All terms
National and Local Coverage Determinations
Medicare coverage policies issued nationally (NCD) or by individual MAC contractors (LCD).
Reviewed by Christian Espinosa, Founder, Blue Goat CyberLast reviewed May 5, 2026
Definition
An NCD is a binding nationwide Medicare coverage decision; an LCD is a coverage decision by a Medicare Administrative Contractor applicable in its jurisdiction. Both define when an item or service is reasonable and necessary.What this means in practice
Many device coverage paths begin as LCDs that influence later national policy. Manufacturers engage MACs early on evidence requirements and coverage gaps.Cross-references
Uses
Concepts or artefacts this term builds on.
Primary references
3 sourcesLink health: 1 verified 2 needs review· last checked 2026-05-09
CMS·2AdvaMed·1
- 1
Medicare Coverage DatabaseNeeds reviewCMScms.gov
- 2
AdvaMed - Payment & CoverageVerifiedAdvaMedadvamed.org
- 3
CMS - CoverageNeeds reviewCMScms.gov
Inline markers like [1] jump to the matching reference above.