Purpose of Technology

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) involves the direct stimulation of nerves by short-duration, small-amplitude electrical pulses designed to provide nonpharmacological pain relief of chronic pain arising from low back pain, osteoarthritis of the knee, or other medical conditions.

Questions addressed in this report include:

• Does TENS reduce pain and increase function and mobility in patients with chronic pain conditions?
• How does TENS compare with other treatments for chronic pain?
• Is TENS safe?
• Have definitive patient selection criteria been established for the use of TENS for chronic pain?

These questions provide a framework for review and synthesis of the best available evidence, which is presented in this report, along with the Hayes Ratings for the technology. This report also provides background information about the condition being treated, a description of the technology, and the context for development of the technology. Other key elements addressed in the report include the regulatory status; applicable Medicare and commercial payer coverage policies; relevant ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes; cost and cost effectiveness; credentialing; hospital length of stay; need for large case management; and ongoing and future clinical trials of the technology.

Posted in Directory Reports
This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 at 12:00 pm.