National Coverage Analysis (NCA) Tracking Sheet

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Low Back Pain

CAG-00429N

Issue

In 2010, the Therapeutic and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) published a report finding transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) ineffective for chronic low back pain.

TENS units are usually small, portable battery operated devices which apply an electrical current to the skin for the intent of pain relief. Stimulation parameters such as pulse width, pulse frequency, wave pattern, frequency and intensity are varied in both clinical usage and the research literature. These parameters are often determined for individual patients by a trial and error method which requires several sessions of skilled therapy.

CMS will review available evidence on the use of TENS for the treatment of chronic low back pain. We are particularly interested in receiving evidence speaking to the health outcomes attributable to the use of TENS in home settings.

As we are considering coverage under Section 1862(a)(1)(A) and Section 1862(a)(1)(E) of the Social Security Act, we also encourage the submission of comments that would pertain to clinical studies falling under the Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) paradigm.

Benefit Category

Durable Medical Equipment

Requestor Information

Requestor Name Requestor Letter
Internal request N/A
N/A

Important Dates

Formal Request Accepted and Review Initiated
09/13/2011
Expected NCA Completion Date
06/11/2012
Public Comment Period
09/13/2011 - 10/13/2011
Proposed Decision Memo Due Date
Proposed Decision Memo Released
03/13/2012
Proposed Decision Memo Public Comment Period
03/13/2012 - 04/12/2012
Decision Memo Released
06/08/2012
Comments for this NCA
View Public Comments

Contacts

Lead Analysts
Brijet Burton Coachman, MPP, MS, PA-C
Sarah Meisenberg, MSPH
Lead Medical Officers
Susan Miller, MD

Medicare Benefit Category Determination Date

Actions Taken

September 13, 2011

CMS opens this NCA in order to review the evidence on the use of TENS for the treatment of chronic low back pain. The initial 30 day public comment period begins with this posting date and ends after 30 calendar days. CMS considers all public comments. We are particularly interested in receiving evidence speaking to the health outcomes attributable to the use of TENS in home settings.

Instructions on submitting comments can be found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Medicare/Coverage/InfoExchange/publiccomments.html#TopOfPage

March 13, 2012

June 8, 2012