This Medical Policy is provided for informational purposes only.

If Members have any questions about the medical necessity of a service or procedure, they should discuss the question with their Network Provider or call a member of our Customer Service Team.

MEDICAL POLICY USE DISCLAIMER

  1. Medical Policy is used by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, A Mutual Insurance Company ("BCBSMS") as one set of guidelines (among other sets of guidelines) to assist BCBSMS in making benefit coverage decisions. BCBSMS utilizes Medical Policy adopted by our Medical Policy Advisory Committee ("MPAC") which is supported by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Medical Policy, research and development. Medical Policies are the property of BCBSMS and any use of Medical Policy not agreed to by BCBSMS is strictly prohibited. The use of Medical Policy for purposes related to the health care of a BCBSMS plan member is permitted and is not a violation of the proprietary rights of BCBSMS.
  2. These Medical Policies are based on scientifically meritorious evidence provided through research for a particular medical technology. Medical Policy is also based on data from peer-reviewed scientific literature, from criteria developed by specialty societies and from guidelines adopted by other health care organizations.
  3. These Medical Policies apply to members/subscribers who have health insurance through BCBSMS. This Medical Policy also applies to Members of a self-insured group health plan for which Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi provides claims administration and persons covered by a Medicare Supplement policy offered by BCBSMS. This Medical Policy does not apply to any other individuals. Medical Policies may differ for Federal employees covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan.
  4. In the event of any conflict between this Medical Policy and any benefit plan, Summary Plan Description or other coverage document, the benefit plan, Summary Plan Description or other coverage document will govern.
  5. Medical technology is rapidly changing and these Medical Policies are subject to change without notice. Also, please be aware that as a result of ongoing changes being made to Medical Policy, BCBSMS cannot and does not guarantee that these Medical Policies are current.

BCBSMS Medical Policies are Subject to the Following Restrictions


This Medical Policy is provided for informational purposes only.

If Members have any questions about the medical necessity of a service or procedure, they should discuss the question with their Network Provider or call a member of our Customer Service Team.

MEDICAL POLICY USE DISCLAIMER

  1. Medical Policy is used by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, A Mutual Insurance Company ("BCBSMS") as one set of guidelines (among other sets of guidelines) to assist BCBSMS in making benefit coverage decisions. BCBSMS utilizes Medical Policy adopted by our Medical Policy Advisory Committee ("MPAC") which is supported by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Medical Policy, research and development. Medical Policies are the property of BCBSMS and any use of Medical Policy not agreed to by BCBSMS is strictly prohibited. The use of Medical Policy for purposes related to the health care of a BCBSMS plan member is permitted and is not a violation of the proprietary rights of BCBSMS.
  2. These Medical Policies are based on scientifically meritorious evidence provided through research for a particular medical technology. Medical Policy is also based on data from peer-reviewed scientific literature, from criteria developed by specialty societies and from guidelines adopted by other health care organizations.
  3. These Medical Policies apply to members/subscribers who have health insurance through BCBSMS. This Medical Policy also applies to persons covered by the Mississippi Children's Health Insurance Program, Members of a self-insured group health plan for which Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi provides claims administration and persons covered by a Medicare Supplement policy offered by BCBSMS. This Medical Policy does not apply to any other individuals. Medical Policies may differ for Federal employees covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan.
  4. In the event of any conflict between this Medical Policy and any benefit plan, Summary Plan Description or other coverage document, the benefit plan, Summary Plan Description or other coverage document will govern.
  5. Medical technology is rapidly changing and these Medical Policies are subject to change without notice. Also, please be aware that as a result of ongoing changes being made to Medical Policy, BCBSMS cannot and does not guarantee that these Medical Policies are current.

BCBSMS Medical Policies are Subject to the Following Restrictions


This Medical Policy is provided for informational purposes only.

If Members have any questions about the medical necessity of a service or procedure, they should discuss the question with their Network Provider or call a member of our Customer Service Team.

MEDICAL POLICY USE DISCLAIMER

  1. Medical Policy is used by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, A Mutual Insurance Company ("BCBSMS") as one set of guidelines (among other sets of guidelines) to assist BCBSMS in making benefit coverage decisions. BCBSMS utilizes Medical Policy adopted by our Medical Policy Advisory Committee ("MPAC") which is supported by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Medical Policy, research and development. Medical Policies are the property of BCBSMS and any use of Medical Policy not agreed to by BCBSMS is strictly prohibited. The use of Medical Policy for purposes related to the health care of a BCBSMS plan member is permitted and is not a violation of the proprietary rights of BCBSMS.
  2. These Medical Policies are based on scientifically meritorious evidence provided through research for a particular medical technology. Medical Policy is also based on data from peer-reviewed scientific literature, from criteria developed by specialty societies and from guidelines adopted by other health care organizations.
  3. These Medical Policies apply to members/subscribers who have health insurance through BCBSMS. This Medical Policy also applies to persons covered by the Mississippi Children's Health Insurance Program, Members of a self-insured group health plan for which Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi provides claims administration and persons covered by a Medicare Supplement policy offered by BCBSMS. This Medical Policy does not apply to any other individuals. Medical Policies may differ for Federal employees covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan.
  4. In the event of any conflict between this Medical Policy and any benefit plan, Summary Plan Description or other coverage document, the benefit plan, Summary Plan Description or other coverage document will govern.
  5. Medical technology is rapidly changing and these Medical Policies are subject to change without notice. Also, please be aware that as a result of ongoing changes being made to Medical Policy, BCBSMS cannot and does not guarantee that these Medical Policies are current.

