NCDActive
Phrenic Nerve Stimulator
NCD244
Effective: January 1, 1966
Updated: December 31, 2025
Policy Summary
The phrenic nerve stimulator is covered for selected patients with partial or complete respiratory insufficiency (hypoventilation), particularly as an alternative for those dependent on intermittent or permanent mechanical ventilation or requiring a permanent tracheotomy stoma. Coverage requires an intact phrenic nerve and diaphragm; lack of integrity or intraoperative nerve injury may render the device ineffective and necessitate case-specific review.
Coverage Criteria Preview
Key requirements from the full policy
"Implantation of a phrenic nerve stimulator is covered for selected patients with partial or complete respiratory insufficiency (hypoventilation)."
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