Superseded Local Coverage Determination (LCD)

MolDX: BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genetic Testing

L36082

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To see the currently-in-effect version of this document, go to the section.

Contractor Information

LCD Information

Document Information

LCD ID
L36082
LCD Title
MolDX: BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genetic Testing
Proposed LCD in Comment Period
N/A
Source Proposed LCD
DL36082
Original Effective Date
For services performed on or after 10/05/2015
Revision Effective Date
For services performed on or after 04/29/2021
Revision Ending Date
N/A
Retirement Date
N/A
Notice Period Start Date
12/31/2015
Notice Period End Date
02/14/2016
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CMS National Coverage Policy

Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, §1862(a)(1)(A) states that no Medicare payment shall be made for items or services that “are not reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member.”

42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §410.32 Diagnostic x-ray tests, diagnostic laboratory tests, and other diagnostic tests: Conditions

CMS Internet-Only Manual, Pub. 100-02, Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 15, §80 Requirements for Diagnostic X-Ray, Diagnostic Laboratory, and Other Diagnostic Tests

CMS Internet-Only Manual, Pub. 100-03, Medicare National Coverage Determinations Manual, Chapter 1, Part 2, §90.2 Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for Patients with Advanced Cancer which describes the criteria under which contractors may cover NGS laboratory tests for patients with cancer

Coverage Guidance

Coverage Indications, Limitations, and/or Medical Necessity

Indications and Limitations of Coverage

Nationally Covered Indications

This policy covers testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes for patients suspected of hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer syndromes. To be eligible for Medicare coverage, the individual being tested must have signs or symptoms of breast (invasive or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)), ovarian cancer (including fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer), pancreatic cancer, or prostate cancer and meet 1 of the criteria below. Genetic testing for a known mutation in a family is a covered service for individuals with signs and/or symptoms of cancer. Testing of an unaffected Medicare eligible individual or family member is not a covered Medicare benefit.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing consists of full sequence and duplication/deletion analysis. Genetic testing for a known mutation in a family may be limited to the known familial variant.

The following indications for BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing are covered by Medicare:

Criteria for Testing

  • Individual with breast, ovarian1, pancreatic, or prostate cancer from a family with a known deleterious BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
  • Individual with a personal history of ovarian1* cancer
  • Individual with a breast cancer diagnosis meeting any of the following criteria:
    • Diagnosed ≤45 y
    • Triple negative breast cancer (estrogen receptor (ER) negative, progesterone receptor (PR) negative, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative) breast cancer diagnosed ≤ 60 y
    • Diagnosed at 46-50 y with:
      • An additional breast cancer primary
      • ≥1 first, second, or third degree relative5 with breast cancer at any age, or
      • ≥1 first, second, or third degree relative5 with prostate cancer (Gleason score ≥7), or
      • An unknown or limited family history3
    • Breast cancer diagnosed at any age, and
      • ≥1 first, second, or third degree relative5 with breast cancer ≤50 y, or
      • ≥1 first, second, or third degree relative5 with ovarian cancer at any age, or
      • ≥1 first, second, or third degree relative5 with metastatic prostate cancer or pancreatic cancer at any age, or
      • ≥2 additional diagnoses of breast cancer at any age in patient and/or in close blood relative5, or
      • A first, second, or third degree male relative with breast cancer
      • For an individual of ethnicity associated with higher mutation frequency (e.g., Ashkenazi Jewish4) no additional family history may be required
    • Male breast cancer
  • Personal history of prostate cancer (Gleason score ≥7) at any age with:
    • ≥1 first, second, or third degree relative5 with ovarian cancer at any age, or
    • ≥1 first, second, or third degree relative5 with breast cancer ≤50 y, or
    • ≥1 first, second, or third degree relative5 pancreatic cancer at any age, or
    • ≥1 first, second, or third degree relative5 with metastatic prostate cancer at any age, or
    • ≥2 first, second, or third degree relatives5 with breast cancer and/or pancreatic cancer and/or prostate cancer (any grade) at any age, or
    • Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
  • Personal history of pancreatic cancer at any age
  • Personal history of metastatic prostate cancer (radiographic evidence of or biopsy-proven disease)
  • BRCA1/2 pathogenic mutation detected by tumor profiling on any tumor type in the absence of germline mutation analysis

*1Includes fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers.  BRCA – related ovarian cancers are associated with epithelial, non-mucinous histology. 

