LCD/NCD Portal

NCD160.15

 

ELECTROTHERAPY FOR TREATMENT OF FACIAL NERVE PARALYSIS (BELL'S PALSY)

 

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

• Electrotherapy for the treatment of facial nerve paralysis is the application of electrical stimulation to affected facial muscles to provide muscle innervation with the intention of preventing muscle degeneration.

• A device that generates an electrical current with controlled frequency, intensity, wave form and type (galvanic or faradic) is used in combination with a pad electrode and a hand applicator electrode to provide electrical stimulation.

 

Indications and Limitations of Coverage

• Electrotherapy for the treatment of facial nerve paralysis, commonly known as Bell's palsy, is NOT covered under Medicare because its clinical effectiveness has not been established.

 

Medicare NCD Link