NCDActive
Multiple Electroconvulsive Therapy (MECT)
NCD278
Effective: April 1, 2003
Updated: December 31, 2025
Policy Summary
Multiple-seizure electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) is not covered by Medicare because its clinical effectiveness has not been established in scientifically controlled studies. Studies also demonstrate an increased risk of adverse effects with multiple seizures, and therefore MECT is not considered reasonable and necessary for coverage.
Coverage Criteria Preview
Key requirements from the full policy
"Multiple-seizure electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) is not covered because its clinical effectiveness has not been verified by scientifically controlled studies."
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