Submit MicroVas® Therapy Claims Correctly
January 18th, 2010
The MicroVas Treatment System is a non-invasive vascular treatment device that delivers electromagnetic energy to targeted areas within the body. Although patented and registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is not widely accepted by the payer community. Neither the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) nor carriers such as Noridian Administrative Services (NAS) consider MicroVas payable by Medicare.
Given that, carriers such as NAS continue to receive claims for coverage of MicroVas. According to NAS, it is often inappropriately reported with CPT® code 97032 Application of a modality to 1 or more areas; electrical stimulation (manual), each 15 minutes.
When submitting a claim for MicroVas to Medicare for denial, NAS instructs coders to use CPT® code 97139 Unlisted therapeutic procedure (specify). Place the word MicroVas® in the narrative field (Item 19) on the CMS-1500 claim form or the electronic equivalent.
Due to the nature of the service and the expectation that Medicare will deny the service, NAS says it is appropriate to obtain an Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) for MicroVas therapy and report with code 97139 the modifier GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy.
Carrier policies often vary so you should check with yours before submitting claims of this nature.
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