New clinical guideline: pneumatic compression devices, effective December 1, 2019

Anthem Blue Cross will implement the following clinical guideline effective December 1, 2019, to support the review for unnecessary outpatient pneumatic compression devices (PCDs) postoperative orthopedic procedures.

 

Federal and state law, as well as state contract language and CMS guidelines, including definitions and specific contract provisions/exclusions, take precedence over these prior authorization rules and must be considered first when determining coverage. Noncompliance with new requirements may result in denied claims.

 

CG-DME-46 Pneumatic Compression Devices for Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis of the Lower Limbs

PCDs are used in clinics or can be purchased or rented for home use for prevention and treatment of a number of conditions. PCD therapy involves the use of an inflatable garment and an electrical pneumatic pump. The garment is intermittently inflated and deflated with cycle times and pressures that vary between devices. This document only addresses the home use of PCDs postoperative outpatient orthopedic procedures for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower limbs.

 

Note: This document addresses devices for the prevention of DVT only. Pneumatic devices used in the treatment or prevention of lymphedema, venous insufficiency and therapy for musculoskeletal injuries are not addressed in this document, nor are devices for prevention of DVT post major surgical procedures.

 

Not medically necessary

The home use of PCDs for prevention of thromboembolism of the lower limbs following outpatient orthopedic surgery is considered not medically necessary for all indications.