Cigna / ASH Medical Coverage Policies

Cigna / ASH Medical Coverage Policies are intended to provide guidance in interpreting certain standard benefit plans administered by Cigna Companies. Please note, the terms of a customer’s particular benefit plan document may differ significantly from the standard benefit plans upon which these Cigna / ASH Medical Coverage Policies are based. In the event of a conflict, a customer’s benefit plan document always supersedes the information in the Cigna / ASH Medical Coverage Policy. In the absence of a controlling federal or state coverage mandate, benefits are ultimately determined by the terms of the applicable benefit plan document.

Determinations in each specific instance may require consideration of:

1. the terms of the applicable benefit plan document in effect on the date of service
2. any applicable laws/regulations
3. any relevant collateral source materials including Cigna-ASH Medical Coverage Policies
4. the specific facts of the particular situation

Where coverage for care or services does not depend on specific circumstances, reimbursement will only be provided if a requested service(s) is submitted in accordance with the relevant guidelines and criteria outlined in this policy, including covered diagnosis and/or procedure code(s) outlined in the Coding Information section of this policy. Reimbursement is not allowed for services when billed for conditions or diagnoses that are not covered under this policy. When billing, providers must use the most appropriate codes as of the effective date of the submission. Claims submitted for services that are not accompanied by covered code(s) under this policy will be denied as not covered.

Cigna / ASH Medical Coverage Policies relate exclusively to the administration of health benefit plans. Cigna / ASH Medical Coverage Policies are not recommendations for treatment and should never be used as treatment guidelines. Some information in these Coverage Policies may not apply to all benefit plans administered by Cigna. Certain Cigna Companies and/or lines of business only provide utilization review services to clients and do not make benefit determinations. References to standard benefit plan language and benefit determinations do not apply to those clients.

Medically Necessary

Use of electric stimulation (e.g. TENS, EMS) is considered medically necessary in a clinic setting and under the direct supervision of a physical therapist or similar professional when prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment program for pain and swelling, and only used short term up to 2 weeks.

Note: The medical records must document a response to the use of electrical stimulation, including specific parameters related to the type of electric stimulation (e.g. low or high frequency TENS, electrode placement).

Electric Stimulation for Pain, Swelling and Function in a Clinical Setting (CPG 272)

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is considered medically necessary for disuse atrophy where the nerve to the muscle is intact and the individual has any of the following non-neurological reasons for the disuse atrophy and only in conjunction with active exercise:

• Major hip or knee surgery where there is failure to respond to basic therapeutic exercises as initiated in physical therapy/rehabilitation; or
• Previous immobilization (e.g.

  casting or splinting) of an extremity (arm or leg)

  Experimental, Investigational, Unproven

  Each of the following electrical stimulation devices, therapies, and treatments is considered experimental, investigational, or unproven for the treatment of any condition:

  • Cranial electrotherapy stimulation
  • Deep Pharyngeal Neuromuscular Stimulation (DPNS)
  • Hako-Med treatments
  • H-WAVE® stimulation
  • Microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation (MENS) therapy
  • Microcurrent point stimulation
  • Neufit Neubie device
  • NMES/Electrical Stimulation (e.g. Guardian dysphagia dual chamber unit, VitalStim Therapy device)
  • Pelvic floor stimulation (electric and magnetic stimulation)
  • Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) and Percutaneous Neuromodulation Therapy (PNT)
  • RST-SANEXAS neoGEN® Electric cell-Signaling Treatments (EcST)
  • Transcutaneous electrical modulation pain reprocessing (TEMPR) (e.g., Scrambler therapy, Calmare®)
  • Threshold Electrical Stimulation

  Electrical stimulation (except NMES) is contraindicated in areas of sensory deficits. A patient's sensory deficits (decrease or loss) do not allow them to provide the correct feedback necessary for the safe and effective application to the affected area. Electrical stimulation in other related areas without sensory deficits may be appropriate.

  Note: For information on home electrical stimulation devices (electrical stimulators) please refer to Cigna Coverage Policy Electrical Stimulation Therapy and Home Devices.

  DESCRIPTION

  Electrical stimulation (ES) therapy involves the application of electrodes to the affected area of the body for the purpose of delivering electrical current. There are several forms of electrical current used in rehabilitation settings. Electrical stimulation is used for muscle re-education (disuse atrophy), pain relief, reduction of swelling, and healing enhancement. This CPG will focus on the use of electric stimulation for pain, swelling and function (muscle re-education/disuse atrophy) when used in the outpatient clinic setting.

