CMS Requests Evidence on TENS
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) will conduct a national coverage analysis on evidence on the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for treatment of chronic low back pain. The agency is particularly interested in receiving evidence on health outcomes attributable to the use of TENS in home settings. CMS also encourages the submission of comments that pertain to clinical studies falling under the Coverage with Evidence Development paradigm, as it is considering coverage under Section 1862(a)(1)(A) and Section 1862(a)(1)(E) of the Social Security Act.
CMS' analysis follows a 2010 report by the Therapeutic and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology that found TENS ineffective for chronic low back pain.
APTA will submit comments by the October 13 deadline.