WATS3D Biopsy (EndoCDx)

Policy ID: L-194-009

Section: Laboratory

Effective Date: November 01, 2019

Revised Date: January 19, 2022

Revision Effective Date: March 07, 2022

Last Reviewed: July 26, 2023

Applies To: Commercial and Medicaid Expansion

Description

The WATS3D (wide-area transepithelial sampling) biopsy procedure is performed by a gastroenterologist during endoscopic examination of the esophagus. The computer-assisted procedure is intended as an adjunct to standard four-quadrant focal biopsies for screening, diagnosis, or surveillance of cancerous or precancerous esophageal lesions.

Criteria

The WATS3D biopsy (e.g., EndoDx), may be considered medically necessary for ANY of the following indications:

Surveillance of Low, Moderate or High-Grade Barrett’s Esophagus; or
Surveillance of chronic gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) disease.

The WATS3D biopsy procedure not meeting the criteria as indicated in this policy is considered experimental/investigational and therefore non-covered because the safety and/or effectiveness of this service cannot be established by the available published peer-reviewed literature.

Procedure Codes

43191

43193

43197

43198

43200

43202

88104

88160

88305

88312

88361

Diagnosis Codes

Not Applicable

Professional Statements and Societal Positions Guidelines

Not Applicable

ND Committee Review

Internal Medical Policy Committee 9-21-2020 Annual Review

Internal Medical Policy Committee 7-22-2021 Coding update;

Added procedure codes 88305, 88312, 88361

Internal Medical Policy Committee 11-23-2021 Revision

Updated criteria

Internal Medical Policy Committee 01-20-2022 Coding update;

Removed procedure code 99000

Internal Medical Policy Committee 7-21-2022 Annual Review - no changes in criteria

Internal Medical Policy Committee 7-26-2023 Annual Review - no changes in criteria

Links

References (PDF)

Disclaimer

Current medical policy is to be used in determining a Member's contract benefits on the date that services are rendered. Contract language, including definitions and specific inclusions/exclusions, as well as state and federal law, must be considered in determining eligibility for coverage. Members must consult their applicable benefit plans or contact a Member Services representative for specific coverage information. Likewise, medical policy, which addresses the issue(s) in any specific case, should be considered before utilizing medical opinion in adjudication. Medical technology is constantly evolving, and the Company reserves the right to review and update medical policy periodically.

Policy ID: L-194-008

Section: Laboratory

Effective Date: November 01, 2019

Revised Date: January 19, 2022

Revision Effective Date: March 07, 2022

Last Reviewed: January 20, 2022

Archived Date: July 21, 2022

Applies To: Commercial and Medicaid Expansion

Description

Criteria

The WATS3D biopsy (e.g., EndoDx), may be considered medically necessary for ANY of the following indications:

Surveillance of Low, Moderate or High-Grade Barrett’s Esophagus; or
Surveillance of chronic gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) disease.

Procedure Codes

43191

43193

43197

43198

43200

43202

88104

88160

88305

88312

88361

Diagnosis Codes

Not Applicable

Professional Statements and Societal Positions Guidelines

Not Applicable

ND Committee Review

Internal Medical Policy Committee 9-21-2020 Annual Review

Internal Medical Policy Committee 7-22-2021 Coding update; Adding 88305, 88312, 88361

Internal Medical Policy Committee 11-23-2021 Revision-updated criteria

Internal Medical Policy Committee 01-20-2022 Coding update; Removed 99000

Links

References (PDF)

Disclaimer

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