  GENERAL BACKGROUND

  A TENS unit must be distinguished from other electrical stimulators (e.g., neuromuscular stimulators) which are used to directly stimulate muscles and/or motor nerves. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is characterized by biphasic current and selectable parameters such as pulse rate and pulse width. TENS uses a battery-operated device that applies electrical stimulation via transmission of pulses of various configurations at the site of pain by wired electrodes that are taped to the surface of the skin. For example, conventional TENS or Electric Stimulation for Pain, Swelling and Function in a Clinical Setting (CPG 272) high frequency TENS delivers 40–150 hertz (Hz) compared to acupuncture-like TENS that delivers a low frequency at 1–10 Hz. Pulsed TENS uses low-intensity firing in high-frequency bursts at 100 HZ. Units often have preset programs with variations and modulations of frequencies and durations of pulses. TENS has been used for a number of applications. In theory, TENS stimulates sensory nerves to block pain signals; it also stimulates endorphin production to help normalize sympathetic function. TENS has been used to relieve acute or chronic pain related to musculoskeletal conditions, pain associated with active or post-trauma injury, obstetrical pain, or postoperative pain. TENS for pain control occurs via the gate theory or the endogenous opiate theory. Conventional transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) is an example of the use of the gate theory to control or block pain. Low rate TENS is an example of the use of the endogenous opiate theory of pain control.

  TENS can also be delivered through the use of a form-fitting conductive garment (for example, a garment with conductive fibers that are separated from the individual's skin by layers of fabric). This garment is applied when a condition exists that precludes conventional TENS electrode placement.

  Microcurrent Electrical Nerve Stimulation (MENS) involves the use of a device that delivers small amounts of electrical current (millionths of an amp) to help relieve pain and heal soft tissues of the body. The application of microcurrent stimulation to an injured area is proposed to realign the body’s electrical current and increase the production of adenosine triphosphate, resulting in increased healing and recovery and blocking of perceived pain. The electrical current is subsensory and usually not felt. MENS differs from TENS in that it uses a significantly reduced electrical stimulation (i.e., 1,000 times less current than TENS). The goal of TENS is to block pain, while MENS acts on naturally-occurring electrical impulses to decrease pain by stimulating the healing process (Frequency Specific Microcurrent, 2014).

  Frequency specific microcurrent (FSM) is a type of microcurrent therapy. The microcurrent device has two separate channels that allow both the frequency and current to be set independently for each channel. FSM is proposed as a treatment option for nerve and muscle pain, shingles, and herpes (Frequency Specific Microcurrent, 2011).

  The H-WAVE® electrical stimulation device generates a biphasic, exponentially decaying waveform with pulse- wide widths. Its waveform distinguishes it from TENS and other forms of electrical stimulators. H-WAVE® is classified as a powered muscle stimulator. The hypothesis that the H-WAVE® device (Electronic Waveform Lab, Inc., Huntington Beach, CA), a small-diameter fiber stimulator, is a paradigm shift of electrotherapeutic treatment of pain associated with human neuropathies and sports injuries is based on a number of its properties. The primary effect of H-WAVE® device stimulation (HWDS) is the stimulation of "red-slow-twitch" skeletal muscle fibers. The authors propose, based on the unique waveform, that the H-WAVE® device specifically and directly stimulates the small smooth muscle fibers within the lymphatic vessels ultimately leading to fluid shifts and reduced edema. The H-WAVE® device was designed to stimulate an ultra-low frequency (1-2 Hz), low tension, non-tetanizing, and non-fatiguing contraction, which closely mimics voluntary or natural muscle contractions. The H-WAVE® device can stimulate small fibers due in part to its exponentially decaying waveform and constant current generator activity. The main advantage of these technologies over currently applied electrical stimulators (e.g., TENS, interferential, NMES high-volt galvanic, etc.) is that H-WAVE® small fiber contraction does not trigger an activation of the motor nerves of the large white muscle fibers or the sensory delta and C pain nerve fibers, thus eliminating the negative and painful effects of tetanizing fatigue, which reduces transcapillary fluid shifts.

  Another proposed function of the H-WAVE® device is an anesthetic effect on pain conditions, unlike a TENS unit which in the short term activates a hypersensory overload effect (gate theory) to stop pain signals from reaching the thalamic region of the brain. When the H-WAVE® device is used at high frequency (60 Hz), it supposedly acts intrinsically on the nerve to deactivate the sodium pump within the nerve fiber, leading to a long-lasting anesthetic/analgesic effect due to an accumulative postsynaptic depression.

