Whole-Body Computerized Axial Tomography (CT) Screening
DESCRIPTION
Computerized axial tomography (CT) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses x-rays to obtain cross-sectional pictures of areas inside the body. A computer is used to place the pictures together into detailed images of organs, bones, and other tissues. This procedure is also called CT scanning, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography (CAT). The technology is being promoted as a preventive healthcare measure for healthy individuals who have no symptoms or suspicion of disease.
POLICY
Whole-body CT screening as a preventive healthcare measure when no symptoms or suspicion of disease are present is considered investigational.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
We develop Medical Policies to provide guidance to Members and Providers. This Medical Policy relates only to the services or supplies described in it. The existence of a Medical Policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits or a contract for the service (or supply) that is referenced in the Medical Policy. For a determination of the benefits that a Member is entitled to receive under his or her health plan, the Member's health plan must be reviewed. If there is a conflict between the Medical Policy and a health plan, the express terms of the health plan will govern.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The current literature does not show an improvement in health outcomes with the use of whole body CT screening.
The use of whole-body computerized axial tomography (CT) screening in healthy individuals is considered investigational by the professional associations related to radiology, physics in medicine and cardiology.
SOURCES
American College of Radiology. (2002, September). ACR statement on CT screening exams. Retrieved October 20, 2011 from http://www.acr.org/SecondaryMainMenuCategories/quality_safety/RadSafety/RadiationSafety/statement-CT-screening.aspx.
BlueCross BlueShield Association. Medical Policy Reference Manual. (5:2011). Whole body computed tomography scan as a screening test (6.01.41). Retrieved October 20, 2011 from BlueWeb. (9 articles and/or guidelines reviewed)
Brenner, D. J., & Hall, E. J. (2007). Computed tomography - An increasing source of radiation exposure. New England Journal of Medicine, 357 (22), 2277-2284.
Canadian Health Services Research Foundation. (2010). Myth: Whole-body screening is an effective way to detect hidden cancers. Journal of Health Services Research & Policy, 15 (2), 118-119.
Complete Guide to Medicare Coverage Issues [Computer software]. (2011, August). Computerized tomography (NDC 220.1, p. 2-169, 2-170). Ingenix.
Ho, E., Abdullah, B., Tang, A., Nordin, A., Nair, A., Lim, G., et al. (2008). College of Radiology, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia position on whole body screening CT scans in healthy asymptomatic individuals. Biomedical Imaging and Intervention Journal, 4 (4), e44.
Lim, D. J., O., J. H., Kim, M. H., Kim, J. H., Kwon, H. S., Kim, S. H., et al. (2010). Clinical significance of observation without repeated radioiodine therapy in differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients with positive surveillance whole-body scans and negative thyroglobulin. The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine, 25 (4), 408-414. (Level 2 Evidence - Independent study)
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2010, April). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Radiation-emitting products. Full-body CT scans - What you need to know. Retrieved October 20, 2011 from http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/MedicalImaging/MedicalX-Rays/ucm115340.htm.
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2009, June). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Radiation-emitting products. Whole body CT screening - Should I or shouldn't I get one? Retrieved October 20, 2011 from http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/MedicalImaging/MedicalX-Rays/ucm115330.htm.
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2008, September). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K082104. Retrieved October 20, 2011 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf8/K082104.pdf.
ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 4/1981
MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 12/8/2011
ID_BA
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