US · guidance
NCD 160.15
Electrotherapy for Treatment of Facial Nerve Paralysis (Bell's Palsy)
Item/Service Description
Electrotherapy for the treatment of facial nerve paralysis is the application of electrical stimulation to affected facial muscles to provide muscle innervation with the intention of preventing muscle degeneration. A device that generates an electrical current with controlled frequency, intensity, wave form and type (galvanic or faradic) is used in combination with a pad electrode and a hand applicator electrode to provide electrical stimulation.
Indications and Limitations of Coverage
Electrotherapy for the treatment of facial nerve paralysis, commonly known as Bell's Palsy, is not covered under Medicare because its clinical effectiveness has not been established.
History
Version 1
Provenance
- Source
- cms.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-08-26
- Edition
- mcd-2026-08-26
- Content hash
aec6f2f095f1a75b481b42ffa0d6b2b544fe797c40f84289c3747c6ea897ccd2
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