treatment goals

9.2.39.4Replacement of an IIP

An IIP is expected to last a minimum of five years. Prior authorization for replacement of an IIP is considered within five years when one of the following occurs:

•There has been a significant change in the client’s condition and the current equipment no longer meets the client’s needs.

•The equipment is no longer functional and either cannot be repaired or it is not cost-effective to repair.

•Loss or irreparable damage to the IIP has occurred. The following must be submitted with the prior authorization request:

•A copy of the police or fire report, when appropriate

•A statement about the measures to be taken in order to prevent reoccurrence

Replacement of an IIP for a client who is birth through 20 years of age that does not meet the criteria above may be considered for prior authorization through CCP.

The DME Certification and Receipt Form is required and must be completed before reimbursement can be made for any DME delivered to a client. The certification form must include the name of the item, the date the client received the DME, and the signatures of the provider and the client or primary caregiver.

The DME provider must maintain the signed and dated form in the client’s medical record.

Refer to:  Subsection 2.8.3.5, “DME Certification and Receipt Form” in the Children’s Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for more information about this form.

9.2.39.5Implantation of Catheters, Reservoirs, and Pumps

The following procedure codes may be used to bill the implantation of catheters and infusion pumps or devices for long term medication administration:

Procedure code 62350 or 63251 may be reimbursed when billed for the same date of service as procedure code 62360, 62361, or 62362.

Procedure codes 62355 and 62365 do not require prior authorization.

The following procedure codes are denied as included in the total anesthesia time when billed with the same date of service as an anesthesia procedure by the same physician:

These procedure codes are considered for reimbursement according to multiple surgery guidelines when billed with the same date of service as another surgical procedure performed by the same physician.

Procedure codes 95990, 96521, and 96522 are considered for reimbursement when used for refilling an implantable pump.

Procedure codes 62367, 62368, 62369, and 62370 may be used to bill for electronic analysis of an implantable infusion pump.

Procedure codes 62369 and 62370 will be denied when billed for the same date of service by the same provider as procedure code 62362.

The following procedure codes may be used to bill the insertion, revision, removal, or repair associated with implantable infusion pumps:

9.2.39.6Drug Monitoring Services

Providers must use the most appropriate procedure codes when submitting claims for drug monitoring services that monitor prescribed medications that can be abused when used for the treatment of chronic pain. These claims are subject to retrospective review. Claims may be reprocessed and recouped if they are submitted for these drug monitoring services in the office setting using a procedure code for a quantitative test rather than a qualitative or semiquantitative test.

An enzyme immunoassay (EIA) device can be used to provide preliminary qualitative or semiquanti­tative test results for point-of-care monitoring purposes. EIA devices and the reagents used to perform in-office drug testing are cleared by the FDA only to obtain qualitative or semiquantitative initial screen or preliminary results.

Immunoassay and enzyme assay are tests that produce qualitative and semiquantitative results, so these tests must not be reported with procedure codes for quantitative tests. A qualitative or semiquantitative test is not a quantitative test and must not be billed as such.

The initial drug screen or preliminary result testing yields qualitative and semiquantitative results, which must be reported with an appropriate drug testing procedure code, as categorized in the CPT manual as “Drug Testing.” Only those procedure codes that are a benefit of Texas Medicaid may be reimbursed.

CPT-categorized “Chemistry” and “Therapeutic Drug Assay” procedure codes are for quantitative tests and must not be reported for an initial screen or preliminary result that was performed in the point-of-care setting.

Refer to:  The CPT manual for drug testing, chemistry, and therapeutic drug assay procedure codes, and to the Texas Medicaid fee schedule for procedure codes that may be reimbursed by Texas Medicaid.

Using procedure codes for quantitative tests to report preliminary qualitative or semiquantitative test results is considered systematic upcoding and may lead to administrative sanctions, civil monetary penalties, and criminal prosecution.

Providers may refer to the CMS website for more information about laboratory tests that may be rendered in the office setting. For tests that require a CLIA certificate of waiver, CMS publishes a list of all waived tests. The list is updated quarterly and includes the procedure code to use when billing a test.

9.2.40Laboratory Services

Texas Medicaid benefits are provided for professional and technical services ordered by a physician and provided under the supervision of a physician in a setting other than a hospital (inpatient or outpatient). All laboratory services must be documented in the client’s medical record as medically necessary and referenced to an appropriate diagnosis. Texas Medicaid does not reimburse baseline or screening laboratory studies.