2Two breast cancer primaries includes bilateral (contralateral) disease or 2 or more clearly separate ipsilateral primary tumors either synchronously or asynchronously.

3Medicare will cover BRCA-testing for an adopted individual with breast cancer diagnosed ≤50 y that is suspicious of being a BRCA-related cancer. Individuals with limited family history/structure, defined as fewer than 2 female first- or second-degree relatives having lived beyond age 45 in either lineage may also be eligible for BRCA gene testing. Similar to all testing, these situations require explanation of medical necessity for BRCA testing in the patient's medical record, and documentation of genetic counseling prior to BRCA testing.

4Testing for Ashkenazi Jewish founder-specific mutations should be performed first.  Comprehensive BRCA1/2 testing may be considered if ancestry also includes non-Ashkenazi Jewish relatives or if any of the other BRCA-related criteria are met.

5National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) defines blood relative as first- (parents, siblings and children), second- (grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, grandchildren and half-siblings), and third degree-relatives (great-grandparents, great-aunts, great uncles, great grandchildren and first cousins) on same side of family.
 
Multigene Panels***

The indications and limitations of coverage listed in National Coverage Determination (NCD) §90.2 Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) apply to genetic testing for susceptibility to breast or ovarian cancer. While the NGS NCD §90.2 B describes specific coverage criteria for nationally covered tests, §90.2 D permits coverage of other NGS as a diagnostic laboratory test for patients with cancer when performed and ordered according to the requirements described by the NCD. According to §90.2 D of the NGS NCD, AB Medicare Administrative Contractors (AB MACs) may cover next generation sequencing tests in patients with cancer. As such, genetic testing for susceptibility to breast or ovarian cancer with multi­-gene NGS panels (not otherwise covered under NCD §90.2 B) may be covered by this AB MAC as reasonable and necessary when ALL of the NCD criteria are met in addition to the following:

  • Pre­test genetic counseling by a cancer genetics professional has been performed and post­test genetic counseling by a cancer genetics professional meeting NCCN accreditation criteria is planned;
  • All genes in the panel are relevant to the personal and family history for the individual being tested (panels with genes that are not relevant to the individual’s personal and family history are not reasonable and necessary);
  • Criteria listed under "Personal History of Female Breast Cancer" and/or "Personal History of Other Cancer" are met;
  • Individual also meets criteria for at least 1 hereditary cancer syndrome for which NCCN guidelines provide clear testing criteria and management recommendations, including but not limited to Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC), Li­ Fraumeni Syndrome, Cowden Syndrome, or Lynch Syndrome.

*** While not required for payment, NCCN Guidelines recommend referral to a cancer genetics professional with expertise and experience in cancer genetics prior to genetic testing and after genetic testing. Examples of cancer genetics professionals with expertise and experience in cancer genetics include: an American Board of Medical Genetics or American Board of Genetic Counseling­ certified or board eligible Clinical Geneticist, Medical Geneticist or Genetic Counselor not employed by a commercial genetic testing laboratory (excludes individuals employed by or contracted with a laboratory that is part of an Integrated Health System which routinely delivers health care services beyond just the laboratory test itself as these individuals are also considered independent); medical oncologist, obstetrician-gynecologist or other physician trained in medical cancer genetics, a genetic nurse credentialed as either a Genetic Clinical Nurse (GCN) or an Advanced Practice Nurse in Genetics (APGN) by either the Genetic Nursing Credentialing Commission (GNCC) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) who is not employed by a commercial genetic testing laboratory (excludes individuals employed by or contracted with a laboratory that is part of an Integrated Health System which routinely delivers health care services beyond just the laboratory test itself as these individuals are also considered independent).

Limitations

BRCA testing is limited to once-in-a-lifetime. If a patient has been previously tested for BRCA1 and BRCA2, repeat testing prior to Lynparza® therapy is not reasonable and necessary and will not be covered by Medicare.

Nationally Non-Covered Indications

BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic testing is not reasonable and necessary, thus it is non-covered, for the following indications:

  • Genetic screening in the general population. Such testing is considered screening and is excluded by Medicare statute. An Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage (ABN) must be obtained for BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing for individuals without signs and symptoms of breast, ovarian or other hereditary cancer syndromes as indicated in this policy.
  • Testing of individuals with no personal history of breast, ovarian, fallopian tube, primary peritoneal, pancreatic, or prostate cancer. Such testing is considered screening and is excluded by Medicare statute. An ABN must be obtained for BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing for individuals without signs and symptoms of breast, ovarian or other hereditary cancer syndromes as indicated in this policy.
  • Testing of individuals under 18 years of age.

