In healthcare insurance coding, what does the term "NCD" stand for?

The term "NCD" stands for National Coverage Determination, which is a crucial concept in healthcare insurance coding. NCDs are decisions made by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) about whether a particular service or item is covered under Medicare. These determinations play a significant role in how healthcare providers code services and bill for procedures, as they outline the specific criteria that must be met for coverage.

Understanding NCDs is essential for coders as they need to ensure that the services provided align with the coverage guidelines established by Medicare. This influences both reimbursement for providers and the compliance of coding practices. The other options do not represent established terms used in the context of Medicare coverage policies, making them less relevant in this scenario.