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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator

Coverage decision

L&I reimburses for rental and purchase of TENS and interferential units. Rentals or purchases must go through the current contractor, Empi, Inc. L&I will deny all other requests.

TENS, inferential units, related supplies and service are covered when indicated for:

• Symptomatic relief and
• Management of chronic, intractable pain and
• Adjunctive treatment for:
• Post-surgical and
• Post-trauma acute pain.

Self-insured or Crime Victims'

This policy does not apply to self-insured or crime victims' claims.

Background

TENS and interferential therapy units address acute and chronic pain conditions through non-invasive, electrical stimulation. Electrodes administer electrical currents to pain sites. The beat frequencies that the currents create help to resolve pain.

There is evidence the units can be effective in treating acute or postoperative pain. However, there is less evidence the devices are effective in treating chronic pain. In particular, it is unusual for a patient to benefit from a TENS unit for more than 3 months.

For more information:
Contact information.