Speech - Language Pathology (SLP) Services: Communication Disorders

This LCD covers skilled speech-language pathology evaluation and therapeutic services necessary to diagnose and treat speech, language, voice, fluency, articulation, auditory processing, and cognitive-communication impairments, including device evaluation and AAC interventions, when documentation supports medical necessity and skilled need. Routine screening services and non-skilled repetitive maintenance solely to maintain function are not covered; comprehensive aphasia assessment is generally covered one time and other services must follow CMS Medicare Benefit Policy Manual documentation and coverage rules.

"SLP services are covered when necessary for diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, voice, fluency, articulation, and cognitive-communication impairments resulting in communication disabilitie..."

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