Auditory Brainstem Implant
Unilateral use of an auditory brainstem implant (using surface electrodes on the cochlear nuclei) may be considered medically necessary in individuals with neurofibromatosis type II, 12 years of age or older, who are rendered deaf due to bilateral resection of neurofibromas of the auditory nerve.
An auditory brainstem implant is considered experimental/investigational, and, therefore, non-covered for any other condition than listed above, including non-neurofibromatosis type 2 indications.
Bilateral use of an auditory brainstem implant is considered experimental/investigational, and, therefore, non-covered as there are inadequate data to permit scientific conclusions regarding its efficacy.
One (1) headband per year may be considered medically necessary. More than one (1) headband per year will be denied as not medically necessary.
Processor replacement may be considered medically necessary one (1) per five (5) years. Processor replacement greater than one (1) per five (5) years will be denied as not medically necessary.
Procedure Codes