US · guidance
NCD 220.11
Thermography
Item/Service Description
Thermography is the measurement of self-emanating infrared radiation that reveals temperature variations at the surface of the body. The thermographic device senses body temperature and demonstrates areas of differing heat emission by producing brightly colored patterns. Each color represents a specific temperature level. Interpretation of these color patterns according to designated anatomic distribution is thought to aid in diagnosing a vast array of diseases.
Indications and Limitations of Coverage
Thermography for any indication (including breast lesions which were excluded from Medicare coverage on July 20, 1984) is excluded from Medicare coverage because the available evidence does not support this test as a useful aid in the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury. Therefore, it is not considered effective. This exclusion was published as a CMS Final Notice in the "Federal Register" on November 20, 1992.
Revision History
02/1994 - Noncovered for all indications. Effective date 12/21/1992. (TN 67)
History
Version 1
Provenance
- Source
- cms.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-08-26
- Edition
- mcd-2026-08-26
- Content hash
8b14ddbcc4ac2673bcb398eb14c9f0ae624262666a2a98ff361ac280c25673ab
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