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.
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01Billing team: For facial nerve surgery billed for chronic facial paralysis, the claim documentation must show that the paralysis has persisted for more than 12 months, that it has caused impaired functional deficit in mastication, speech, or vision, and that electromyography or electroneurography shows no reasonable likelihood of spontaneous return of function.
02Billing team: Do not bill the services the policy lists as not covered for these indications, including botulinum toxin (J0585, J0587), hyperbaric oxygen therapy (G0277, 99183), and electrical stimulation (97014, 97032).
03Billing team: Before billing these services, check the current version of this policy at the source link, because the text provided is dated 10/30/2025.
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