Background

General Overview

Cancer is the result of genetic alterations that often result in the deregulation of pathways that are important for various cellular functions including growth, maintenance of DNA integrity, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis (programmed cell death), among others. Among women in the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis, excluding squamous and basal cell skin cancers. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women, after lung cancer.19,27 Epithelial ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancer in the United States and the fifth most common cause of cancer mortality in women.19,27 Epithelial ovarian cancer comprises the majority of malignant ovarian neoplasms.20

While most breast cancers are considered sporadic, up to 10% are due to specific mutations in single genes that are passed down in families.16,24 Similar rates are reported for ovarian cancer.20 Specific patterns of breast and ovarian cancer are linked to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which cause hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome HBOC.7 HBOC is an inherited cancer-­susceptibility syndrome characterized by the following:1,27

  • Multiple HBOC­-related cancers within a family (i.e., invasive ductal carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ, epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, primary peritoneal cancer, prostate cancer with Gleason score ≥7, pancreatic cancer and melanoma);
  • Cancers typically occur at an earlier age than in sporadic cases (i.e., cancers not associated with inherited genetic risk);
  • Two or more primary cancers in a single individual. This could be multiple primary cancers of the same type (e.g., bilateral breast cancer) or primary cancers of different types related to HBOC (e.g., breast and ovarian);
  • Cases of male breast cancer.

In addition, there are some histopathologic features that have been noted to occur more frequently in breast cancers that are associated with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Multiple studies have demonstrated that BRCA1 breast cancer is more likely to be characterized as ER negative, PR negative, and HER2 negative, also referred to as triple negative breast cancer.20,33,32 Studies indicate BRCA1 mutations are identified in 9% to 28% of patients with triple negative breast cancer.20

Recently, germline genetic testing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 has been shown to be informative for treatment considerations in patients with ovarian cancer.2 Specifically, Lynparza®, a poly (ADP-­ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor has been Food and Drug Administration (FDA)­ approved for use as monotherapy in patients with ovarian cancer and with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, who have been treated with 3 or more prior lines of chemotherapy.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 Testing Overview

Germline genetic testing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 is available to identify individuals at increased risk for breast and ovarian cancers, as individuals with an inherited cancer syndrome may benefit from screening and prevention strategies to reduce their risk.1,20 The prevalence of BRCA mutations in the population is estimated between 1 in 300 and 1 in 800; however, specific mutations known as “founder mutations” occur more often in populations founded by a small ancestral group, including Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jews, French Canadians, and Icelanders. The prevalence of BRCA mutations in the Ashkenazi Jewish population is approximately 1 in 40.12,17,1,20 Three recurrent BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations have been identified in Ashkenazi Jewish individuals (i.e., a genetically distinct population of Jewish people of eastern and central European ancestry) and make up the vast majority of BRCA mutations that occur in this population.12,17

Rearrangements, such as large genomic alterations including translocations, inversions, large deletions and insertions are believed to be responsible for 12% to 18% of BRCA1 inactivating mutations but are less common in BRCA2 and in individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.23,26,30,21 The NCCN guidelines note that comprehensive genetic testing includes full sequencing of BRCA1/BRCA2 and the detection of large genomic rearrangements. The NCCN recommends that since certain large genomic rearrangements are not detectable by a primary sequencing assay, additional testing may be needed in some cases.20

Evidence in the published, peer-­reviewed scientific literature indicates that BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing is appropriate for a specific subset of adult individuals who have been identified to be at high risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers.25,8,10,5,15,13,9,6,20 Furthermore, several specialty organizations, including NCCN, American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG), and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), have issued statements recognizing the role of pre­ and post­test genetic counseling and BRCA testing in the management of at-­risk patients. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has published recommendations regarding genetic risk assessment, genetic counseling and BRCA mutation testing for breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility.28,29 Based on this USPSTF recommendation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires that private group and individual health plans provide coverage for genetic counseling and, if appropriate, genetic testing for women at risk for HBOC as a preventive service with no out­-of­-pocket expense.

