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LCD L38745: Platelet Rich Plasma

LCD L38745, Platelet Rich Plasma, is the Local Coverage Determination that Palmetto GBA applies to claims from 7 states (AL, GA, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV), effective 2025-03-13 and first in force 2021-02-07. The policy text runs 23 words. 3 other contractors publish a policy with the same title, so the criteria that apply depend on where the service is furnished.

QuickIntell editorial content · Legacy registry date · Review not verified

Data effective
Data currency: Medicare Coverage Database LCD export release of September 24, 2026 (effective September 20, 2026). Next CMS release: weekly (Thursdays) for the MCD.
Contractor
Palmetto GBA
States and territories
7
AL GA NC SC TN VA WV
Revision effective
2025-03-13
Original effective
2021-02-07
Policy text
23 words
Covered ICD-10 codes (articles)
0

Where this LCD applies

Each contract number is a jurisdiction on the remittance; the policy binds claims processed under these contracts and no others.

Contracts that apply LCD L38745
ContractContractorTypeStates
11201Palmetto GBAA and B and HHH MACSC
11301Palmetto GBAA and B and HHH MACVA
11401Palmetto GBAA and B and HHH MACWV
11501Palmetto GBAA and B and HHH MACNC
11202Palmetto GBAA and B and HHH MACSC
11302Palmetto GBAA and B and HHH MACVA
11402Palmetto GBAA and B and HHH MACWV
11502Palmetto GBAA and B and HHH MACNC
10111Palmetto GBAA and B MACAL
10211Palmetto GBAA and B MACGA
10311Palmetto GBAA and B MACTN
10112Palmetto GBAA and B MACAL
10212Palmetto GBAA and B MACGA
10312Palmetto GBAA and B MACTN

Billing and coding: diagnoses and procedure codes

Since 2019 the codes live in the companion article rather than the LCD. Billing and Coding A58282 (Billing and Coding: Platelet Rich Plasma) carries the diagnosis and procedure lists the contractor loads as the claims edit. CPT codes are shown as bare numbers because the descriptors are licensed by the AMA; HCPCS Level II descriptors are public and shown.

A58282: Billing and Coding: Platelet Rich Plasma (Billing and Coding, effective 2026-08-01)

Covered ICD-10-CM codes
0
0 groups
Non-covered ICD-10-CM codes
0
Procedure codes listed
5
Full article
cms.gov record

Procedure codes: 0232T, G0460 (Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma Or Other Blood-Derived Product For Non-Diabetic Chronic Wounds/Ulcers, Including As Applicable Phlebotomy, Centrifugation Or Mixing, And All Other Preparatory Procedures, Administration And Dressings, Per Treatment), M0076 (Prolotherapy), P9020 (Platelet Rich Plasma, Each Unit), S9055 (Procuren Or Other Growth Factor Preparation To Promote Wound Healing).

Coverage indications, limitations and medical necessity

This is a NON-coverage LCD for all platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and/or applications as a means of managing musculoskeletal injuries and/or joint conditions.

Summary of evidence (opening)

Introduction

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is defined as a platelet-rich concentrate with platelet levels greater than the baseline platelet count in whole blood. This autologous derived substance, also referred to as autologous platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF), platelet gel, platelet-rich concentrate, autogenous platelet gel, plasma rich in growth factors or platelet releasate, has been proposed for the treatment of multiple conditions to enhance healing. Theoretically, these growth factors function as a mitogen for fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, osteoblasts and vascular endothelial growth factors. 1,2 While PRP may work by activating the innate immune response and stimulating tissue anabolism, its precise mechanism of action is still unclear. 2 The role that white blood cells (WBCs) may play is particularly unclear, as the immune cells may act as antimicrobial and/or proinflammatory agents. Furthermore, PRP preparations are not standardized and exhibit wide variability in platelet and WBC concentrations and the use of thrombin activators. The way in which variations in PRP composition may impact clinical outcomes is also unclear. 3 Mishra et al. 4 proposed classifying these types in 3 categories: the presence of WBCs (e.g., leukocyte-rich or -poor), whether the PRP is activated or not, and the concentration of platelets.

