LCD/NCD Portal

NCD100.7

 

COLONIC IRRIGATION

 

Effective Date of this Version

• This is a longstanding national coverage determination.

• The effective date of this version has not been posted.

 

Benefit Category

• Physicians' Services

• Note: This may not be an exhaustive list of all applicable Medicare benefit categories for this item or service.

 

Item/Service Description

• Colonic irrigation is a procedure to wash out or lavage material on the walls of the bowel to an unlimited distance without inducing defecation.

• This procedure is distinguished from all types of enemas which are primarily used to induce defecation.

 

Indications and Limitations of Coverage

• There are no conditions for which colonic irrigation is medically indicated and no evidence of therapeutic value.

• Accordingly, colonic irrigation cannot be considered reasonable and necessary within the meaning of section 1862(a)(1) of the Act.

 

Medicare NCD Link