Use of an oscillatory positive expiratory pressure device may be considered medically necessary in patients with hypersecretory lung disease (ie, produce excessive mucus) who have difficulty clearing the secretions and recurrent disease exacerbations.
High-frequency chest wall compression devices and intrapulmonary percussive ventilation devices may be considered medically necessary in patients with cystic fibrosis or chronic diffuse bronchiectasis as determined by specific criteria (see Policy Guidelines section) (including chest computed tomography scan) when standard chest physical therapy has failed or standard chest physical therapy is unavailable or not tolerated. In considering the chest wall compression and intrapulmonary percussive ventilation devices, there should be demonstrated need for airway clearance. There should also be documented failure of standard treatments (ie, the patient has frequent severe exacerbations of respiratory distress involving inability to clear mucus despite standard treatment [chest physical therapy and, if appropriate, use of an oscillatory positive expiratory pressure device] or valid reasons why standard treatment cannot be performed, such as inability of the caregiver to perform it).
Other applications of high-frequency chest wall compression devices and intrapulmonary percussive ventilation devices, including, but not limited to, their use in patients with cystic fibrosis or chronic diffuse bronchiectasis other than as specified above, their use as an adjunct to chest physical therapy, and their use in other lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or respiratory conditions associated with neuromuscular disorders, are considered investigational.
