Electrical and Electromagnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Arthritis

This policy addresses use of noninvasive electrical and electromagnetic stimulation modalities—including pulsed electrical stimulation, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy via external coils, and short‑wave diathermy devices (e.g., SofPulse, ActiPatch)—for arthritis‑related and musculoskeletal indications such as knee osteoarthritis, wrist/knee pain, rheumatoid arthritis of the hand, plantar fasciitis, postoperative superficial soft‑tissue pain/edema, and related strains/sprains. Major limitations: these therapies are generally considered experimental/investigational and not covered for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis due to low‑quality, short‑term, heterogeneous evidence with small trials and marginal benefits in some RCTs (e.g., BioniCare); nonprescription devices other than ActiPatch are not evaluated and longer, higher‑quality studies are required.

"Noninvasive pulsed electrical stimulation for pain targeting the knee or wrist."