A number of factors have contributed to the growing popularity of biologic therapies despite the dearth of high-quality clinical trials supporting their use. Musculoskeletal conditions are both serious and prevalent. Conventional treatment, for the most part, is lacking in success. PRP has the appeal of a simple, minimally invasive treatment with little regulation, which can be easily administered via local injection by clinicians. In addition, the biotechnology companies that manufacture the equipment used to assist in the production of these therapies have conducted nation-wide marketing directly to clinicians and consumers, touting success with high profile professional athletes.

A collection and preparation system is used to collect a small sample of blood at the patient’s point of care or clinical laboratory. The systems used for preparing autologous PDGF are Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved under the 510(k) process. While the technology to obtain PRP is FDA-approved, PRP itself is currently not indicated for direct injection. Centrifugation of this blood sample separates the denser red cells from the plasma. The plasma components are divided into a buffy coat and an adjacent layer. The buffy coat contains leucocytes and most of the platelets. The adjacent layer of plasma is less rich in platelets and has few leucocytes. 5

The contractor cites 58 sources in the bibliography; the full summary and analysis of evidence are in the CMS record.

Dates, lineage and related policies

Original determination effective
2021-02-07
Current revision effective
2025-03-13
Last reviewed by the contractor
2024-02-20
MCD version
17

The contractor lists one National Coverage Determination as related: NCD 270.3 Blood-Derived Products for Chronic Non-Healing Wounds. Where an NCD speaks, it controls; the LCD can only address what the NCD leaves open.

Other related documents: A58547 (Response to Comments).

Using this policy on a claim

Match the documented indication to the covered indications above before the service is scheduled, carry a diagnosis from the article's covered list on the claim line, and keep the elements the documentation section asks for in the record, because the contractor can request it later through medical review. A denial under this policy arrives as CARC 50 with remark N115; the LCD lookup guide walks through the appeal path and the Advance Beneficiary Notice rules, and the Palmetto GBA hub lists every other active policy from the same contractor.

The same policy title at other contractors

Contractors often adopt each other's policies and then revise them separately, so the criteria and the diagnosis lists drift apart. The topic comparison lines up every version.

L38937
Wellpoint Federal · 13 states · revised 2026-04-01
L39068
Novitas Solutions, Inc. · 12 states · revised 2021-12-12
L39071
First Coast Service Options, Inc. · 3 states · revised 2021-12-12

Frequently asked questions

What does LCD L38745 cover?

This is a NON-coverage LCD for all platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and/or applications as a means of managing musculoskeletal injuries and/or joint conditions. The full indications and limitations are reproduced on this page from the CMS Medicare Coverage Database export of September 24, 2026.

Which states does LCD L38745 apply to?

Palmetto GBA applies it to Medicare claims in AL, GA, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV. A Local Coverage Determination binds only the contractor that wrote it; the same service in another jurisdiction is judged under that contractor's own policy or, where none exists, claim by claim.

Which diagnosis codes support medical necessity under LCD L38745?

The current export links no billing and coding article with a diagnosis list to this LCD, so coverage is decided on the indications in the policy text and the documentation in the record rather than by an automated diagnosis edit.

How do I appeal a denial under LCD L38745?

The remittance carries claim adjustment reason code 50 with remark code N115, naming the LCD. Compare the documented indication with the policy's covered indications and the article's diagnosis list, then file a redetermination within 120 days with the record attached; if the service genuinely falls outside the policy, the patient can be billed only when a valid Advance Beneficiary Notice was obtained before the service.

Sources

Every figure on this page is taken from the CMS publications below, as released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Projection built 2026-10-02. Verify against the primary file before billing or contracting decisions.

Disclaimer

The policy text and code lists are reproduced from the CMS Medicare Coverage Database export as an operational reference. Verify against the current LCD and article on cms.gov before billing; coverage depends on the full record and the contractor. Not legal, clinical or billing advice.