You do NOT need a prescription to obtain a TENS unit. If you are trying to get your insurance or Medicare to pay for a unit, you will need to check their guidelines. Their requirements frequently change, and many have different rules. You might need documentation from your doctor stating that the treatment is medically necessary.
Full Answer
Does Medicare cover tens units?
Tens Unit Covered By Medicare Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (Tens Unit Covered By Medicare) 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 to certain parts of the body to block pain signals.
What are the payment policy requirements for a TENS unit?
In addition, there are specific statutory payment policy requirements, discussed below, that also must be met. 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.
Do TENS units work for pain relief?
It is used extensively and recommended by sports coaches, physiotherapy, pain clinics, doctors and other medical practitioners. 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 are the different types of TENS units?
The FREEDOM TENS is a dual channel, tens unit featuring four treatment modes; Normal, Burst, Modulated Rate and Modulated Width. Easy to use, the FREEDOM TENS has push button mode and timer selectors.
Is TENS covered by Medicare?
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.
How can I get insurance to pay for TENS unit?
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.
Can a doctor write a prescription for a TENS unit?
TENS devices are also available by prescription. Other electrical stimulation devices can be purchased over-the-counter. Always check with your doctor or healthcare professional before using the device.
Is a TENS unit considered durable medical equipment?
Aetna considers transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators (TENS) medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME) when used as an adjunct or as an alternative to the use of drugs either in the treatment of acute post-operative pain in the first 30 days after surgery, or for certain types of chronic, intractable ...
How much is a TENS unit cost?
How Much Does a TENS Unit Cost? A TENS device is available online and can be used at home. It's not typically covered by insurance, but you also don't need a prescription for one. A TENS unit is a $30 to $100 expense.
Is it worth buying a TENS machine?
TENS is not a cure for pain and often only provides short-term relief while the TENS machine is being used. However, the treatment is generally very safe and you may feel it's worth trying instead of, or in addition to, the usual medical treatments.
Why would a doctor prescribe a TENS unit?
Advantages of Prescription Strength TENS To produce pain relief, a TENS device must stimulate a sufficient number of nerves. Moreover, activation of deep nerves, which requires higher power, may provide more pain relief than superficial nerves.
Who shouldn't use a TENS unit?
There are some people who shouldn't use TENS. They include pregnant women (because it may induce premature labor) and anyone who has a pacemaker or other implanted heart rhythm device.
Where do you put TENS pads for peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral Neuropathy (upper extremities) Electrode Placement Channel 1: Place one electrode anterior and inferior to the acromion. Place the other electrode near the lateral epicondyle. Channel 2: Place one electrode over the anterior wrist. Place the other electrode over the carpal area.
Is peripheral nerve stimulation covered by Medicare?
NOTE: Peripheral nerve stimulators may also be employed to assess a patient's suitability for continued treatment with an electric nerve stimulator. As explained in §160.7. 1, such use of the stimulator is covered as part of the total diagnostic service furnished to the beneficiary rather than as a prosthesis.
Is Neurostimulator covered by Medicare?
Traditional Medicare does cover spinal cord stimulators, and the procedures to implant them in the body. Because the science behind spinal cord stimulators is sound, Medicare is willing and able to cover the procedure and its hardware for those that qualify.
Does electrical stimulation help nerve damage?
All experimental results indicated that electrical stimulation facilitates regeneration of injured nerve; direct stimulation caused better recovery than TENS with respect to functional and morphological parameters during the six weeks of the experiment.
What Is a TENS Unit?
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.
How Much Does a Good TENS Unit Cost?
The cost of a TENS unit may vary depending on the model, its capabilities and any additional functions. The cheaper units may run around $100, but more expensive models can be over $500.
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.
Does Medicare Cover TENS Units for Back Pain?
Most of the evidence and research about TENS units has been anecdotal in regards to how effective a TENS unit is in the treatment of back pain. For this reason, Medicare may deny coverage on the grounds that your doctor is not exploring other avenues for your treatment.
Does Medicare Cover TENS Units for E-Stim Therapy?
There are many conditions that may require e-stim therapy, which requires the use of a TENS unit. If your doctor is using a broader approach that incorporates the use of your device as part of a larger treatment plan, you're more likely to be approved for coverage.
What TENS Units Are Covered by Medicare?
If you have received approval from Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) or from a Medicare Advantage plan for the use of a TENS unit, it will be covered under your medical devices coverage. You will need to work with your doctor to find a specific device that your plan covers.
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.
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).
General Information
CPT codes, descriptions and other data only are copyright 2021 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/HHSARS apply.
Article Guidance
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.
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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.
