
For Medicare Tens unit is given by the provider initially for a rental period of 30 days trial period, so we need to bill E0730 with RR modifier. When it is purchased you can bill E0730 with NU modifier as per the guidelines. P
Full Answer
Is TENS unit covered by Medicare?
A TENS unit may be used to treat back pain by using a low-voltage electric current. The unit itself is usually a small device that operates on batteries. The device connects to a belt tied to electrodes that conduct a current from the equipment to electrodes attached to the skin. This procedure evolved a 1960s theory that demonstrated when ...
Does insurance cover tens units?
· Division of Federal Employees' Compensation (DFEC) Effective September 25, 2016, TENs Unit Supplies are no longer billable as individual services and must be billed under HCPCS code A4595 (Electrical stimulator supplies, 2 leads, per month). This allowance includes: electrodes (any type), conductive paste or gel, tape or other adhesive, adhesive remover, skin …
Do you need prescription for tens unit?
· 2 TENS leads - a maximum of one unit of A4595 per month. 4 TENS leads - a maximum of two units of A4595 per month. If the use of the TENS unit is less than daily, the frequency of billing for the TENS supply code should be reduced proportionally.
Do TENS units help with pain relief?
· Mar 22, 2017. #1. Good afternoon, I am looking for guidance on billing a TENs unit to Medicare. E0720. We used modifier NU (new) initially but that was rejected. We used modifier KX (greater than 3 months pain) and the claim was denied for POS.

Does Medicare cover TENS?
The use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for the relief of acute post-operative pain is covered under Medicare. TENS may be covered whether used as an adjunct to the use of drugs, or as an alternative to drugs, in the treatment of acute pain resulting from surgery.
What is the billing code for a TENS unit?
All TENs unit supplies must be billed using HCPCS Procedure Code "A4595."
How do you document a TENS unit?
This order must contain: ▪ Patient's name ▪ Physician's name ▪ Date of the order and the start date, if start date is different from order date ▪ Detailed description of the item(s) ▪ Ordering Practitioner's National Provider Identifier (NPI) ▪ Signature of ordering practitioner and signature date.
Are TENS units DME?
DME suppliers provide patients with home use medical equipment such as TENS, crutches, wheelchairs and blood glucose monitors and then bill insurance companies for contracted amounts and collect co-pays from patients. Now, getting back to the questions above.
What is the CPT code for electrodes?
Group 1CodeDescription63661REMOVAL OF SPINAL NEUROSTIMULATOR ELECTRODE PERCUTANEOUS ARRAY(S), INCLUDING FLUOROSCOPY, WHEN PERFORMED63662REMOVAL OF SPINAL NEUROSTIMULATOR ELECTRODE PLATE/PADDLE(S) PLACED VIA LAMINOTOMY OR LAMINECTOMY, INCLUDING FLUOROSCOPY, WHEN PERFORMED6 more rows
What is procedure code 97014?
CPT 97014 is "electrical stimulation (unattended)." This untimed code is not appropriate for dysphagia treatment if the SLP must be present to activate electrical stimulation at the appropriate moment.
How do you document electrical stimulation in physical therapy?
Use CPT Code 97032 Types of e-stim that might require constant contact include: Direct motor point stimulation delivered via a prove. Instructing a patient on how to use a home TENS unit. Use of E-Stim for walking in patients with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).
What is CPT code E0730?
Short Description: Tens four lead. Long Description: TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION (TENS) DEVICE, FOUR OR MORE LEADS, FOR MULTIPLE NERVE STIMULATION.
Is EMS and TENS the same?
The main difference Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machines stimulate the nerves exclusively for the purpose of relieving pain, whereas Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) machines are designed to stimulate the muscles for the purposes of strengthening and rehabilitating them.
Are TENS units covered by insurance?
Insurance may cover a TENS unit if the treatments are medically necessary. You can buy a TENS unit without a prescription. But, you may need documentation from your doctor to get your insurance to cover it.
What is CPT code A4595?
A4595 — Electrical stimulator supplies, 2 lead, per month, (e.g., TENS, NMES) This is the only code allowed for all monthly supplies used with a TENS, NMES, and. all other electrical stim units.
What is Hcpcs A4595?
Short Description: TENS SUPPL 2 LEAD PER MONTH. Long Description: ELECTRICAL STIMULATOR SUPPLIES, 2 LEAD, PER MONTH, (E.G., TENS, NMES)
How many leads are allowed per month for A4595?
If 2 leads are medically necessary, a maximum of only one unit will be allowed per month for Procedure Code A4595. If 4 leads are medically necessary, a maximum of two units will be allowed per month.
What is included in the AA allowance?
This allowance includes: electrodes (any type), conductive paste or gel, tape or other adhesive, adhesive remover, skin preparation materials, and batteries (9 volt or AA, single use or rechargeable), and a battery charger (if rechargeable batteries are used).
What is tens insurance?
A TENS is covered for the treatment of beneficiaries with chronic, intractable pain or acute post-operative pain when one of the following coverage criteria, I or II, are met.
How many Tens leads per month?