Lynparza® (olaparib) is a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor approved by the FDA as monotherapy in patients with ovarian cancer, with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation who have been treated with 3 or more prior lines of chemotherapy. Testing of ovarian cancer patients in this clinical scenario is indicated to guide treatment.2

Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are passed down in families through an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern meaning that the associated cancer predisposition can be inherited through either the mother’s or father’s side of the family and transmitted by a male or female. When a parent carries a BRCA mutation, there is a 50% chance of passing down the gene mutation with every pregnancy. Although the risk of inheriting the predisposition from a parent who carries a mutation is 50%, not everyone with an inherited mutation will develop cancer. The likelihood that a woman with a mutation will develop a related cancer (i.e., penetrance of a BRCA mutation) is estimated between 41% and 90%20 and is much lower for men. The risk of developing cancer depends on numerous variables, including the penetrance of the specific mutation, the genetic makeup of the individual, environmental risk factors, the gender of the individual and their age.

Several national evidence-­based and expert opinion guidelines and accrediting bodies recommend that genetic testing should be undertaken only in conjunction with independent pretest genetic counseling services in order to assist patients in complex clinical decision ­making.18,14,20,28,29 Post-­genetic testing counseling is also strongly recommended. The NCCN guidelines [2015] state that genetic counseling is a critical component of the cancer risk assessment process. In addition, the guidelines state that pre­test counseling should include a discussion of why the test is being offered and how test results may impact medical management, cancer risks associated with the genes being tested, the significance of possible test results for the individual and family, the likelihood of a positive result, technical aspects and accuracy of the test, and economic considerations.20 Per the guidelines, post­test counseling includes disclosure of results, discussion of the significance of the results for the individual and relevant family members, a discussion of the impact of the results on psychosocial aspects and on the medical management of the individual, and how and where the patient will receive follow-­up care and access to additional resources.20

Medicare is a defined benefit program and requires that testing is only performed on patients with signs and symptoms of disease. Testing of unaffected individuals or family members is not a covered Medicare services. However, once a mutation is identified in the family, Medicare eligible relatives with signs and symptoms of breast cancer are typically tested for that specific mutation only.5,9,20,10,13 For patients of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, initial testing is generally done for the 3 specific mutations that account for most hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in that population: 185delAG and 5382insC (also called 5385insC) in the BRCA1 gene and 6174delT in the BRCA2 gene. If the test results are negative, full analysis of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is only considered if testing criteria for non­-Jewish individuals are met.17,20 Nonetheless, Medicare does not cover testing for patients without signs and symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer.

Multi­gene Panel Testing

Multi­gene panels for HBOC syndromes are available. In general, these panels test simultaneously for several genes associated with inherited breast and/or ovarian cancer, including but not limited to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The genes included and the methods used in multi­gene panels vary by laboratory. Some cancer susceptibility testing panels include genes that have not been associated with hereditary breast or ovarian cancer and, in some cases, are not clinically actionable. Testing with a targeted panel may be indicated as a cost effective strategy when the individual’s symptoms or family history meet testing criteria for more than 1 hereditary cancer syndrome. All genes included in the test should be relevant to the personal and family history for the individual being tested.

Test Results and Management

A positive BRCA test result reveals the presence of a mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene that prevents the translation of the full-­sized protein or that is known to interfere with protein function in other ways and is associated with increased cancer risks.

Several strategies have been proposed for achieving the goal of reducing cancer risk for individuals with known BRCA mutations. The NCCN guidelines include detailed strategies and evidence review for at-­risk patients.20 For women these strategies include breast self­-exams (BSE), clinical breast exams (CBE), mammograms, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), risk­-reducing bilateral salpingo­oophorectomy, discussion of risk­-reducing bilateral mastectomy, and use of trans-vaginal ultrasound and CA­125 in women who have not elected risk-­reducing ovarian surgery. For men these include BSE and CBE starting at age 35 and consideration of mammography and prostate cancer screening starting at age 40. For both men and women recommendations include education regarding signs and symptoms of cancer(s), especially those associated with BRCA gene mutations, and screening may be individualized based on cancers observed in the family.

