Independence has developed new policies to communicate our coverage position
on laboratory-based vestibular function testing for our commercial and Medicare
Advantage members. Dizziness, vertigo, and balance impairments can arise from a
loss of vestibular function. Several established laboratory-based tests are
used to evaluate if the symptoms are due to dysfunction of the semicircular
canals. The new policies address medical necessity criteria for
laboratory-based vestibular function testing and testing frequency.
For more information, including a complete list of medical necessity
criteria for laboratory-based vestibular function testing and billing
requirements, please refer to the following policies, which were posted as
Notifications on November 15, 2017, and will go into effect February 13,
2018.
- Commercial: #07.03.24: Laboratory-Based Vestibular Function
Testing
- Medicare Advantage: #MA07.031: Laboratory-Based Vestibular Function
Testing
To view the Notifications for these policies, visit our
Medical Policy Portal
and select
Accept and Go to Medical Policy Online. Then select either
Commercial or
Medicare Advantage under Active Notifications.