Humana Breast Imaging - Medicare Advantage Form
Procedure is not covered
Please refer to CMS website for the most current applicable CMS Online Manual System (IOMs)/National
Coverage Determination (NCD)/ Local Coverage Determination (LCD)/Local Coverage Article (LCA)/
Transmittals.
Type
Title
ID Number
Jurisdiction
Medicare
Administrative
Contractors
(MACs)
Applicable
States/Territories
Internet-
Only
Manuals
(IOMs)
Pub. 100-04, Medicare Claims
Processing Manual, Chapter 18
§20
Mammography
Services
(Screening and
Diagnostic)
LCA
Independent Diagnostic Testing
Facilities- physician supervision
and technician requirements
A54953
LCD
LCA
LCD
LCA
LCA
Breast Imaging
Mammography/Breast
Echography
(Sonography)/Breast
MRI/Ductography
L33950
Billing and Coding: Breast
Imaging Mammography/Breast
Echography
(Sonography)/Breast
MRI/Ductography
Positron Emission Tomography
(PET) Scan for Inflammation
and Infection
A56448
L39521
Billing and Coding: Positron
Emission Tomography (PET)
Scan for Inflammation and
Infection
Billing and Coding: Positron
Emission Tomography Scans
Coverage
A59318
A54666
Breast Imaging
Page: 2 of 10
J05 - Wisconsin
Physicians
Service
Insurance
Corporation
(Part B MAC)
J08 - Wisconsin
Physicians
Service
Insurance
Corporation
(Part B MAC)
IA, KS, MO, NE
IN, MI
J15 - CGS
Administrators,
LLC (Part A/B
MAC)
KY, OH
J15 - CGS
Administrators,
LLC (Part A/B
MAC)
KY, OH
JE - Noridian
Healthcare
Solutions, LLC
CA, HI, NV,
American Samoa,
Guam, Northern
Mariana Islands
LCA
LCA
LCA
LCD
LCA
LCA
LCD
LCA
LCD
LCA
Billing and Coding:
Tomosynthesis-Guided Breast
Biopsy
A57848
JE - Noridian
Healthcare
Solutions, LLC
Billing and Coding: Positron
Emission Tomography Scans
Coverage
Billing and Coding:
Tomosynthesis-Guided Breast
Biopsy
A54668
A57849
Independent Diagnostic Testing
Facility (IDTF)
L35448
Billing and Coding:
Independent Diagnostic Testing
Facility (IDTF)
A53252
Billing and Coding:
Independent Diagnostic Testing
Facilities (IDTF)
A58559
Breast Imaging: Breast
Echography
(Sonography)/Breast
MRI/Ductography
L33585
Billing and Coding: Breast
Imaging: Breast Echography
(Sonography)/Breast
MRI/Ductography
Independent Diagnostic Testing
Facility (IDTF)
A52849
L33910
Billing and Coding:
Independent Diagnostic Testing
Facility (IDTF)
A57807
JF - Noridian
Healthcare
Solutions, LLC
JF - Noridian
Healthcare
Solutions, LLC
JH - Novitas
Solutions, Inc.
(Part A/B MAC)
JL - Novitas
Solutions, Inc.
(Part A/B MAC)
JJ - Palmetto
GBA (Part A/B
MAC)
JM - Palmetto
GBA (Part A/B
MAC)
J06 - National
Government
Services, Inc.
(Part A/B MAC)
JK - National
Government
Services, Inc.
(Part A/B MAC
JN - First Coast
Service Options,
Inc. (Part A/B
MAC)
Breast Imaging
Page: 3 of 10
CA, HI, NV,
American Samoa,
Guam, Northern
Mariana Islands
AK, AZ, ID, MT, ND,
OR, SD, UT, WA,
WY
AK, AZ, ID, MT, ND,
OR, SD, UT, WA,
WY
AR, CO, NM, OK,
TX, LA, MS
DE, D.C., MD, NJ,
PA
AL, GA, TN
NC, SC, VA, WV
IL, MN, WI
CT, NY, ME, MA,
NH, RI, VT
FL, PR, U.S. VI
Breast Imaging
Page: 4 of 10
Description
Breast cancer screening is performed on a regular basis when there are no symptoms present and timing is
often based on age, family history and/or other contributing factors. Diagnostic breast imaging occurs when
there are signs or symptoms suggestive of breast cancer (eg, palpable lump, nipple discharge, skin changes)
or a history of breast cancer. A variety of breast imaging techniques have been developed for these
purposes.
