---
title: "What Is Local coverage determination? TENS and Pain Glossary"
description: "A local coverage determination, or LCD, is a decision by a Medicare contractor on whether an item is reasonable and necessary in its region."
url: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/local-coverage-determination
publisher: Analgesic Healthcare
phone: +1-800-749-1188
contact: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/contact
---

Insurance

# Local coverage determination

A local coverage determination, or LCD, is a decision by a Medicare contractor on whether an item is reasonable and necessary in its region. LCD L33802 covers TENS units.

CMS says the purpose of a local coverage determination is to give information on the reasonable and necessary criteria for an item. A [DME MAC](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/dme-mac) writes the LCD for its region. The Medicare TENS policy is LCD L33802. CMS lists Florida in DME MAC Jurisdiction C. As of the revision effective January 1, 2024, the LCD says TENS for chronic low back pain will be denied as not reasonable and necessary, and it names headache as a condition where TENS is not considered reasonable and necessary. An LCD applies to Original Medicare claims. Other plans set their own rules. Read [Does Medicare cover a TENS unit?](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/guides/does-medicare-cover-tens-unit).

## Related terms

-   [DME MAC](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/dme-mac)
-   [Medical necessity](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/medical-necessity)
-   [Chronic low back pain](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/chronic-low-back-pain)
-   [Durable medical equipment](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/durable-medical-equipment)

## Sources

1.  [CMS: Local Coverage Determination L33802, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators (TENS)](https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx?lcdid=33802)
2.  [CMS: Who are the MACs, DME MAC Jurisdiction C (JC)](https://www.cms.gov/medicare/medicare-contracting/medicare-administrative-contractors/who-are-the-macs-dme-mac-jurisdiction-c-jc)

## Questions about your unit or a bill?

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