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The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. 
You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101. 
 
The rules say that a segmented, calibrated gradient pneumatic compression device (Healthcare Common 
Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code E0652) is only covered when the individual has unique 
characteristics which prevent them from receiving adequate satisfactory pneumatic compression treatment 
using a nonsegmented device along with a segmented appliance or compression device without manual control 
of the pressure in each chamber. 
 
A pneumatic compression device (PCD) coded as E0652, is covered for the treatment of lymphedema 
extending onto the chest, trunk and/or abdomen when all of the following are met: 
 
The beneficiary has lymphedema of an extremity as defined above  
The coverage criteria for an E0650 or E0651 are met 
The beneficiary has lymphedema extending onto the chest, trunk and/or abdomen that extends past the limits of 
a standard compression sleeve, and the chest, trunk and/or abdominal lymphedema has failed to improve with a 
four-week trial. (See below for trial guidelines.) 
A PCD coded as E0652 used to treat lymphedema extending onto the chest, trunk and/or abdomen that does not 
meet all of the requirements above is not eligible for reimbursement. Claims will be denied as not reasonable 
and necessary. 
 
A PCD coded as E0652 used to treat lymphedema not extending onto the chest, trunk and/or abdomen or CVI 
is not eligible for reimbursement. Claims will be denied as not reasonable and necessary. 
 
Four-Week Trial for Lymphedema Extending Onto the Chest, Trunk and/or Abdomen 
 
A four-week trial of conservative therapy demonstrating failed response to treatment with and E0650 or E0651 
is required. The four-week trial of conservative therapy must include all of the following: 
 
At least four weeks of regular, daily, multiple-hour home usage of the E0650 or E0651 after careful, in-person 
fitting, training and supervision by a technician who is skilled in and who regularly and successfully uses the 
appliance provided Compliant use of an appropriate compression bandage system or compression garment to provide adequate 
graduated compression 
Adequate compression is defined as (1) sufficient pressure at the lowest pressure point to cause fluid movement 
and (2) sufficient pressure across the gradient (from highest to lowest pressure point) to move fluid from distal 
to proximal. The compression used must not create a tourniquet effect at any point. 
The garment may be prefabricated or custom-fabricated but must provide adequate graduated compression 
starting with a minimum of 30 mmHg distally. 
Regular exercise 
Elevation where appropriate 
Manual lymphatic drainage (where available) and self-manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) for at least 30 
minutes per day 
Evaluation of diet and implementation of any necessary change 
Medications as appropriate (e.g. diuretics and/or other treatment of congestive failure, etc.) 
Correction (where possible) of anemia and/or hypoprotenemia 
The trial of conservative therapy must be documented in the beneficiarys medical record before prescribing 
any type of pneumatic compression device (E0650, E0651, E0652). This assessment may be performed by the 
treating practitioner or any other licensed/certified medical professional (LCMP) directly involved in the 
beneficiarys lymphedema treatment. The LCMP may not have any financial relationship with the DMEPOS 
supplier providing the device. If the assessment is performed by an LCMP, the treating practitioner must 
receive and review the report of the evaluation. In addition, the treating practitioner must sign and date the 
report, and state concurrence or disagreement with the assessment. The signature date must be on or before the 
prescription date. 
 
PCD related accessories (E0655, E0656, E0657, E0660, E0665, E0666, E0667, E0668, E0669, E0670, E0671, 
E0672, E0673) are eligible for reimbursement only when the appropriate, related base PCDs (E0650, E0651, 
E0652, E0675) meets the applicable coverage criteria for that type of PCD. If the base PCD is not covered, 
related accessories are not eligible for reimbursement. Claims for related items will be denied as not reasonable 
and necessary. 
 
PCD CODE SELECTION (E0650, E0651, E0652, E0675, E0676) 
 
A segmented, calibrated gradient pneumatic compression device (HCPCS code E0652) is only covered when 
the individual has unique characteristics which prevent them from receiving adequate satisfactory pneumatic 
compression treatment using a nonsegmented device along with a segmented appliance or compression device 
without manual control of the pressure in each chamber. The only unique characteristics identified in the 
clinical literature that requires the use of an E0652 device is lymphedema extending onto the chest, trunk 
and/or abdomen which has remained unresponsive to all other therapies. You can find this information in the 
Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Pneumatic Compression Devices (L33829). 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com.