Mammography (or mammogram) is the most widely used imaging modality for the detection of breast
cancer. This specialized test uses a low dose X-ray which is transmitted through the breast tissue, as well as
the surrounding tissue, and is performed by compressing the breast firmly between two plates. The two
dimensional (2D) radiographic images are analyzed for abnormal findings. Conventional mammography was
recorded onto screen-film cassettes. Today, images are more often recorded via digital detectors, known as
full field digital mammography (FFDM). FFDM enables radiologists to manipulate the mammographic data
(eg, brightness, contrast, magnification) to improve the ability of distinguishing between normal and
malignant tissue.
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a three-dimensional (3D) breast imaging technique based on 2D
FFDM mammography. DBT is similar to a computed tomography (CT) scan that only images the breasts. An
X-ray source repeatedly sweeps over the breast at regularly spaced intervals to obtain cross-sectional
images of adjacent segments of tissue.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast is another tool for the detection of breast cancer in select
circumstances, as well as for the assessment of silicone implant integrity. MRI creates images of the breast
by measuring changes in the movement of protons in fat and water with the application of changing
magnetic fields. An image is acquired by processing signal changes that occur following application of pulses
of energy.
Computer-aided detection (CAD) software systems (CADe [detection], CADx [diagnosis]) assess images for
patterns that may represent microcalcifications or masses indicative of breast cancer. CAD is not intended
to be used in place of a radiologist, but rather as a second examination of the images. CAD has been
incorporated into many mammography systems over the past several years, including their billing and
coding. However, its use in DBT, MRI or ultrasound has not become as routine.
Positron emission tomography (PET) generates 3D images of tissue metabolism by using a radioactive
tracer. The tracer is thought to accumulate in rapidly dividing and metabolizing tissue, such as tumors. PET
scanning is not indicated for surveillance or monitoring. (Refer to Coverage Limitations section) However, it
may be performed to obtain additional information on suspicious or equivocal findings and for locally
advanced disease.
Other techniques to evaluate breasts include, but may not be limited to, the following:
• 3D computed tomography (CT) – Breast imaging system intended to provide 3D images to possibly aid in
diagnosis of individuals with signs/symptoms of breast cancer or who may have had abnormal findings
Breast Imaging
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on other imaging. CT breast imaging is not intended to screen an asymptomatic individual for breast
cancer. An example of this technology is the Koning Vera Breast CT.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) software – Software purported to automatically detect and characterize
suspicious soft tissue lesions and calcifications in mammography and DBT images to assess the likelihood
of malignance. Genius AI Detection, MammoScreen, ProFound AI, QmTRIAGE and Saige-Density are
examples of this type of technology.
• Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) or automated whole breast ultrasound (AWBU) – A noninvasive
imaging technology which utilizes high frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the breast
tissue. It scans the entire breast, providing a 3D volumetric image that can potentially detect small or
earlier stage tumors. It is not intended to be used as a replacement for mammography. Examples of
systems which perform this type of ultrasound include, but may not be limited to, the Invenia ABUS 2.0,
SoftVue Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound System and SonoCine. There are also automated 3D whole
breast ultrasound systems such as the ATUSA Automated 3D Breast Ultrasound System, which is AI
driven.
• Contrast enhanced mammography (CEM) or contrast enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) –
Specialized vascular-based breast imaging technique that uses iodinated contrast to reveal areas of
increased blood supply within the breast which purportedly depicts tumor vascularity. CEM is suggested
for use when additional information is needed, such as during clinical studies.