Providers may bill only for laboratory tests that are actually provided in their office. Any test sent to an outside laboratory must not be billed on the provider’s claim. Laboratories bill Texas Medicaid directly for the tests they perform.

Unless otherwise noted, interpretation of laboratory tests is considered part of the provider’s profes­sional services (hospital, office, or emergency room visits) and must not be billed separately. Modifier Q4 is required for laboratory, radiology, and ultrasound interpretations by any provider other than the attending physician.

Laboratory tests that are generally considered part of a laboratory panel (e.g., chemistries, CBCs, urinalyses [UAs]) and that are performed on the same day must be billed as a panel regardless of the method used to perform the tests (automated or manual).

Physician interpretations that are requested of a consulting pathologist and require professional reading and reporting of results may be billed to Texas Medicaid separately as a professional charge.

All providers of laboratory services must comply with the rules and regulations of CLIA. Providers not complying with CLIA cannot be reimbursed for laboratory services.

Texas Medicaid follows the Medicare categorization of tests for CLIA certificate holders.

Refer to:  The CMS website at www.cms.gov/CLIA/10_Categorization_of_Tests.asp for information about procedure code and modifier QW requirements.

Subsection 2.2.5, “Automated Laboratory Tests and Laboratory Paneling” in the Radiology and Laboratory Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for claims processing instructions.

Subsection 2.1.1, “Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)” in the Radiology and Laboratory Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

Subsection 3.4.2, “Reimbursement” in the Radiology and Laboratory Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for claims processing instructions.

Subsection 2.2, “Fee-for-Service Reimbursement Methodology” in “Section 2: Texas Medicaid Fee-for-Service Reimbursement” (Vol. 1, General Information) for more infor­mation about reimbursement.

9.2.40.1THSteps Laboratory Services

Refer to:  Subsection 4.3.11.6, “Laboratory Test” in the Children’s Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks).

9.2.40.2* Laboratory Handling Charge

The laboratory handling charge covers the expense of obtaining and packaging the specimen and sending it to a reference laboratory.

[Revised] A laboratory handling charge (procedure code 99000) may be billed if the specimen is obtained by venipuncture or catheterization and sent to an outside lab. The reference laboratory name and address or NPI must be listed in Block 32 of the CMS-1500 claim form, and Block 20 must be completed.

The provider is required to forward the client’s name, address, Medicaid ID number, and diagnosis, if appropriate, with the specimen to the reference laboratory so the laboratory may bill Texas Medicaid for its services.

A provider may bill only one laboratory handling charge per client visit unless the specimen is divided and sent to different laboratories or different specimens are collected and sent to different labs. The claim must indicate the name and/or address of each laboratory to which a specimen is sent for more than one laboratory handling fee to be paid. This laboratory handling benefit does not apply to THSteps medical checkup providers who must submit specimens to the DSHS Laboratory.

9.2.40.3Blood Counts

Texas Medicaid considers a baseline CBC appropriate for the evaluation and management of existing and suspected disease processes. CBCs should be individualized and based on client history, clinical indications, or proposed therapy and will not be reimbursed for screening purposes.

Refer to:  Subsection 2.2.7, “Complete Blood Count (CBC)” in the Radiology and Laboratory Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for more information about blood counts.

9.2.40.4Clinical Lab Panel Implementation

Refer to:  Subsection 2.2.5, “Automated Laboratory Tests and Laboratory Paneling” in the Radiology and Laboratory Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for more information about laboratory panels.

9.2.40.5* Clinical Pathology Consultations

Clinical pathology consultations (procedure code 80503, 80504, 80505, or 80506) are a benefit of Texas Medicaid for services rendered by a consultant who is either a clinical pathologist or a geneticist. In a clinical pathology consultation, the consultant may also help the ordering physician determine whether further study is appropriate, based on test results.

Providers may be reimbursed for clinical pathology consultations when the claim indicates the following information:

•[Revised] The name, address, and NPI of the physician who requested the consultation.

•A written narrative report describing the findings of the consultation, which will also be included in the client’s medical record.

Note:To submit claims for interpretation, the provider must document an interaction that clearly shows that the consultant interpreted the test results and made specific recommendations to the attending physicians.

If the claim does not include all of this information, the clinical pathology consultation will be denied.

Note:[Revised] Geneticists who provide a pathology consultation must submit claims using their acute care NPI.

Routine conversations held between a consultant and attending physicians about test orders or results are not consultations. Information that can be furnished by a non-physician laboratory specialist does not qualify as a consultation service.