BCBSMS Medical Policies are Subject to the Following Restrictions

Medical Policy Search
Printer Friendly Version Diagnosis and Treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Pain

 

DESCRIPTION

Similar to other structures in the spine, it is assumed that the sacroiliac joint may be a source of low back pain. In fact, prior to 1928, the sacroiliac was thought to be the most common cause of sciatica. In 1928, the role of intervertebral disc was elucidated, and from that point forward the sacroiliac joint received less research attention. Research into sacroiliac joint pain has been thwarted by any criterion standard to measure its prevalence and against which various clinical examinations can be validated. For example, sacroiliac joint pain is typically without any consistent, demonstrable radiographic or laboratory features and most commonly exists in the setting of morphologically normal joints. Clinical tests for sacroiliac joint pain may include various movement tests, palpation to detect tenderness, and pain descriptions by the patient. Further confounding the study of the sacroiliac joint is that multiple structures, such as posterior facet joints and lumbar discs, may refer pain to the area surrounding the sacroiliac joint.

Sacroiliac joint arthrography has been explored as a diagnostic test for sacroiliac joint pain. Using fluoroscopic guidance, the joint cavity can be entered. Once the position is confirmed with the injection of contrast medium, a local anesthetic can be injected. Duplication of the patient's pain pattern with the injection of contrast medium suggests a sacroiliac etiology, as does relief of pain with injection of local anesthetic. Treatment of sacroiliac joint pain with corticosteroids, radiofrequency ablation, stabilization, or minimally invasive arthrodesis has also been explored.

Several percutaneous or minimally invasive fixation/fusion devices have received marketing clearance by the FDA. These include the SI-FIX Sacroiliac Joint Fusion System (Medtronic), the IFUSE Implant System (SI Bone), the SImmetry Sacroiliac Joint Fusion System (Zyga Technologies) and the SI-LOK (Globus Medical).

 

POLICY

Sacroiliac joint arthrography  under fluoroscopy with injection for diagnostic purposes (and potential pain relief) with or without the anticipation of lumbar fusion is considered medically necessary. Up to TWO injections per calendar year are allowed. 

If a provider injects medication without radiographic control, it is not certain if in reality the injection is made into the joint or around it.  In such a case, the service is considered to be a "trigger point injection".

Fusion/stabilization of the sacroiliac joint for the treatment of back pain presumed to originate from the SI joint is considered investigational, including but not limited to percutaneous and minimally invasive techniques.

 

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) policy considers sacroiliac joint arthrography as investigational.  BCBSA policy also considers the injection into the sacroiliac joint for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes as investigational.  Therefore, this is considered investigational for all FEP subscribers. 

 

POLICY GUIDELINES

Investigative service is defined as the use of any treatment procedure, facility, equipment, drug, device, or supply not yet recognized by certifying boards and/or approving or licensing agencies or published peer review criteria as standard, effective medical practice for the treatment of the condition being treated and as such therefore is not considered medically necessary.

The coverage guidelines outlined in the Medical Policy Manual should not be used in lieu of the Member's specific benefit plan language.

 

POLICY HISTORY

5/2000: Approved by Medical Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC); Sacroiliac joint arthrography with or without injection is considered investigational  

11/2000: Revised by MPAC; “Sacroiliac joint arthrography with or without injection is considered investigational.” changed to “Sacroiliac joint arthrography with injection for diagnosis in anticipation of lumbar fusion is medically necessary.” “Sacroiliac joint arthrography injection for therapeutic reasons is considered investigation.” added Policy section, “If a provider injects medication without radiographic control, it is not certain if in reality the injection is made into the joint or around it.  In such case, the service is considered to be a trigger point injection.” added Policy section, “Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association policy considers sacroiliac joint arthrography with or without injection investigational.  Therefore, this is considered investigational for all FEP subscribers. (See FEP policy)” added Policy Exceptions, Sources updated, “All codes billed for this investigational test are not covered” deleted Code Reference section, “This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of codes.  Some codes may be variable and coverage will be based on the clinical indication for the service.” added Code Reference section, covered codes table added, CPT codes 27096, 73542 added covered codes, Managed Care Requirements deleted.