• Electrical impedance scanning (EIS) – Involves the transmission of continuous electricity into the body
via an electrical patch on the arm or a handheld device. As the current travels through the breast, it is
measured by a probe on the surface of the skin. Cancerous and normal tissue theoretically conduct
electricity differently, therefore cancerous images may appear as bright white areas.
• Handheld ultrasound – Using high frequency sound waves to create an image, this test is often
completed to assist with biopsy. Investigators are studying the use of this technology as an adjunct to
screening mammography in an individual with dense breasts and of average risk for developing breast
cancer.
• Optical imaging (diaphanography, light scanning, transillumination) – Noninvasive test which is
conducted by shining high intensity infrared light through the breast or reflecting such light off of the
breast. The amount of light that returns is measured and is purportedly useful in visualizing lesions or
the blood vessels that supply them. An example of optical imaging is Computed Tomography Laser
Mammography (CTLM).
• Opto-acoustic ultrasound – Noninvasive scan that combines the use of light (laser optics) and sound
(conventional ultrasound), in real time, to produce high-resolution images. This supposedly identifies
tumors as small as 3mm and the ability to see submillimeter vascular structures. The Imagio Breast
Imaging System is an example of this technology, and it includes an AI based software to assist in
assessing the BI-RADS classification.
Breast Imaging
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• Positron emission mammography (PEM) – High resolution nuclear medicine imaging modality that is
suggested to detect or characterizes breast cancer. It is not recommended for routine use due to a
higher radiation dose compared to other imaging.
• Quantitative transmission ultrasound – Without compression, radiation or injections this ultrasound
calculates fibroglandular volume (FGV) of the breast and the ratio of FGV to total breast volume. This
calculation purportedly helps assess the risk for breast cancer and changes to the ratio could potentially
be used to measure the efficacy of the prevention or treatment of breast cancer. This device is known as
the QTscan and is not intended to be used as a replacement for mammography screenings.
• Scintimammography (or molecular breast imaging [MBI]) – Noninvasive imaging test that uses
radiopharmaceuticals to detect abnormalities of breast tissue. The system visually illuminates enhanced
metabolic activity in the breast allegedly associated with the occurrence of a tumor. One example of this
technology is the LumaGem Molecular Breast Imaging System.
• Tactile breast imaging with computer-aided sensors – A hand-held medical device (eg, Bexa) which
employs shear-wave elastography to produce a map of abnormal breast tissues and masses. Its sensor
array samples breast tissue elasticity measurements thousands of times a second to define tissue detail.
The proprietary algorithms then analyze these signals to create the map which purportedly records the
presence (or absence), size, shape, hardness and location of breast lesions.
• Thermography (digital infrared thermal imaging) – Noninvasive imaging technique in which an infrared
camera is used to measure temperature variations on the surface of the body, producing images that
may reveal sites of abnormal tissue growth. The theory behind this technology is that tumors may
exhibit higher metabolic activity and will demonstrate an increase in body temperature while new blood
vessels formed in cancerous tissue should fail to constrict in response to cold because they lack a layer of
muscle. A newer thermography device, the SMILE-100 Breast Thermography System, has also been
developed which includes a computer aided diagnostic engine that is powered by AI (Thermalytix).
Coverage Determination
Humana follows the CMS requirements that only allows coverage and payment for services that are
reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning
of a malformed body member except as specifically allowed by Medicare.
Please refer to the above CMS guidance related to breast imaging.
In interpreting or supplementing the criteria above and in order to determine medical necessity consistently,
Humana may consider the following criteria.
Breast Imaging
The use of the criteria in this Medicare Advantage Medical Coverage Policy provides clinical benefits highly
likely to outweigh any clinical harms. Services that do not meet the criteria above are not medically
Breast Imaging
Page: 7 of 10
necessary and thus do not provide a clinical benefit. Medically unnecessary services carry risks of adverse
outcomes and may interfere with the pursuit of other treatments which have demonstrated efficacy.
Coverage Limitations
US Government Publishing Office. Electronic code of federal regulations: part 411 – 42 CFR § 411.15 -
Particular services excluded from coverage