LCD/NCD Portal

NCD10.5

 

AUTOGENOUS EPIDURAL BLOOD GRAFT

 

 

Effective Date of this Version

3/1/1980

 

 

Benefit Category

 

• Physicians' Services

• Note: This may not be an exhaustive list of all applicable Medicare benefit categories for this item or service.

 

 

Item/Service Description

 

• In the procedure blood is removed from the patient's vein and injected into his epidural space, to seal the spinal fluid leak and stop the pain.

 

 

Indications and Limitations of Coverage

 

• Autogenous epidural blood grafts are considered a safe and effective remedy for severe headaches that may occur after performance of spinal anesthesia, spinal taps or myelograms, and are covered.

 

 

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