9.2.40.6Cytogenetics Testing

Cytogenetics testing is a group of laboratory tests involving the study of chromosomes.

Clinical evidence supports the significance of cytogenetics evaluation in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of acute leukemias and lymphomas, especially in children. The detection of the well-defined recurring genetic abnormalities often enables a correct diagnosis with important prognostic infor­mation that affects the treatment protocol.

Reimbursement for cytogenetics testing is limited to the following diagnosis codes:

Cytogenetics testing may be reimbursed with the following procedure codes and limitations:

9.2.40.7Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP)

MSAFP may be reimbursed once per pregnancy per provider for all pregnant women eligible for Medicaid. For additional services, payment is allowed with documentation attached to the claim. Procedure code 82105 should be used for MSAFP.

9.2.41Pharmacogenetics

Pharmacogenetic testing of cytochrome p450 (CYP450) metabolic pathway may be considered medically necessary only if the results of the testing are necessary to differentiate between treatment options.

The use of pharmacogenetics may be considered medically necessary once in a lifetime to determine effective response to drug therapy for the following:

9.2.41.1Testing of Polymorphic 2C19

Pharmacogenetics testing of polymorphic 2C9 (procedure code 81227) may be considered for clopi­dogrel treatment and requires prior authorization and may be considered medically necessary when all of the following conditions are met:

•The client has never received genetic testing of the 2C19 alleles.

•The client has never received clopidogrel treatment.

•The clopidogrel treatment will be used for one of the following diseases or conditions:

•ST elevated and non-ST elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI and NSTEMI)

•Subsequent STEMI and NSTEMI

•Dressler’s syndrome

•Unstable angina

•Cerebral infarction due to embolism of cerebral arteries

•Occlusion and stenosis of cerebral arteries, not resulting in cerebral infarction

•Peripheral vascular disease, including unspecified

Note:The routine use of genetic testing to screen patients treated with clopidogrel who are under­going percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not a benefit of Texas Medicaid.

9.2.41.2Testing of Polymorphic 2D6

Pharmacogenetics testing of polymorphic 2D6 (procedure code 81226) may be considered medically necessary when all of the following conditions are met:

•Group one:

•The client has never received genetic testing of the 2D6 alleles

•The client has a diagnosis of Gaucher disease type 1

•Treatment with eliglustat (Cerdelga®) is being considered

•Group two:

•The client has never received genetic testing of the 2D6 alleles

•The client has a diagnosis of Huntington’s disease

•Treatment with tetrabenzine (Xenazine®) is being considered in a dosage greater than 50mg per day.

Prior authorization is not required for the initial pharmacogenetic testing of polymorphic 2D6 (procedure code 81226) that is performed on a client. Prior authorization is required for repeat testing.

9.2.41.3Testing of Polymorphic 2C9

Pharmacogenetics testing of polymorphic 2C9 (procedure code 81227) requires prior authorization and may be considered for warfarin treatment and may be considered medically necessary when all of the following conditions are met:

•The client has never received genetic testing of the 2C9 alleles

•The client has never received warfarin (vitamin K antagonists) treatment

•The warfarin treatment will be used for one of the following diseases or conditions:

•Irregular heartbeat or rhythm

•Prosthetic (replacement or mechanical) heart valves

•Myocardial infarction

•Risk of venous thrombosis (swelling and blood clot in a vein)

•Risk of pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung)

9.2.41.4* Prior Authorization Requirements

Prior authorization is required for requests for pharmacogenetic testing for more than once in a lifetime. Prior authorization requests must be submitted on the Special Medical Prior Authorization (SMPA) Request Form. The form must be completed, signed, dated, and submitted by the prescribing or ordering provider.

Prior authorization requests from laboratories will not be processed. The requesting provider must share the prior authorization number with the laboratory submitting the claim.

The prior authorization request must include the following:

•[Revised] Laboratory NPI in section D of the SMPA Request Form

•Proposed or current treatment plan, including the drug name, dosage, and frequency that support the medical necessity of the service requested

•This information may be documented in the “Statement of medical necessity” field under Section C of the SMPA Request Form or submitted separately with the prior authorization request.

•For prior authorization of procedure code 81225, the ordering provider must include a statement on the SMPA Request Form attesting that the client has never received clopidogrel treatment.

•For prior authorization of procedure code 81227, the ordering provider must include a statement on the SMPA Request Form attesting that the client has never received warfarin treatment.

