Speech-Language Pathology

Medicare covers speech-language pathology services when medically necessary and documented per this LCD and applicable NCDs; covered services include hands-on evaluations, skilled therapeutic procedures, AAC device selection/training, patient/family training, and aural rehabilitation when hearing cannot be corrected with amplification. Non-skilled, routine, or screening services, services by unlicensed personnel or SLP assistants/aides, most group sessions in non-medical settings, and specified geriatric fluency/myofunctional disorders are not covered; detailed documentation (physician order/certification, history, plan of care, goals, audiogram and cognitive/vision status when applicable) is required to support coverage.

"Speech-language pathology (SLP) services are covered when they meet the medical necessity criteria in this LCD and applicable National Coverage Determinations."