Parenteral Nutrition

Parenteral nutrition is covered under the Medicare Prosthetic Device Benefit when enteral nutrition is contraindicated, ineffective, or infeasible and the beneficiary has significant small-intestine/exocrine gland malabsorption or stomach/intestinal motility disorder causing a permanent impairment. The treating practitioner must evaluate the beneficiary within 30 days prior to initiation, document clinical diagnosis and any exceptions to standard nutrient dosing (calories 20–35 kcal/kg/day; protein 0.8–2.0 g/kg/day; dextrose <10%; lipids within FDA dosing), and suppliers must have required orders (SWO/WOPD), proof of delivery, and comply with one-month prospective supply and refill-contact/delivery timing rules.

"Parenteral nutrition is covered when the beneficiary qualifies under the Medicare Prosthetic Device Benefit and the service is reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or ..."