Chronic low-level pain can be difficult to deal with, especially if you do not want to use invasive surgery or medication options. There are several drug-free pain relief items, including the popular TENS unit, that can be purchased over the counter without a doctor’s prescription.
TENS Unit
A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator, also referred to as a TENS unit, is a pain relief device that works through the skin, emitting a tingling sensation to help manage pain. Putting the pads on your painful areas, the TENS unit helps to release endorphins which pass along signals from one neuron to the next that help to naturally fight pain. There is no limit to how often or how long to use the TENS unit; some people find relief in 15 minutes to an hour, while others wear the device all day. You do not need a prescription for the REBOUND® TENS unit.
Electrode Pads/Lead Wires
Replacement electrode pads and additional lead wires are available separately for your TENS unit. Each package of electrode pads includes 4 electrodes and the adhesive can be used multiple times.
Insurance
Insurance coverage should always be verified with one of Rice Home Medical’s customer service representatives. Medicare, and other insurance providers who follow Medicare guidelines, requires that a physician, NP, CNS, or PA have had a Face-to-Face examination with the patient that documents that the patient was evaluated and supports the need for the prescribed treatment.
A TENS Unit is covered for treatment of patients with chronic, intractable pain or acute post-operative pain when one of the following coverage criteria of 1-3 is met:
- Acute post-operative pain: coverage is limited to 30 days from the day of surgery. Payment will be made only as a rental. There must be information in the medical record documenting:
a. Date and nature of the surgery
b. Location and severity of pain - Chronic pain other than low back pain: must meet all criteria A-C.
a. The presumed etiology of the pain must be a type that typically responds to TENS therapy (this does not include headache, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, or TMJ pain).
b. The pain must have been present for at least 3 months.
c. Other appropriate treatment modalities have been tried and failed. - Chronic Low Back Pain is only covered if the patient is enrolled in an approved clinical study and has a qualifying diagnosis.