2 TENS leads - a maximum of one unit of A4595 per month.
What is CMS in healthcare?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency responsible for administration of the Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Programs, contracts with certain organizations to assist in the administration of the Medicare program. Medicare contractors are required to develop and disseminate Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs). CMS believes that the Internet is an effective method to share LCDs that Medicare contractors develop. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and complete information, CMS does not guarantee that there are no errors in the information displayed on this web site. THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND ITS EMPLOYEES ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR OTHER INACCURACIES IN THE INFORMATION, PRODUCT, OR PROCESSES DISCLOSED HEREIN. Neither the United States Government nor its employees represent that use of such information, product, or processes will not infringe on privately owned rights. In no event shall CMS be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of the use of such information, product, or process.
What are the requirements for Medicare?
For any item to be covered by Medicare, it must 1) be eligible for a defined Medicare benefit category, 2) be reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member, and 3) meet all other applicable Medicare statutory and regulatory requirements.
What is Section 1833 E?
Section 1833 (e) of the Social Security Act precludes payment to any provider of services unless "there has been furnished such information as may be necessary in order to determine the amounts due such provider". It is expected that the beneficiary's medical records will reflect the need for the care provided. The beneficiary's medical records include the treating practitioner’s office records, hospital records, nursing home records, home health agency records, records from other healthcare professionals and test reports. This documentation must be available upon request.
Can you use CPT in Medicare?
You, your employees and agents are authorized to use CPT only as contained in the following authorized materials of CMS internally within your organization within the United States for the sole use by yourself, employees and agents. Use is limited to use in Medicare, Medicaid or other programs administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). You agree to take all necessary steps to insure that your employees and agents abide by the terms of this agreement.
What does GZ mean in a service?
GZ – Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
What is a TENS unit?
A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) (E0720, E0730) is a device that utilizes electrical current delivered through electrodes placed on the surface of the skin to decrease the patient's perception of pain by inhibiting the transmission of afferent pain nerve impulses and/or stimulating the release of endorphins. A TENS unit must be distinguished from other electrical stimulators (e.g., neuromuscular stimulators) which are used to directly stimulate muscles and/or motor nerves.
What is included in Tens rental allowance?
During the rental of a TENS unit, supplies for the unit are included in the rental allowance; there is no additional allowance for items such as electrodes, lead wires, and batteries. If a TENS unit (E0720 or E0730) is purchased, the allowance is all-inclusive of items such as lead wires and one month's supply of items such as electrodes, conductive paste or gel (if needed), and batteries.
Why is a new CMN not required?
A new CMN is not required just because the supplier changes assignment status on the submitted claim.
What are the requirements for Medicare?
For any item to be covered by Medicare, it must 1) be eligible for a defined Medicare benefit category, 2) be reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member, and 3) meet all other applicable Medicare statutory and regulatory requirements. Information provided in this policy article relates to determinations other than those based on Social Security Act §1862 (a) (1) (A) provisions (i.e. “reasonable and necessary”).
Why do contractors need to specify revenue codes?
Contractors may specify Revenue Codes to help providers identify those Revenue Codes typically used to report this service. In most instances Revenue Codes are purely advisory. Unless specified in the article, services reported under other Revenue Codes are equally subject to this coverage determination. Complete absence of all Revenue Codes indicates that coverage is not influenced by Revenue Code and the article should be assumed to apply equally to all Revenue Codes.
Why do contractors specify bill types?
Contractors may specify Bill Types to help providers identify those Bill Types typically used to report this service . Absence of a Bill Type does not guarantee that the article does not apply to that Bill Type. Complete absence of all Bill Types indicates that coverage is not influenced by Bill Type and the article should be assumed to apply equally to all claims.
Where are the documentation requirements located on a DMEPOS?
These general requirements are located in the DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS section of the LCD.
What is a tens device?
TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator. A TENS device may be used to treat chronic pain for a wide range of medical conditions or physical therapy. The device is used to target muscles in the body, such as those that are healing or are experiencing chronic pain. A pulse is sent to the nerves to cause the muscles to contract and release.
Does Medicare cover tens units?
While Medicare does cover TENS units, it is usually on a case-by-case basis. Your doctor must prove to Medicare or your Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part c) plan provider that there is a clear need.
Can you get a Tens unit with Medicare?
For this reason, Medicare may deny coverage on the grounds that your doctor is not exploring other avenues for your treatment. While it's not impossible to gain approval for a TENS unit, it's considered a last option.
Can a doctor prescribe a tens unit?
Yes, a doctor can and might prescribe a TENS unit for you if there is considerable evidence that it's needed. Because your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan may only cover certain devices, it's important that you review your coverage with your physician before receiving the prescription. Your doctor will be able to prescribe a device for you and assist you in meeting all of the demands required for coverage.
What is a Tens unit?
A TENS unit will relieve pain, you should notice immediate results, and you can leave on for hours a day and for many the relief is dramatic. A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator, or TENS Unit, is primarily used for managing chronic pain. It is a pocket size, portable, battery-operated device that sends electrical impulses ...
How long can you leave a Tens unit on?
A TENS unit will relieve pain, you should notice immediate results, and you can leave on for hours a day and for many the relief is dramatic.
What is a pocket size battery operated device?
It is a pocket size, portable, battery-operated device that sends electrical impulses to certain parts of the body to block pain signals. The electrical currents produced are mild, but can prevent pain messages from being transmitted to the brain and raises the level of endorphins (natural pain killers produced by the brain). ...
