Medicare National Coverage Determinations (NCD) Manual (Pub. 100-03), Ch. 1 § 20.28
Therapeutic Embolization
20.28 – Therapeutic Embolization
(Rev. 1, 10-03-03)
CIM 35-35
Therapeutic embolization is covered when done for hemorrhage, and for other conditions
amenable to treatment by the procedure, when reasonable and necessary for the
individual patient. Renal embolization for the treatment of renal adenocarcinoma
continues to be covered, effective December 15, 1978, as one type of therapeutic
embolization, to:
• Reduce tumor vascularity preoperatively;
• Reduce tumor bulk in inoperable cases; or
• Palliate specific symptoms.