Chemical Aversion Therapy for Treatment of Alcoholism

Chemical aversion therapy for alcoholism is covered by Medicare when determined reasonable and necessary for an individual patient and when a physician certifies its appropriateness; it is particularly supported as part of multi-modality programs that include behavioral therapies. Inpatient coverage is available if the physician documents medical necessity for admission; commonly used agents (emetine, apomorphine, lithium) are not FDA-approved for this indication and patients treated with them must be kept under medical observation.

"Chemical aversion therapy is covered when it is determined to be reasonable and necessary for treatment of alcoholism in the individual patient."

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