Coverage of Conditions and Treatments (Coverage Decisions)

Use this lookup tool to determine coverage decisions, or if prior authorization is needed for the treatment or condition. Note: For Self-insured employer claims, you must contact the employer or their claims administrator.

List also available in PDF format.

Archived Coverage Decisions.

See Treatment Guidelines and Resources for additional information.

Percutaneous neuromodulation therapy, also known as percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is a procedure intended to relieve and manage chronic or intractable low back pain using non-implantable needles positioned in the soft tissues or muscles to stimulate peripheral sensory nerves with electricity.

Coverage decision

L&I does not cover PNT. Due to the lack of controlled trials in published literature, the effectiveness of this therapy has not been substantially established.

Percutaneous Neuromodulation Therapy (PNT), also known as percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS), is a procedure intended to relieve and manage chronic or intractable low back pain (LBP). PNT uses non-implantable needles positioned in the soft tissues or muscles to stimulate peripheral sensory nerves with electricity.

Percutaneous Neuromodulation Therapy technology assessment (94 KB PDF)