Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

CPAP is a non-invasive technique for providing single levels of air pressure from a flow generator, via a nose mask, through the nares. The purpose is to prevent the collapse of the oropharyngeal walls and the obstruction of airflow during sleep, which occurs in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The diagnosis of OSA requires documentation of at least 30 episodes of apnea, each lasting a minimum of 10 seconds, during 6-7 hours of recorded sleep. The use of CPAP is covered under Medicare when used in adult patients with moderate or severe OSA for whom surgery is a likely alternative to CPAP.

Initial claims must be supported by medical documentation (separate documentation where electronic billing is used), such as a prescription written by the patient's attending physician, that specifies:

• A diagnosis of moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea, and
• Surgery is a likely alternative.
• The claim must also certify that the documentation supporting a diagnosis of OSA (described above) is available.

The use of CPAP devices are covered under Medicare when ordered and prescribed by the licensed treating physician to be used in adult patients with OSA if either of the following criteria using the Apnea-Hyopopnea Index (AHI) are met:

• AHI ≥ 15 events per hour, or
  
  
• AHI ≥ 5 and ≤ 14 events per hour with documented symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness, impaired cognition, mood disorders or insomnia, or documented hypertension, ischemic heart disease or history of stroke.

The AHI is equal to the average number of episodes of apnea and hyponea per hour and must be based on a mimimum of 2 hours of sleep recorded by polysomnography using actual recorded hours of sleep (i.e., the AHI may not be extrapolated or projected).

Apnea is defined as a cessation of airflow for at least 10 seconds. Hypopnea is defined as an abnormal respiratory event lasting at least 10 seconds with at least a 30% reduction in thoracoabdominal movement or airflow as compared to baseline, and with at least a 4% oxygen desaturation.

The polysomnography must be performed in a facility - based sleep study laboratory, and not in the home or in a mobile facility.

Initial claims for CPAP devices must be supported by information contained in the medical record indicating that the patient meets Medicare's stated coverage criteria.

12/2001 - Expand coverage for use in obstructive sleep apnea.  Effective and implementation dates 04/01/2002. (TN 150) (CR 1949)

06/1987 - Revised indications for treatment to include patients for whom surgery is a likely alternative to CPAP, and deleted documentation requirements. Effective date 01/12/1987. (TN 15)

12/1986 - Provided coverage when used in adult patients with moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea who have failed to obtain relief from other non-invasive therapies. Effective date 01/12/1987. (TN 12)