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June 9, 2025

Revised LCD L38773: Repeat RFA Procedures

CGS recently revised Local Coverage Determination (LCD) L38773: Facet Joint Interventions for Pain ManagementExternal Website to indicate:

  • Diagnostic procedures must be repeated if there is:
    • An extended time, two years or more, since the last radiofrequency ablation (RFA); and,
    • A question as to the source of the recurrent pain.

For example:

If the provider believes there is a question as to the source of the recurrent pain, and this is clearly documented in the medical record, then diagnostic procedures must be repeated.

  • Diagnostic procedures at the same level(s) as the previously successful RFA procedure are considered not reasonable and necessary and will result in a claim denial.

For example:

If there's not a question as to the source of the recurrent pain that is clearly documented in the medical record, then diagnostic procedures at the same level(s) as the previously successful RFA are not required to be repeated.

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