CG-DME-07 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices with Digitized or Synthesized Speech Output

This policy addresses augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) speech-generating devices with digitized or synthesized output. Coverage is provided when a physician and licensed speech-language pathologist recommend the device after a thorough, documented assessment (including diagnosis, functional limitations, impairment severity and prognosis, medical justification showing non-electronic options are inadequate, therapeutic history, and cognitive ability documentation), and when applicable, additional criteria are met. Devices are not covered if these criteria are not met, if the device is not primarily/customarily for augmentative communication, or if it is a non-dedicated, general-purpose device (e.g., laptops, tablets, PDAs) or capable of running non-AAC software.

"Augmentative and alternative communication devices with digitized or synthesized speech output are consideredmedically necessarywhenallof the following criteria A through C are met,andwhen applicab..."