In patients with ovarian cancer with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation who have been treated with 3 or more prior lines of chemotherapy, consideration of treatment with the PARP inhibitor Lynparza® is recommended.2,11

A negative BRCA test result is interpreted within the context of a patient's individual and family cancer history, notably regarding whether any family member has previously been identified as carrying a mutation or not. An affected individual who has tested negative for a BRCA mutation may still have an inherited predisposing mutation in 1 of the BRCA genes that was not identified by testing, or a mutation in another gene that predisposes to breast or ovarian cancer. An individual in whom testing reveals they do not carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation that has been positively identified in another family member is considered to have a true negative result (i.e., they have not inherited the BRCA mutation nor associated increased cancer risks identified in other family members).20

A person is considered to have an indeterminate result if that person is not a carrier of a known cancer­-predisposing gene mutation and the carrier status of all other biologic family members is either also negative or unknown.20 Results are considered inconclusive if the individual is a carrier of an alteration that currently has no known clinical significance (variant of uncertain significance).20

Summary of Evidence

N/A

Analysis of Evidence (Rationale for Determination)

N/A

General Information

Associated Information

Documentation Requirements

The patient's medical record must contain documentation that fully supports the medical necessity for services included within this LCD (see Coverage Indications, Limitations, and/or Medical Necessity). This documentation includes, but is not limited to, relevant medical history, physical examination, and results of pertinent diagnostic tests or procedures.

Documentation supporting the medical necessity should be legible, maintained in the patient's medical record, and must be made available to the MAC upon request.

Sources of Information
N/A
Bibliography
  1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 103: Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. Obstet Gynecol. 2009;113(4):957­966.
  2. Alsop K, Fereday S, Meldrum C, et al. BRCA mutation frequency and patterns of treatment response in BRCA mutation–positive women with ovarian cancer: A report from the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study Group. J Clin Oncol. 2012;30:2654­2663.
  3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Breast-­ovarian cancer screening. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. 1997;56:82-83.
  4. American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Cancer Program Standards 2012: Ensuring Patient­-Centered Care. Version 1.2.1.
  5. Berchuck A, Cirisano F, Lancaster JM, et al. Role of BRCA1 mutation screening in the management of familial ovarian cancer. Am J Obstet Gynceol. 1996;175:738­746.
  6. Biesecker BB, Boehnke M, Calzone K, et al. Genetic counseling for families with inherited susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer. JAMA. 1993;269:1970-1974.
  7. Blackwood MA, Weber BL. BRCA1 and BRCA2: From molecular genetics to clinical medicine. J Clin Oncol. 1998;16(5):1969-1977.
  8. Castilla LH, Couch FJ, Erdos MR, et al. Mutations in the BRCA1 gene in families with early­-onset breast and ovarian cancer. Nature Genetics. 1994;8:387­391.
  9. Couch FJ, DeShano ML, Blackwood MA, et al. BRCA1 mutations in women attending clinics that evaluate the risk of breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 1997;336(20):1409­1415.
  10. FDA Prescribing information: LYNPARZA® (olaparib). 2014. Accessed 3/8/21.
  11. Fitzgerald MG, MacDonald DJ, Krainer M, et al. Germ­line BRCA1 mutations in Jewish and non-Jewish women with early onset breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 1996;334:143-149.
  12. Foulkes WD. Inherited susceptibility to common cancers. N Engl J Med. 2008;359(20):2143-2153.
  13. Healy B. BRCA genes: Bookmarking, fortune telling, and medical care. N Engl J Med. 1997;336:1448-1449.
  14. Lambert, M. ACOG guidelines for managing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. Am Fam Physician. 2009;80(12):1505­1507.
  15. Langston AA, Malone KE, Thompson JD, Daling JR, Ostrander EA. BRCA­1 mutations in a population-­based sample of young women with breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 1996;334:137­142.
  16. Lynch HT, Watson P, Conway TA, Lynch JF. Clinical/genetic features in hereditary breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 1990;15(2):63­71.
  17. Metcalfe KA, Poll A, Royer R, et al. Screening for founder mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 in unselected Jewish women. J Clin Oncol. 2010;28(3):387-391.
  18. National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. NAPBC Standards Manual: 2014 Edition. Accessed 3/8/21.
  19. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Genetics of Breast and Gynecologic Cancers (PDQ®): High­Penetrance Breast and/or Gynecologic Cancer Susceptibility Genes. Accessed 3/8/21.
  20. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Genetics/Familial High-­Risk Assessment: Breast and Ovarian. Version 2. 2019. Accessed 3/8/21.
  21. Palma MD, Domchek SM, Stopfer J, et al. The relative contribution of point mutations and genomic rearrangements in BRCA1 and BRCA2 in high-risk breast cancer families. Cancer Res. 2008;68(17):7006-7014.
  22. Pharoah PD, Day NE, Duffy S, Easton DF, Ponder BAJ. Family history and the risk of breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-­analysis. Int J Cancer. 1997;71(5):800-809.
  23. Pilarski R, Burt R, Kohlman W, Pho L, Shannon KM, Swisher E. Cowden syndrome and the PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome: Systematic review and revised diagnostic criteria. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2013;105(21):1607-1616.
  24. Szabo CI, King MC. Inherited breast and ovarian cancer. Human Molecular Genetics. 1995;4:1811-1817.
  25. U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2011 Incidence and Mortality Web-­based Report. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Cancer Institute. 2014. Accessed 3/8/21.
  26. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for breast cancer: U.S. preventive services task force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med. 2009;151:716­726.
  27. Unger MA, Nathanson KL, Calzone K, et al. Screening for genomic rearrangements in families with breast and ovarian cancer identifies BRCA1 mutations previously missed by conformation-­sensitive gel electrophoresis or sequencing. Am J Hum Genet. 2000; 67(4):841–50.
  28. Moyer VA, U.S. Preventative Services Task Force. Risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing for BRCA-related cancer in women: U.S. preventative services task force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med. 2014;160:271-281.
  29. Walsh T, Casadei S, Coats KH, et al. Spectrum of mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, and TP53 in families at high risk of breast cancer. JAMA. 2006;295(12):1379-1388.
  30. Whittemore AS. Risk of breast cancer in carriers of BRCA gene mutations. N Engl J Med. 1997;337(11):788­789.
  31. Wong-­Brown MW1, Meldrum CJ, Carpenter JE, et. al. Prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations in patients with triple­-negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2015;150:71-80.
  32. Zugazagoitia J, Pérez­-Segura P, Manzano A, et. al. Limited family structure and triple-­negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype as predictors of BRCA mutations in a genetic counseling cohort of early-­onset sporadic breast cancers. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2014;148(2):415-421.

