LCD/NCD Portal

NCD30.4

 

ELECTROSLEEP THERAPY

 

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

• Electrosleep therapy consists of the application of short duration, low-amplitude pulses of direct current to the patient's brain via externally placed occipital electrodes.

• It is commonly used in the treatment of chronic insomnia, anxiety, and depression, but has also been used for psychosomatic disorders such as asthma, spastic colitis, or tension headache, and for organic disorders including essential hypertension.

 

Indications and Limitations of Coverage

• Until scientific assessment of this technique has been completed and its efficacy is established, NO program payment may be made for electrosleep therapy.

 

Medicare NCD Link