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Printer Friendly Version Skin Contact Monochromatic Infrared Energy as a Technique to Treat Cutaneous Ulcers, Diabetic Neuropathy and Miscellaneous Musculoskeletal Conditions
DESCRIPTIONMonochromatic infrared energy (MIRE) refers to light at a wavelength of 880nm. MIRE can be delivered through pads containing an array of 60 superluminous infrared diodes emitting pulsed near-infrared irradiation. The pads can be placed on the skin and the infrared energy is delivered in a homogeneous manner in a session lasting from 30-45 minutes. The Anodyne Professional Therapy System is a MIRE device that has received FDA approval in 1994 through the 510(k) process. A device specifically for home use is also available. The labeled indication is for "increasing circulation and decreasing pain." MIRE devices have been investigated as a treatment of multiple conditions including cutaneous ulcers, diabetic neuropathy, musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries, including temporomandibular disorders, tendonitis, capsulitis and myofascial pain. The proposed mechanism of action is not known, though some sort ofphotobiostimulation has been proposed, as well as increased circulation related to an increase in plasma of the potent vasodilator, nitric oxide.
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POLICYSkin contact monochromatic infrared energy is considered investigational as a technique to treat cutaneous ulcers, diabetic neuropathy and musculoskeletal conditions, including but not limited to temporomandibular disorders, tendonitis, capsulitis and myofascial pain.
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POLICY EXCEPTIONSFederal Employee Program (FEP) may dictate that all FDA-approved devices, drugs or biologics may not be considered investigational and thus these devices may be assessed only on the basis of their medical necessity.
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POLICY GUIDELINESInvestigative 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.
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POLICY HISTORY7/2003: Approved by Medical Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC)10/15/2004: Code Reference section updated, ICD-9 diagnosis code 707.0 deleted effective 9/30/2004, ICD-9 diagnosis code 707.0 5th digit effective 10/1/2004 3/19/2008: Policy reviewed, no changes 9/16/2008: Annual ICD-9 updates effective 10-1-2008 applied 8/14/2009: Policy reviewed, no changes 04/20/2011: Policy statement and description unchanged. FEP verbiage added to the Policy Exceptions section. 12/13/2011: Policy reviewed. Policy statement unchanged. Deleted outdated references from the Sources section. 03/13/2013: Policy reviewed; no changes.
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SOURCE(S)Blue Cross Blue Shield Association policy #1.01.22
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CODE REFERENCEThis is not an all-inclusive list of non-covered procedure codes.All codes billed for this procedure are considered investigational and not eligible for coverage. Non-Covered Codes
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