What is the difference between an NCD and an LCD in coverage analysis?

A National Coverage Determination (NCD) is a nationwide Medicare policy that applies uniformly across all states, while a Local Coverage Determination (LCD) is issued by a regional Medicare Administrative Contractor and can vary from state to state. Both matter in a coverage analysis: a procedure covered in one state under an LCD may not be covered in another. BRANY’s billing plans incorporate applicable NCDs, related national guidelines, journal references, and the relevant LCDs to capture these regional limitations.