Pneumatic compression devices consist of an inflatable garment for the arm or leg and an electrical pneumatic pump that fills the garment with compressed air. The garment is intermittently inflated and deflated with cycle times and pressures that vary between devices. Pneumatic devices are covered for the treatment of lymphedema or for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency with venous stasis ulcers.
Pneumatic compression devices are covered only when prescribed by a physician and when they are used with appropriate physician oversight, i.e., physician evaluation of the patient’s condition to determine medical necessity of the device, assuring suitable instruction in the operation of the machine, a treatment plan defining the pressure to be used and the frequency and duration of use, and ongoing monitoring of use and response to treatment.
The determination by the physician of the medical necessity of a pneumatic compression device must include:
- The patient’s diagnosis and prognosis;
- Symptoms and objective findings, including measurements which establish the severity of the condition;
- The reason the device is required, including the treatments which have been tried and failed; and
- The clinical response to an initial treatment with the device.
The clinical response includes the change in pretreatment measurements, ability to tolerate the treatment session and parameters, and ability of the patient (or caregiver) to apply the device for continued use in the home.
The only time that a segmented, calibrated gradient pneumatic compression device (HCPCS code E0652) would be covered is when the individual has unique characteristics that prevent them from receiving satisfactory pneumatic compression treatment using a nonsegmented device in conjunction with a segmented appliance or a segmented compression device without manual control of pressure in each chamber.
CPT Code:
99199 Unlisted special service, procedure or report
ICD 10 Codes:
I83.009 Varicose veins of unspecified lower extremity with ulcer of unspecified site
I83.019 Varicose veins of right lower extremity with ulcer of unspecified site
I83.029 Varicose veins of left lower extremity with ulcer of unspecified site
I83.209 Varicose veins of unspecified lower extremity with both ulcer of unspecified site and inflammation
I89.0 Lymphedema, not elsewhere classified