Revision History Information

Revision History DateRevision History NumberRevision History ExplanationReasons for Change
04/29/2021 R19

Under CMS National Coverage Policy added regulation CMS Internet-Only Manual, Pub. 100-02, Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 15, §80 Requirements for Diagnostic X-Ray, Diagnostic Laboratory, and Other Diagnostic Tests. Under Bibliography changes were made to citations to reflect AMA citation guidelines. Formatting, punctuation and typographical errors were corrected throughout the LCD. Acronyms were defined and inserted where appropriate throughout the LCD. Lynparza® was inserted throughout the LCD where applicable.

At this time 21st Century Cures Act will apply to new and revised LCDs that restrict coverage which requires comment and notice. This revision is not a restriction to the coverage determination; and, therefore not all the fields included on the LCD are applicable as noted in this policy.

  • Provider Education/Guidance
12/04/2019 R18

This LCD is being revised in order to adhere to CMS requirements per chapter 13, section 13.5.1 of the Program Integrity Manual, to remove all coding from LCDs. There has been no change in coverage with this LCD revision. Regulations regarding billing and coding were removed from the CMS National Coverage Policy section of this LCD and placed in the related Billing and Coding: MolDX: BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genetic Testing A56854 article. Under Sources of Information references were moved to the Bibliography section. Punctuation and typographical errors were corrected throughout the article.

At this time 21st Century Cures Act will apply to new and revised LCDs that restrict coverage which requires comment and notice. This revision is not a restriction to the coverage determination; and, therefore not all the fields included on the LCD are applicable as noted in this policy.

  • Provider Education/Guidance
08/15/2019 R17

All coding located in the Coding Information section has been moved into the related Billing and Coding: MolDX: BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genetic Testing A56854 article and removed from the LCD.

Under Coverage Indications, Limitations and/or Medical Necessity removed italics from text and corrected formatting throughout the section.

At this time 21st Century Cures Act will apply to new and revised LCDs that restrict coverage which requires comment and notice. This revision is not a restriction to the coverage determination; and, therefore not all the fields included on the LCD are applicable as noted in this policy.

