Facial Nerve Paralysis (CPB 0745, reviewed 2025-10-30)
Aetna's Clinical Policy Bulletin 0745 covers facial nerve surgery for chronic facial paralysis only when the paralysis has persisted for more than 12 months, has caused impaired functional deficit in mastication, speech, or vision, and there is no reasonable likelihood of spontaneous return of function as determined by electromyography or electroneurography. Blink reflex testing for the diagnosis of Bell's palsy and gold weight eyelid implants for the treatment of Bell's palsy are covered as medically necessary. The policy treats combined electrophysiological tests, neuromuscular ultrasound, botulinum toxin, electrical stimulation, acupuncture, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, facial retraining therapy and several other listed treatments for Bell's palsy as experimental, investigational, or unproven.