The following bone mineral density studies are those most commonly used in the evaluation of osteoporosis, sometimes referred to as osteopenia. This condition might be the result of alcoholism, hyperparathyroidism, malabsorption, chronic renal disease, Cushing's syndrome, etc.

Bone biopsy (code 20220) provides a qualitative measurement of the bone mineral of trabecular bone and is used primarily to differentiate osteomalacia from osteoporosis.

Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)(codes 76075, 76076) is a two-dimensional projection system similar to DPA except that it uses an x-ray tube for its photon source rather than a radioisotope. DEXA is most commonly used to measure bone mineral of the hip and spine, but measurements may also be taken of the forearm, calcaneus, or the total body.

Dual Photon Absorptiometry (DPA)(code 78351)  is a modification of the single-energy technique using a radioisotope that emits photons at two different energy levels. This method measures the total integrated mineral in the path of the beam.

Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT)(codes 76070, 76071) measures cancellous bone, cortical bone, or an integrated sum of both. The method can identify the absolute mineral content of a specific volume of bone.

Bone density studies performed using one of  the above methods are eligible for the following indications:

• The patient is on long term steroid therapy (3 month duration or longer with a dosage of 7.5 mg per day of prednisone, or equivalent)
• The patient is on long term phenytoin (e.g., Dilantin) therapy
• To determine if significant osteoporosis is present when associated with vertebral abnormalities on x-ray (such as compression fractures) or radiographic evidence of osteopenia (733.90)
• Fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine in the absence of appropriate severe trauma (733.12, 733.13, 733.14)
• Documented loss of height of 1.5 inches or greater
• To monitor and evaluate response to ongoing restorative treatment (e.g., Fosamax) for patients with documented osteoporosis (733.0, 733.00, 733.01, 733.02, 733.03, 733.09)
• The patient suffers from one of the following calcium-wasting endocrinopathies:
  
  • Cushing's Syndrome (255.0)
  • Hyperparathyroidism (252.0)
  • Hyperthyroidism (242-242.91)
  • Hypogonadism (256.39, 257.1, 257.2)(except for uncomplicated, naturally occurring, or surgically induced post-menopausal clinical cases)
  • Prolactinoma (194.3, 227.3, 237.0, 239.7)
  • Celiac Sprue (579.0)

Single Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (SEXA)(code G0130) and bone sonometry (code 76977) are methods that are considered screening in nature. Coverage for these procedures, as well as any other bone density study performed as a screening procedure, is determined according to individual or group customer benefits.

Single Photon Absorptiometry (SPA)(code 78350) and radiographic absorptiometry (e.g., photodensitometry, radiogrammetry)(code 76078) are methods that are not generally accepted by the medical community as clinically useful in diagnosing or treatment. As such, they are considered not medically necessary and are not eligible for payment.

NOTE:

This policy is designed to address medical guidelines that are appropriate for the majority of individuals with a particular disease, illness, or condition. Each person's unique clinical circumstances may warrant individual consideration, based on review of applicable medical records.

Under FEP, payment for bone density studies is not limited to one test every 365 days from the date of the previous bone density study.

Single Photon Absorptiometry (SPA) is an eligible method for measuring bone density.

In addition to the indications listed in the body of this policy, a bone density study using one of the four non-invasive technologies (SPA, DPA, QCT, or DEXA) is considered medically necessary for patients when osteoporosis risk is the factor in making the decision to initiate estrogen replacement therapy.

Patients should be:

• Perimenopausal women, when used in making the decision to initiate estrogen replacement therapy based on information regarding the probability of future fractures; or
  
  
• Women deficient in estrogen following menopause, bilateral oophorectomy, or amenorrhea of six months' duration or more.
  

• The patient's bone density has not been previously measured;
  
  
• Estrogen replacement therapy is not contraindicated for the patient;
  
  
• The individual is undecided about estrogen replacement therapy and knowledge of her risk of osteoporosis would be the determining factor in her decision.
  

PRN References

04/1995, Bone mineral density studies
12/1996, Bone mineral density studies
02/2000, Technology for assessing bone density considered screening

The Challenges of Peripheral Bone Density Testing - Which Patients Need Additional Central Density Skeletal Measurements?, Journal of Clinical Densitometry, Vol. 1, No. 3, Fall 1998

Stiffness in Discrimination of Patients with Vertebral Fractures, Osteoporosis International, Vol. 9, 1999