 

  • Provider Education/Guidance
01/01/2019 R16

Under CPT/HCPCS Code Group 1, deleted 81211, 81213, 81214 and added 81163, 81164, 81165, 81166, 81167. This revision is due to the 2019 Annual CPT/HCPCS updates and effective 1/1/19.

Added verbiage under Multigene Panels to align with the National Coverage Determination (NCD90.2): Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), which describes the criteria under which contractors may cover NGS laboratory tests for patients with cancer.

 

  • Revisions Due To CPT/HCPCS Code Changes
11/22/2018 R15

Added "1" in two bullet points under "Personal History of prostate cancer (Gleason score ≥7) at any age with:" where it was erroneously omitted:

  • 1 first, second, or third degree relative5 pancreatic cancer at any age, or
  • 1 first, second, or third degree relative5 with metastatic prostate cancer at any age, or
  • Typographical Error
08/23/2018 R14

Updated "Criteria for Coverage" formatting and content to be consistent with newest version of the updated NCCN. Updated Bibliography #20 with the updated version.

  • Provider Education/Guidance
08/09/2018 R13

Updated Bibliography #20 to correct NCCN reference version to Version 1.2019. Last updated 7/11/18. 

  • Typographical Error
07/12/2018 R12

Updated "Criteria for Coverage" formatting and content to be consistent with the NCCN.

  • Provider Education/Guidance
02/26/2018 R11 The Jurisdiction "J" Part B Contracts for Alabama (10112), Georgia (10212) and Tennessee (10312) are now being serviced by Palmetto GBA. The notice period for this LCD begins on 12/14/17 and ends on 02/25/18. Effective 02/26/18, these three contract numbers are being added to this LCD. No coverage, coding or other substantive changes (beyond the addition of the 3 Part B contract numbers) have been completed in this revision.
  • Change in Affiliated Contract Numbers
01/29/2018 R10 The Jurisdiction "J" Part A Contracts for Alabama (10111), Georgia (10211) and Tennessee (10311) are now being serviced by Palmetto GBA. The notice period for this LCD begins on 12/14/17 and ends on 01/28/18. Effective 01/29/18, these three contract numbers are being added to this LCD. No coverage, coding or other substantive changes (beyond the addition of the 3 Part A contract numbers) have been completed in this revision.
  • Change in Affiliated Contract Numbers
01/01/2018 R9

2018 Annual CPT/HCPCS Updates: Description was changed for the following CPT/HCPCS codes, effective 1/1/2018:

81432 descriptor was changed in Group 1

  • Revisions Due To CPT/HCPCS Code Changes
11/30/2017 R8

Removed duplicate mention of "melanoma" in HBOC bulleted list. Corrected bullet formatting.

  • Typographical Error
11/02/2017 R7

Added ICD-10 C48.1 to ICD-10 Codes that Support Medical Necessity: Group 1

  • Provider Education/Guidance
10/26/2017 R6

Added additional bullet to Criteria for Testing section.

  • Provider Education/Guidance
08/31/2017 R5

Clarified the Criteria for Testing to align with the reformatted NCCN Guidelines. Reformatted the References to correct the numbering typographical errors and added the newest NCCN reference.

At this time 21st Century Cures Act will apply to new and revised LCDs that restrict coverage which requires comment and notice. This revision is not a restriction to the coverage determination; and, therefore not all the fields included on the LCD are applicable as noted in this policy.

  • Provider Education/Guidance
02/15/2016 R4 Created as a result of DL36082 being released to a Final LCD and 2016 CPT codes added
  • Reconsideration Request
11/27/2015 R3 added ICD-10 code Z85.3
  • Revisions Due To ICD-10-CM Code Changes
10/05/2015 R2 Additional ICD-10 codes supporting medical necessity were added to the policy.
  • Revisions Due To ICD-10-CM Code Changes
10/05/2015 R1 Removed J11 MAC
  • Change to Lettered Jurisdiction Designation

Associated Documents

Attachments
N/A
Related National Coverage Documents
N/A
Public Versions
Updated On Effective Dates Status
08/20/2022 04/29/2021 - 08/20/2022 Retired View
04/22/2021 04/29/2021 - N/A Superseded You are here
Some older versions have been archived. Please visit the MCD Archive Site to retrieve them.

Keywords

  • BRCA1
  • BRCA2

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