Prior authorization requests to repeat the same test (procedure code 81225, 81226, or 81227) will be reviewed by the medical director when one of the following criteria is met:

•The client has Huntington’s disease and a history of pharmacogenetic testing of 2D6 (procedure code 81226) for tetrabenzine treatment, and the new request is for the same testing of 2D6 but for eliglustat to treat Gaucher disease type 1.

•The client has Gaucher disease type 1 and a history of pharmacogenetic testing of 2D6 (procedure code 81226) for eliglustat treatment, and the new request is for the same testing of 2D6 but for tetra­benzine to treat Huntington’s disease.

•Previous test results are unavailable. Every reasonable effort must be made to obtain the test results from the client’s provider or laboratory who previously ordered or conducted testing. Documen­tation of these efforts must be submitted with the prior authorization request.

9.2.41.5Exclusions

The following services are not a benefit of Texas Medicaid:

•Pharmacogenetics tests of polymorphisms in a p450 superfamily other than 2D6, 2C19, or 2C9, which are performed for the purpose of aiding in the choice of drug or dose to increase efficacy or avoid toxicity, as they are considered experimental and investigational

•The routine clinical use of genetic testing to screen patients treated with clopidogrel who are under­going percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)

•The use of any of the 2D6, 2C19, or 2C9 tests for the following conditions, drugs, or treatments:

•Opioid pain medicines (codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, tramadol, fentanyl, and methadone)

•Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

•Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

•Beta blockers

•Selective tricyclic antidepressants

•Selective antipsychotic drugs

•Efavirenz and other antiretroviral therapies for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection

•Immunosuppressants for organ transplantation

•Aricept® (donepezil) for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease

•p450 polymorphisms test panels for any of the 3 alleles 2C19, 2D6, or 2C9

9.2.42Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS)

LVRS is a benefit for clients who are not high risk but have a presence of severe, upper-lobe emphysema (as defined by radiologist assessment of upper-lobe predominance on CT scan) or who are not high risk but have a presence of severe, non-upper-lobe emphysema with low exercise capacity.

Note:Clients who have low exercise capacity are those whose maximal exercise capacity is at or below 25 watts for women and 40 watts for men after completion of the pre-operative thera­peutic program in preparation for LVRS. Exercise capacity is measured by incremental, maximal, symptom-limited exercise with a cycle ergometer utilizing a 5- or 10-watt-per-minute ramp on 30-percent oxygen after 3 minutes of unloaded pedaling.

LVRS must be performed in a facility that meets at least one of the following requirements:

•Certified under the Disease Specific Care Certification Program for LVRS by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organization

•Approved by Medicare as a lung or heart-lung transplant facility

The surgery must be both preceded and followed by a program of diagnostic and therapeutic services that are consistent with those provided in the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT) and designed to maximize the client’s potential to successfully undergo and recover from surgery. The program must meet all of the following requirements:

•Include a 6- to 10-week series of at least 16, and no more than 20, pre-operative sessions, each lasting a minimum of 2 hours

•Include at least 6, and no more than 10, post-operative sessions, each lasting a minimum of 2 hours, within 8 to 9 weeks after the LVRS

•Be consistent with the care plan that was developed by the treating physician following the perfor­mance of a comprehensive evaluation of the client’s medical, psychosocial, and nutritional needs

•Be arranged, monitored, and performed under the coordination of the facility where the surgery takes place

Clients must have surgical clearance by a licensed cardiologist for any of the following conditions:

•Unstable angina

•Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) cannot be estimated from the echocardiogram

•LVEF less than 45 percent

•Dobutamine-radionuclide cardiac scan indicates coronary artery disease or ventricular dysfunction

•Arrhythmia (more than 5 premature ventricular contractions (PVC) per minute)

•Cardiac rhythm other than sinus

•PVCs on electrocardiogram (EKG) at rest

For clients with cardiac ejection fraction less than 45 percent, there must be no history of congestive heart failure or myocardial infarction within six months of consideration for surgery.

Clients must have surgical clearance by a licensed pulmonologist, thoracic surgeon, and anesthesiologist after completion of pre-operative rehabilitation.

Procedure codes 32491, G0302, G0303, G0304, and G0305 are limited to one per rolling year per client for any provider.

Pre-operative pulmonary rehabilitation services for preparation for LVRS (procedure codes G0302, G0303, and G0304) and post-discharge pulmonary surgery services LVRS (procedure code G0305) will be restricted to diagnosis codes J430, J431, J432, J438, and J983.