Which statement best describes the relationship between NCD and LCD?

• A. NCDs are only for Part D services.
• B. LCD applies to private insurers; NCD applies to CMS.
• C. LCD is a global coverage policy that applies to all providers.
• D. NCD is a national coverage determination; LCD is a local coverage determination.

Answer: (D)

In Medicare coverage, two levels exist: national and local. A national coverage determination sets whether a service is covered for all Medicare beneficiaries across the country, issued by CMS. A local coverage determination is created by Medicare Administrative Contractors and applies within their geographic area, using locally tailored criteria that still fit within the nationwide framework. The relationship is that national policies govern nationwide coverage, while local policies implement and adapt those rules regionally. If an NCD exists for a service, it takes precedence and LCDs must align with it; if there’s no NCD, the LCD provides the local coverage rules. This is why the statement describing an NCD as a national determination and an LCD as a local determination is the correct description.