Topographic Brain Mapping

Select a Secure Log-in

Spotlight

Behavioral Health Management

Our Behaviorial Health Management Department focuses on improving the quality of life for people suffering from mental health or substance abuse issues (MHSA) and is a key aspect of a person’s overall health and wellbeing. Learn More >>>

Mental Health Parity

The Mental Health Parity Act is effective October 3, 2009. Click here to learn more about the Act and how it affects you. Learn More >>>

MP 2.01.10

Topographic Brain Mapping

Medical Policy
Section Medicine	Original Policy Date 12/1/95	Last Review Status/Date Reviewed by consensus/3:2003
Issue 3:2003		Return to Medical Policy Index

Description

Topographic brain mapping (TBM) is an extension of conventional electroencephalography. TBM, sometimes referred to as brain electrical activity mapping (BEAM), involves the computerized analysis and topographic display of EEG rhythms and evoked potential data on a color video screen. A wide assortment of maps can be created to represent different measurement patterns. The purpose of TBM is to identify patterns that distinguish pathological groups from normal ones.

Policy

Topographic brain mapping is considered investigational.

Policy Guidelines

No applicable information

Benefit Application

BlueCard/National Account Issues

Denial of this procedure is applicable for contracts or certificates of coverage that maintain an exclusion for investigational services.

Rationale

A search of the literature was completed through the MEDLINE database for the period of January 1992 through February 20, 1997. The search strategy focused on references containing the following Medical Subject Heading:

– Brain Mapping

Research was limited to English-language journals on humans.

See also:

– TEC Evaluation & Coverage 1987: p. 174

Codes	Number	Description
CPT	No Code
ICD-9 Procedure	No Code
ICD-9 Diagnosis		Investigational for all codes
HCPCS	S8040	Topographic brain mapping
Type of Service	Medical/Diagnostic
Place of Service	Inpatient

Index

Topographic brain mapping

Policy History

Date	Action	Reason
12/1/95	Add to Medicine section	New policy
7/31/97	Replace policy	Reviewed without changes
7/12/02	Replace policy	Policy reviewed without literature review; new review date only
10/9/03	Replace policy	Policy reviewed without literature review; policy no longer scheduled for further review as this topic was of minimal interest to plans. Likely that topographic brain mapping is coded for by CPT code for quantitative EEG.

Search for Policies

Policy Feedback

Resource Center

Find a Provider	Medicare
Prescription Drugs	Medicare Formulary