Mountain State Medical Policy Bulletin
Section: Orthotic & Prosthetic Devices
Number: O-11
Topic: Wigs
Effective Date: August 1, 2005
Issued Date: August 1, 2005
Date Last Reviewed: 06/2005

General Policy Guidelines

Indications and Limitations of Coverage

Wigs are not covered and not eligible for reimbursement.  A participating, preferred, or network provider can bill the member for the denied service.

Coverage for Prosthetics and Orthotics is determined according to individual or group customer benefits.

Description

Wigs, procedure code S8095, are manufactured coverings of natural or synthetic hair for the head. They are worn for various reasons, e.g. hair loss or to enhance the physical appearance. As such, they serve no identifiable medical purpose.

Additionally, wigs do not meet the definition of a prosthetic device which replaces all or part of a body organ or replaces all or part of the function of a permanently inoperative or malfunctioning body organ.

Procedure Codes

S8095     

Traditional Guidelines

Refer to General Policy Guidelines

FEP Guidelines

Refer to General Policy Guidelines

PPO Guidelines

Refer to General Policy Guidelines

Managed Care POS Guidelines

Refer to General Policy Guidelines

Publications

References

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Glossary




This policy is designed to address medical guidelines that are appropriate for the majority of individuals with a particular disease, illness, or condition. Each person's unique clinical circumstances may warrant individual consideration, based on review of applicable medical records.

Medical policies are designed to supplement the terms of a member's contract. The member's contract defines the benefits available; therefore, medical policies should not be construed as overriding specific contract language. In the event of conflict, the contract shall govern.

Medical policies do not constitute medical advice, nor the practice of medicine. Rather, such policies are intended only to establish general guidelines for coverage and reimbursement under Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. Application of a medical policy to determine coverage in an individual instance is not intended and shall not be construed to supercede the professional judgment of a treating provider. In all situations, the treating provider must use his/her professional judgment to provide care he/she believes to be in the best interest of the patient, and the provider and patient remain responsible for all treatment decisions.

Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield (MSBCBS) retains the right to review and update its medical policy guidelines at its sole discretion. These guidelines are the proprietary information of MSBCBS. Any sale, copying or dissemination of the medical policies is prohibited; however, limited copying of medical policies is permitted for individual use.