Wiki SCS Psych Eval

[k8mbee]

A psych eval is required prior to an SCS Trial however, I can't seem to locate a policy (Medicare, Evicore, etc) that states a specific timeframe that this needs to be performed within/prior to surgery. Example: Patient has already had a psych eval for a previous procedure (>2 years), but wondering if this patient needs to have a more-recent evaluation. Thank you.

 

[jkyles]

Hi there, the previous procedure - was it also an SCS trial?

 

[k8mbee]

Hi there, the previous procedure - was it also an SCS trial?

The patient is actually having a PNS (Peripheral Nerve Stimulator) and previously had SCS, so same type but not the same procedure/codes. I just figured more billers could relate to billing guidelines for SCS vs PNS, and it very well could be applicable in the future with SCS patients.

 

[SharonCollachi]

You could always submit it and see what happens.

 

[jkyles]

The patient is actually having a PNS (Peripheral Nerve Stimulator) and previously had SCS, so same type but not the same procedure/codes. I just figured more billers could relate to billing guidelines for SCS vs PNS, and it very well could be applicable in the future with SCS patients.

Got it. I would not apply the evaluation for one procedure to another.