Appendix E - National Coverage Determinations Manual / Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) 160.18

Why This Topic Matters

Coverage determinations affect whether services are considered medically reasonable and necessary under Medicare. Understanding this policy helps readers evaluate whether the article applies to device-related cases and to specific diagnosis groups addressed in the determination.

Article Sections

1. A. General

   Introduces vagus nerve stimulation as a surgically implanted device and provides general background on the therapy and its regulatory status.

2. B. Nationally Covered Indications

   Summarizes the Medicare-covered use category and the effective date associated with the national coverage determination.

3. C. Nationally Non-Covered Indications

   Summarizes the categories of use that are not covered under the national policy and notes the related effective dates.

4. D. Other

   Provides a cross-reference to another related section of the coverage manual.