Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators (TENS)

Medicare covers TENS as a rental for acute post-operative pain (up to 30 days) and for chronic, intractable pain excluding chronic low back pain when the pain has persisted >=3 months, the presumed etiology is one accepted to respond to TENS, and other appropriate treatments have failed. A monitored trial (30–60 days, paid as rental) by the treating practitioner is required before purchase authorization; supplies and accessories are reimbursed only when used with a covered TENS and subject to specified HCPCS-based frequency limits and documentation (SWO/WOPD, proof of delivery, refill affirmation).

"A TENS unit is covered when ordered by the treating practitioner for treatment of acute post-operative pain, with coverage as a rental beginning the day of surgery."

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