Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)

NMES is covered for disuse muscle atrophy only when the nerve supply to the muscle is intact. Functional NMES/FES for walking is covered only for selected spinal cord injury patients who meet multiple criteria (intact lower motor units L1 and below; balance, strength, sensation, cognition, manual dexterity; ≥6 months post-injury; no hip/knee degenerative disease; willingness to use long-term) and who complete a one-on-one training program of at least 32 physical therapy sessions over three months delivered in specified facility settings.

"NMES is covered for treatment of disuse muscle atrophy when nerve supply to the muscle is intact (including intact brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerve inputs)."

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