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INFRARED DEVICES NOT COVERED, CMS SAYS

December 19, 2006

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published information on the national coverage determination (NCD) for infrared devices, which is to be implemented Jan. 16.

In its Dec. 15 announcement, the CMS said it had determined Oct. 24 "there is sufficient evidence to conclude the use of infrared therapy devices and any related accessories is not reasonable and necessary" under the applicable section of the Social Security Act.

As a result, the use of infrared or near-infrared light or heat, including monochromatic infrared energy, is not covered to treat symptoms such as pain arising from diabetic or non-diabetic peripheral sensory neuropathy, or wounds or ulcers of the skin or subcutaneous tissues, the agency said.

Documents on the NCD on infrared devices can be viewed at: www.cms.hhs.gov/transmittals/downloads/R1127CP.pdf (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/transmittals/downloads/R1127CP.pdf) and www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM5421.pdf (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM5421.pdf).