Summary Of Evidence

N/A

Analysis of Evidence

N/A

History/Background and/or General Information

Pulse oximetry provides a simple, accurate, and noninvasive technique for the continuous or intermittent monitoring of arterial oxygen saturation. A small lightweight device attaches to the finger or toe and directs through the nailbed two wavelengths of light; a photodetector measures absorption. Arterial pulsation is used to gate the signal to the arterial component of blood contained within the nailbed.

Ear oximetry is a noninvasive method for evaluating arterial oxygenation. Ear oximeters are commonly used in sleep studies.

Covered Indications

Single and Multiple Determinations of oxygen saturation:

Ear or pulse oximetry for oxygen saturation will be considered medically necessary when the patient has a condition resulting in hypoxemia and there is a need to assess the status of a chronic respiratory condition, supplemental oxygen requirements and/or a therapeutic regimen.

Continuous Overnight Monitoring of oxygen saturation:

Ear or pulse oximetry for oxygen saturation by continuous overnight monitoring will be considered medically necessary in the following circumstances:

• The patient must have a condition for which intermittent arterial blood gas sampling is likely to miss important variations, and
• The patient must have a condition resulting in hypoxemia and there is a need to assess supplemental oxygen requirements and/or a therapeutic regimen.

Limitations

As published in the CMS IOM Publication 100-08, Medicare Program Integrity Manual, Chapter 13, Section 13.5.4, an item or service may be covered by a contractor LCD if it is reasonable and necessary under the Social Security Act Section 1862 (a)(1)(A). Contractors shall determine and describe the circumstances under which the item or service is considered reasonable and necessary.