![]() | Clinical UM Guideline |
| Subject: | Polysomnography Studies in Adults and Children | ||
| Guideline #: | CG-MED-01 | Current Effective Date: | 10/22/2008 |
| Status: | Reviewed | Last Review Date: | 08/28/2008 |
| Description |
Polysomnography is indicated for the diagnosis of certain sleep related disorders. Standard polysomnography (also known as a Type I study) is performed in a sleep lab, hospital, or other dedicated unit and is attended by a sleep technologist. It includes measurements of 02 saturation, electrocardiography (EKG, ECG), electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electrooculography (EOG), airflow, and respiratory effort measurements. The study identifies sleep architecture, number and degree of arousals, number and type of apneic episodes, episodes of oxygen desaturation and severity, cardiac arrhythmias, limb movements, disorders associated with REM sleep, and seizure activity.
Note: This guideline addresses the indications for standard polysomnography studies for adults and children. For information related to other types of sleep studies, (e.g., Type III home/portable sleep studies), see MED.00002 Diagnosis of Sleep Disorders.
For information related to other technologies utilized in the treatment and management of sleep-related disorders, please see:
| Clinical Indications |
Medically Necessary:
A. Polysomnography in Adults
Standard Polysomnography for adults is considered medically necessary in the diagnosis of the following conditions:
Indications for polysomnography for adults include one or more of the following {(1) through (8)}:
Repeat standard polysomnography for adults is considered medically necessary under the following circumstances:
Not Medically Necessary:
Two Separate Night Studies
Two separate nights' polysomnography studies, one for the diagnosis of sleep disorders and the second to titrate CPAP, are generally considered not medically necessary unless circumstances do not allow for half night or "split night" polysomnography with titration of CPAP performed in the second part of the study, (e.g., significant obstructive sleep apnea, [that is with an AHI or RDI of 20 or more with oxygen desaturations], not identified in time to allow for at least 3 hours of CPAP titration including both REM and non-REM sleep). In these cases, a second full night's study may then be medically necessary for CPAP titration.
Repeat Standard Polysomnography
Repeat polysomnography is considered not medically necessary in the follow-up of patients with obstructive sleep apnea treated with CPAP when symptoms attributable to sleep apnea have resolved.
Standard Polysomnography for adults is considered not medically necessary for the following symptoms or conditions existing alone in the absence of other features suggestive of obstructive sleep apnea:
B. Polysomnography in Children
Medically Necessary:
Standard Polysomnography for children is considered medically necessary for the diagnosis of the following conditions:
Indications for polysomnography for children where obstructive sleep-disordered breathing is suspected, include one or more of the following {(a) through (g)}:
Repeat standard polysomnography for children is considered medically necessary in the following circumstances:
Not Medically Necessary:
Repeat Standard Polysomnography
Repeat polysomnography is considered not medically necessary in the follow-up of patients with obstructive sleep apnea treated with CPAP when symptoms attributable to sleep apnea have resolved.
Standard Polysomnography for children is considered not medically necessary for the following:
| Place of Service/Duration (or Goal Length of Stay) |
Place of Service: Sleep laboratory, hospital, or other outpatient setting
Duration: Overnight stay
Goal Length of Stay: Overnight stay
| Coding |
The following codes for treatments and procedures applicable to this document are included below for informational purposes. Inclusion or exclusion of a procedure, diagnosis or device code(s) does not constitute or imply member coverage or provider reimbursement policy. Please refer to the member's contract benefits in effect at the time of service to determine coverage or non-coverage of these services as it applies to an individual member.
CPT |
|
95808 | Polysomnography; sleep staging with 1-3 additional parameters of sleep, attended by a technologist |
95810 | Polysomnography; sleep staging with 4 or more additional parameters of sleep, attended by a technologist |
95811 | Polysomnography; sleep staging with 4 or more additional parameters of sleep, with initiation of continuous positive airway pressure therapy or bilevel ventilation, attended by a technologist |
|
|
ICD-9 Procedure |
|
89.17 | Polysomnogram |
|
|
ICD-9 Diagnosis |
|
| Including but not limited to, the following: |
307.40-307.49 | Specific disorders of sleep of non-organic origin |
327.00-327.8 | Organic sleep disorders |
333.94 | Restless legs syndrome (RLS) |
347.00-347.11 | Cataplexy and narcolepsy |
780.50-780.59 | Sleep disturbances |
786.09 | Other dyspnea and respiratory abnormalities |
| Discussion/General Information |
A. Polysomnography in Adults
Based upon the available, peer-reviewed literature, in-laboratory attended polysomnography (PSG) is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of sleep-related disorders, including, but not limited to, obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, nocturnal myoclonia and for titration of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). Multiple randomized clinical trials have established that a standard PSG should include the measurement of O2 saturation, electrocardiography (EKG, ECG), electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electrooculography (EOG), airflow, and respiratory effort measurements. Exclusion of any of these measurements may lead to missing vital data needed to diagnose sleep disorders.