2/8/2002: Investigational definition added

4/22/2002: Type of Service and Place of Service deleted

5/6/2002: Code Reference section updated

5/16/2002: Reviewed by MPAC, no changes

5/30/2002: ICD-9 procedure code 99.23 deleted, ICD-9 procedure code 88.32 added

3/7/2003: Code Reference section updated, HCPCS G0259, G0260 added

7/15/2004: Reviewed by MPAC, sacroiliac joint arthrography with injection for diagnostic purposes (and potential pain relief) with or without the anticipation of lumbar fusion considered medically necessary. Additional injections for pain relief considered NOT medically necessary.  This change is effective November 1, 2004.

8/11/2004: Code Reference section reviewed, no changes

10/1/2004: Code Reference section reviewed, no changes

12/13/2004: Clarification under "Policy" to add "a single" as follows: Sacroiliac joint arthrography with a single injection for diagnostic purposes (and potential pain relief) with or without the anticipation of lumbar fusion is considered medically necessary. 

1/5/2005: Sacroiliac joint arthrography injection for therapeutic reasons is considered investigational. (added 11/2000) deleted Policy section

3/31/2005: Reviewed by MPAC, "Sacroiliac joint arthrography with a single injection for diagnostic purposes (and potential pain relief) with or without the anticipation of lumbar fusion is considered medically necessary." changed to "Sacroiliac joint arthrography under fluoroscopy with injection for diagnostic purposes (and potential pain relief) with or without the anticipation of lumbar fusion is considered medically necessary." "Additional injections for pain relief are considered NOT medically necessary." deleted Policy section, "Up to TWO injections per calendar year are allowed." added Policy section, this policy change is effective June 1, 2005.

5/6/2005: Code Reference section reviewed, CPT code 27096 note added “Code 27096 is a unilateral procedure. To report bilateral procedure, use modifier -50.” CPT code 76005 added

1/4/2007: Code reference section updated per the 2007 CPT/HCPCS revisions

8/18/2008: Policy reviewed, no changes

6/04/2010:  Policy description and statement unchanged. Code Reference section revised to remove CPT Code 76005, which was deleted 12/31/2006.  

04/20/2011:  Policy reviewed; no changes.

03/27/2012:  Policy reviewed; no changes.

05/17/2013:  Policy title changed from "Sacroiliac Joint Arthrography" to "Diagnosis and Treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Pain." Policy description updated. Added the following investigational policy statement: Fusion/stabilization of the sacroiliac joint for the treatment of back pain presumed to originate from the SI joint is considered investigational, including but not limited to percutaneous and minimally invasive techniques. Added CPT code 27280 to the Code Reference section as non-covered. Updated the descriptions of CPT code 27096 and 77003.

 

SOURCE(S)

Dreyfuss P, Michaelsen M, Pauza K, et al. The value of medical history and physical examination in diagnosing sacroiliac joint pain. Spine 1996; 21: 2594-2602.

Maigne J, Aivaliklis A, Pfefer F. Results of sacroiliac joint double block and value of sacroiliac pain provocation tests in 54 patients with low back pain. Spine 1996; 21: 1889-92.

Schwarzer AC, April CN, Bogduk N. The sacroiliac joint in chronic low back pain. Spine 1995; 20: 31-37.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield Association policy #6.01.23

 

CODE REFERENCE

This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of codes. Some covered procedure codes have multiple descriptions.

The code(s) listed below are ONLY covered if the procedure is performed according to the "Policy" section of this document. 

Covered Codes (See exception for FEP above)

Code Number

Description

CPT-4

27096

Injection procedure for sacroiliac joint, anesthetic/steroid, with image guidance (fluoroscopy or CT) including arthrography when performed 

Note: CPT code 27096 is a unilateral procedure. To report bilateral procedure, use modifier -50.

73542

Radiological examination, sacroiliac joint arthrography, radiological supervision and interpretation

77003

Fluoroscopic guidance and localization of needle or catheter tip for spine or paraspinous diagnostic or therapeutic injection procedures (epidural or subarachnoid)

Note: Injection of contrast media during fluoroscopic guidance and localization is included in 27096. Do not report 27096 and 77003.

ICD-9 Procedure

88.32

Contrast arthrogram

ICD-9 Diagnosis

 

 

HCPCS

G0259

Injection procedure for sacroiliac joint; arthrography

G0260

Injection procedure for sacroiliac joint; provision of anesthetic, steroid and / or other therapeutic agent and arthrography

 
This is not an all-inclusive list of non-covered procedure codes.

The code(s) listed below and ANY code not listed in the previous section are considered non-covered for this procedure.

Non-Covered Codes 

Code Number

Description

CPT-4

27280 

Arthrodesis, sacroiliac joint (including obtaining graft)

ICD-9 Procedure

 

ICD-9 Diagnosis

 

 

HCPCS

  

 

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