CMS Melodic Intonation Therapy Form

Effective Date

03/11/1983

Last Reviewed

NA

Original Document

  Reference



Background for this Policy

Melodic intonation therapy is a technique used in language rehabilitation. Its purpose is to teach aphasic patients to produce useful phrases by intoning them in a melodic pattern with strong rhythmic support. Limited studies by a few institutions show some benefit for a small number of nonfluent aphasic patients otherwise unresponsive to conventional therapy.

Melodic intonation therapy is a covered service only for nonfluent aphasic patients unresponsive to conventional therapy, and only when the conditions for coverage of speech pathology services are met.