National Coverage Determination
NCDs are posted in the Medicare Coverage Database. The decision document, not a code lookup, is the coverage text.
Source: CMS Medicare Coverage Database, national coverage pages. Page read October 14, 2026.
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Definition · Claims processing and coverage determinations
National Coverage Determination
A National Coverage Determination is CMS's nationwide decision about whether Medicare covers an item or service. Contractors follow it. When no NCD exists, a contractor may publish an LCD. This page does not apply an NCD to a person or a claim.
Questions
National Coverage Determination, answered
Does a code lookup apply an NCD?
No. Code pages show the public code file. They do not decide coverage.