Diathermy Treatment

Pulsed-wave diathermy is covered only when the MAC medical staff has determined the specific apparatus is therapeutically effective, and only for conditions for which standard diathermy is medically indicated. Coverage is limited to services rendered by a physician or provided incident to a physician's professional services; documentation of MAC determination and physician involvement is required. No frequency limits are specified in this NCD; follow standard diathermy or local MAC guidance for quantity limits.

"Pulsed-wave diathermy is covered when the Medicare Administrative Contractor's (MAC) medical staff has determined that the specific pulsed-wave diathermy apparatus used is therapeutically effective."

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