Where this LCD applies
Each contract number is a jurisdiction on the remittance; the policy binds claims processed under these contracts and no others.
| Contract | Contractor | Type | States |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11201 | Palmetto GBA | A and B and HHH MAC | SC |
| 11301 | Palmetto GBA | A and B and HHH MAC | VA |
| 11401 | Palmetto GBA | A and B and HHH MAC | WV |
| 11501 | Palmetto GBA | A and B and HHH MAC | NC |
| 10111 | Palmetto GBA | A and B MAC | AL |
| 10211 | Palmetto GBA | A and B MAC | GA |
| 10311 | Palmetto GBA | A and B MAC | TN |
Coverage indications, limitations and medical necessity
Surface electrical stimulation in the treatment of dysphagia is being used by some Medicare providers as an adjunct to usual care. There is insufficient scientific or clinical evidence to consider this device as reasonable and necessary for the treatment of dysphagia within the meaning of §1862(a)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act (SSA) and will not be covered by this A/B MAC.
Summary of evidence (opening)
N/A
the full summary and analysis of evidence are in the CMS record.
Dates, lineage and related policies
- Original determination effective
- 2015-10-01
- Current revision effective
- 2023-08-17
- Last reviewed by the contractor
- 2023-07-06
- MCD version
- 30
- Derived from
- L31584
The contractor lists 2 National Coverage Determinations as related: NCD 160.2 Treatment of Motor Function Disorders with Electric Nerve Stimulation, NCD 170.3 Speech-Language Pathology Services for the Treatment of Dysphagia. Where an NCD speaks, it controls; the LCD can only address what the NCD leaves open.
Other related documents: A56584 (Billing and Coding).
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.
Frequently asked questions
What does LCD L34578 cover?
Surface electrical stimulation in the treatment of dysphagia is being used by some Medicare providers as an adjunct to usual care. There is insufficient scientific or clinical evidence to consider this device as reasonable and necessary for the treatment of dysphagia within the meaning of §1862(a)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act (SSA) and will not be covered by this A/B MAC. 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 L34578 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 L34578?
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 L34578?
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.
- Medicare Coverage Database, current LCD exportVersion MCD release 2026-09-24 · effective 2026-09-20 · file lcd.csvSHA-256 2fcc4251b6ddd1eb…
- Medicare Coverage Database, current Billing and Coding Articles exportVersion MCD release 2026-09-24 · effective 2026-09-20 · file article.csvSHA-256 f31932f1df3b4035…
- ICD-10-CM FY2027 code descriptionsVersion FY2027 · effective 2026-10-01 · file icd10cm_codes_2027.txtSHA-256 3c0583a38ee0e848…
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.