Treatment of Obesity
Current language in Pub. 100-03, National Coverage Determinations Manual (NCDM) states “obesity itself cannot be considered an illness.” This language is being removed, and the remaining language revised, as the NCDM is intended to address the coverage of particular care and services rather than the definition of illness. The change in the manual language will not directly affect current Medicare coverage of obesity treatments. Services in connection with the treatment of obesity are covered services only when an integral and necessary part of a course of treatment for a medical condition. Treatment of obesity unrelated to such a medical condition remains non-covered.
Final
Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Issue Date: October 01, 2004
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