Medical Policy Updates

Notification of Policy Revisions Effective September 23, 2004 (Posted July 15, 2004)

Medical Policy	Revision
Mohs' Micrographic Surgery	Notification of new policy titled "MOHS Micrographic Surgery". Reviewed by Specialty Matched Consultant. The time required to perform Mohs' Micrographic Surgery (MMS) is extensive. As a result BCBSNC will not cover MMS for more than 4 lesions on the same date of service. Notification given 7/15/04. Effective date 9/23/04.
Tinnitus Treatment	Specialty Matched Consultant Advisory Panel meeting 6/21/04. Benefits Application and Billing/ Coding sections revised. Added "Transmeatal low-power laser irradiation has also been evaluated" to Description section. Added "transmeatal irradiation" to Policy and When not covered sections. Reference sources added. Notification given 7/15/04. Effective date 9/23/04.
Ventricular Assist Devices and Total Artificial Hearts	Additional information added to clarify that the total artificial heart is considered investigational. Codes 0048T, 0049T, 0050T, 0051T, 0052T, and 0053T added to the policy. Specialty Matched Consultant Advisory Panel review with no changes made to policy criteria. Title changed from Ventricular Assist Devices to Ventricular Assist Devices and Total Artificial Hearts. References added. Notification 7/15/2004. Effective date 09/23/2004.