Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

Medicare covers VNS for medically refractory partial-onset seizures when surgery is not recommended or has failed. Coverage for treatment-resistant depression is limited to FDA-approved VNS devices provided within CMS-approved CED double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trials that meet detailed protocol, enrollment, reporting, and patient-selection criteria (including documented MDD, >=4 prior failed treatments, two pre-implant depression assessments within 45 days, and stable medication for >=4 weeks); device replacement is allowed for TRD patients when required due to battery end-of-life or device malfunction.

"VNS is covered for patients with medically refractory partial-onset seizures for whom epilepsy surgery is not recommended or for whom surgery has failed."

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