The medical literature contains numerous models that have been proposed in an attempt to identify the factors that could predict reliably the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (confirmed by polysomnography) in adults. These range from morphometric data, constellations of symptoms, and combinations of symptoms and physical findings, including such factors as obesity, neck circumference, snoring, hypertension, upper airway narrowing, etc. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine states that adult patients with habitual snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, a BMI greater than 35 and observed apneas are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea with at least a 75% likelihood of having an AHI (or RDI) equal to or greater than 10. Netzer, et al. in a 1999 article in the Annals of Internal Medicine used the "Berlin Questionnaire" with three groups of questions: one regarding snoring, the second regarding daytime sleepiness, and the third regarding the presence of hypertension or obesity. They found that positive responses in two out of the three categories had a sensitivity of 86%, a specificity of 77%, and a positive predictive value of 89%.
The prevalence of significant obstructive sleep apnea in adults, as defined by an AHI (or RDI) of at least 5 associated with excessive daytime somnolence, has been demonstrated to be 4% in males and 2% in females in the 30 – 60 year old age group. However, the presence of snoring, hypertension or obesity in isolation does not carry sufficient predictive value to warrant polysomnography in all individuals with these single complaints or conditions. (Snoring alone is said to occur in up to 40% of the population, and this increases over the age of 50 years.) The benefits of performing polysomnography in these large populations of individuals without other associated findings suggestive of sleep apnea are unproven.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has recently evaluated the evidence and determined that polysomnography is not indicated for the routine evaluation of transient insomnia, chronic insomnia, or insomnia associated with psychiatric disorders (Kushida, 2005).
In a "split-night" study, the patient begins a standard PSG. If, after the first two or three hours, enough data is gathered for a positive diagnosis of OSA, the patient is then asked to wear a CPAP nasal mask for the second part of the study to determine the most appropriate pressure setting (Peff) to relieve the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
B. Polysomnography in Children
Suspicion of the presence of obstructive sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome will be the case in the majority of children referred for polysomnography. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children is a disorder of breathing during sleep, characterized by prolonged partial upper airway obstruction and/or intermittent and complete obstruction, which may be accompanied by hypoxia, hypercapnia and disturbed sleep. It occurs in approximately 2% of children at a peak of 2 to 6 years of age (habitual snoring occurs in 3% to 12% of preschool age children). Most children with obstructive sleep apnea will have habitual snoring, and this may be accompanied by labored breathing or restlessness during sleep. Daytime manifestations of sleep disordered breathing in children are more subtle, and may be more diverse than in adults. Symptoms may include behavioral problems and neuro-cognitive dysfunction with a nearly three-fold increase in children with sleep-disordered breathing. Although the precise relationship between sleep-disordered breathing and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is unknown, it appears that sleep-disordered breathing may exacerbate ADHD, and that some children with hyperactivity caused by sleep-disordered breathing may be misdiagnosed as having ADHD. The possible relationship is strengthened by the observation that children with ADHD have high rates of sleep complaints and disturbances. It is recommended that children who snore and carry a diagnosis of ADHD should be evaluated for the possibility that sleep-disordered breathing is causing or exacerbating the behavioral symptoms. While excessive daytime sleepiness may be present in approximately 20% of children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, this symptom occurs less frequently than in adults.
Although obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children is commonly related to the presence of adenotonsillar hypertrophy, other factors related to dynamic airway collapse appear to be involved. In otherwise normal children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, it is felt that adenotonsillar hypertrophy causes airway narrowing that, when superimposed on subtle abnormalities of upper airway motor control or tone, leads to clinically significant dynamic airway obstruction during sleep. However, the adenotonsillar size or volume, in and of itself, has not been shown to have a simple relationship with the presence of obstructive sleep apnea in children. Routine polysomnography in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy, in the absence of other suggestive signs or symptoms of obstructive sleep-disordered breathing, is not recommended. By the same token, routine polysomnography post-adenotonsillectomy, in a child with pre-existing mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea whose symptoms have resolved post-operatively, is not recommended. However, follow-up polysomnography is recommended post-operatively in the case of a child with pre-existing severe obstructive sleep apnea (RDI or AHI greater than 19).
Other factors that may place the child at risk for obstructive sleep-disordered breathing include: neuromuscular disease associated with either hypotonia or hypertonia; genetic syndromes associated with craniofacial abnormalities, such as midface hypoplasia, micrognathia or small nasopharynx; narrow high arched hard palate, long soft palate, or shallow pharyngeal area; prematurity or African-American ethnicity (in certain age groups).
The diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing in children is most definitively established by performing overnight polysomnography in a sleep lab setting. However, what constitutes normal or abnormal respiratory events during sleep, and the clinical significance and/or implications of these, are not as well established or defined as in the adult population. The natural history of childhood obstructive sleep apnea is not well understood, and the mortality rate in childhood obstructive sleep apnea is unknown. It should also be noted that normative polysomnography data in children differs from that in adults. There are no widely accepted standardized guidelines or diagnostic criteria for classic obstructive sleep apnea in children. The 2002 Clinical Practice Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics state the following: "Although we know which polysomnographic parameters are statistically abnormal, studies have not definitively evaluated which polysomnographic criteria predict morbidity." Nevertheless, most children in whom a diagnosis is made will undergo adenotonsillectomy which will be corrective in 75% - 100% of cases.
C. Description of Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders are some of the most common medical problems in the United States and have a significant impact on quality of life, productivity, and health. There are many different types of sleep-related disorders including sleep apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome, insomnia, narcolepsy, nocturnal movement disorders such as Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD), unexplained excessive daytime sleepiness, and arousal disorders (parasomnias). Most, if not all, of these sleep-related disorders are treatable if diagnosed properly.
Sleep disorder studies, including polysomnography and multiple sleep latency testing, are used to determine or confirm a diagnosis related to sleep disturbances. These tests monitor various bodily functions, including heart and respiratory rate, body position and movement, to gain an understanding of the conditions under which sleep disturbances occur. Obstructive sleep apnea is the primary focus of this document, although other sleep-related disorders are also addressed. Another type of sleep disturbance is simply known as "apnea" or "central apnea." This condition, caused by problems in the central nervous system, is unrelated to obstructive sleep apnea and is not addressed in this Clinical UM Guideline (with the exception of the pediatric indication for central apnea or congenital central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome).
D. Description of Sleep Studies
Standard polysomnogram (PSG) sleep studies (also known as a Type I study) are routinely performed at sleep study centers, either at a hospital or at stand-alone facilities. During the test, a number of sensors are applied to the patient to monitor his or her breathing, heart rate, and other measurements. The patient is then allowed to sleep overnight. Throughout the test, technicians record and monitor the readings received from the sensors. Technicians may need to re-attach loosened sensors if any should need adjustment. One of the criteria for sleep studies is abnormal daytime sleepiness. This is usually measured using a widely used tool called the Epworth Sleepiness scale (see below). A score of greater than or equal to 21 is considered excessive daytime sleepiness, but in clinical practice a score of greater than 10 is considered abnormal and requiring medical attention. This document does not address Type III home/portable sleep studies (see MED.00002 Diagnosis of Sleep Disorders).
E. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale:
The following scale is used to rate answers to the questions below:
0 = No chance of dozing, 1 = Slight chance of dozing, 2 = Moderate chance of dozing, 3 = High chance of dozing
_____ Sitting and reading;
_____ Watching TV;
_____ Sitting inactive in a public place (theater or a meeting);
_____ As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break;
_____ Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit;
_____ Sitting and talking to someone;
_____ Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol;
_____ In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic;
_____ Total Score.
The following scale is used to interpret the Total Score Level of Daytime Sleepiness:
0 - 8 Normal sleep function;
8 - 10 Mild daytime sleepiness;11- 15 Moderate daytime sleepiness;
16- 20 Severe daytime sleepiness;
21- 24 Excessive daytime sleepiness.
| References |
A. Polysomnography (Adults):
Peer Reviewed Publications:
Government Agency, Medical Society, and Other Authoritative Publications:
B. Polysomnography (Children):
Peer Reviewed Publications:
Government Agency, Medical Society, and Other Authoritative Publications:
| Index |
Polysomnography
Sleep Studies
Sleep Testing
| History |
Status | Date | Action |
Reviewed | 08/28/2008 | Medical Policy & Technology Assessment Committee (MPTAC) review. No change to criteria. References were updated. |
Reviewed | 08/23/2007 | MPTAC review. No change to criteria. References and coding sections were updated. |
Revised | 09/14/2006 | MPTAC review. Guideline criteria were clarified to include respiratory disturbance index (RDI) as equivalent to the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) within each guideline category. The guideline title was also changed from the former title, Polysomnography and Other Sleep Studies in Adults and Children to Polysomnography Studies in Adults and Children, since only polysomnography is addressed within this guideline. |
Reviewed | 03/23/2006 | MPTAC review. Updated references and coding. |
| 11/17/2005 | Added reference for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – National Coverage Determination (NCD). |
Revised | 04/28/2005 | MPTAC review. Revision based on Pre-merger Anthem and Pre-merger WellPoint Harmonization. |
Pre-Merger Organizations: | Last Review Date | Document Number | Title |
Anthem, Inc. | 11/07/2000 | MED.00002 | Diagnosis of Sleep Disorders and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea |
WellPoint Health Networks, Inc. | 06/1984 | 2.03.10 | Polysomnography and Other Sleep Studies in Adults |
WellPoint Health Networks, Inc. | 09/23/2004 | 2.03.18 | Polysomnography and Other Sleep Studies in Children |