  The large pulse width theoretically enables contraction in the muscle for extended periods of time at a low fatigue rate and increases circulation, muscle relaxation, pain relief and wound healing. H-WAVE® stimulation has been used in the treatment of pain related to a variety of etiologies, such as diabetic neuropathy, muscle sprains, temporomandibular joint dysfunctions, or reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

  H-WAVE® electrical stimulation must be distinguished from the H-waves that are a component of electromyography.

  Other waveforms are used for pain modulation as well, including interferential current (IFC), which is produced by two interfering alternating currents. Interferential stimulation (IFS) is characterized by 2 alternating-current sine waves of differing medium frequencies that combine together to produce an interferential current that is also known as a beat pulse or alternating modulation frequency. One of the 2 currents is held at 4,000 Hz, and the other can be held constant or varied over a range of 4,001 to 4,100 Hz.

  Interferential therapy (IFT) delivers a crisscross current at 4000–4150 pulses per second, resulting in deeper muscle penetration. It is theorized that IFT prompts the body to secrete endorphins and other natural painkillers and stimulates parasympathetic nerve fibers to increase blood flow and reduce edema.

  Interferential currents reportedly can stimulate sensory, motor, and pain fibers. Because of the frequency, the interferential wave meets low impedance when crossing the skin to enter the underlying tissue. This deep tissue penetration can be adjusted to stimulate parasympathetic nerve fibers for increased blood flow.

  According to proponents, interferential stimulation differs from TENS because it allows a deeper penetration of the tissue with more comfort (compliance) and increased circulation.

  High Voltage Galvanic Stimulation (HVGS) or high volt pulsed current (HVPC) is characterized by high voltage pulsed stimulation and is proposed primarily for local edema reduction through muscle pumping and polarity effect.

  High volt pulsed current (HVPC) is used for tissue healing and edema control based on polarity principles. Edema is comprised of negatively charged plasma proteins, which leak into the interstitial space. The theory of HVPC is that the high voltage stimulus applies an electrical potential which disperses the negatively charged proteins away from the edematous site, thereby helping to reduce edema (Cameron, 2017).

  Neuromuscular electric stimulation (NMES) is the application of electrical current through electrodes on the skin to targeted muscles to elicit muscle contraction. NMES is proposed to promote neuromuscular re-education, improve motor unit recruitment, and thus to prevent or diminish muscle atrophy and is an established treatment modality for disuse atrophy when the nerve supply to the muscle is intact.

  NMES is typically used as a component of a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Compared to TENS, NMES delivers a stronger current with a wider pulse width.

  Neuromuscular electrical stimulation can be grouped into 2 categories: (i) stimulation of muscles to treat muscle atrophy due to disuse (e.g. post-surgical, immobilization), and (ii) enhancement of functional activity in neurologically impaired individuals. These devices within the second category use electrical impulses to activate paralyzed or weak muscles in precise sequence and have been utilized to provide SCI patients with the ability to walk (e.g., The Parastep I System). Neuromuscular electrical stimulation used in this manner is commonly known as functional electrical stimulation (FES).

  Electric stimulated muscle contraction/neuromuscular electric stimulation (NMES) has been found to enhance muscle function gains post-surgically. Patients who have received an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have demonstrated accelerated recovery and greater muscle function when NMES is used in combination with exercise; however the impact on functional outcomes is inconsistent (Cameron, 2017). Similar results were noted with knee OA patients and for other inflammatory conditions of the knee. Most research studied the use of NMES on the quadriceps muscle, however clinically NMES may be used for other joints and muscle groups (Cameron, 2017).

  Functional electric stimulation (FES) is proposed for use in certain neurologic populations. As an example, FES can be applied to the anterior tibialis muscle to assist in dorsiflexion during gait for patients with foot drop. Several studies support the integration of FES for patients with spinal cord injury or who have sustained a stroke for various activities. As long at the peripheral nervous system is intact, any patients with central nervous system dysfunction may benefit from FES use. In these situations, effectiveness of FES is thought to be most likely due to the direct effect of muscle strengthening in addition to increased excitability of the motor neuron pool produced by the motor level electrical stimulation (Cameron, 2017).

  PENS and PNT combine the theories of electroacupuncture and TENS and the terms are often used interchangeably. PENS involves the delivery of an electrical current through the insertion of a needle below the skin at the site of pain compared to acupuncture that places needles based on energy flow. It is not the same as acupuncture. PENS is similar to TENS except that the needles are inserted one to four centimeters around or adjacent to the applicable nerve. Up to ten needs with five electrical channels may be used. PENS is generally reserved for patients who fail to obtain pain relief from TENS. PENS may also involve the application of electric stimulation to needles placed at the dermatomal levels corresponding to the painful area.

  PNT is a variation of PENS which was developed as a treatment for neck and back pain. This treatment involves insertion of very fine needle-like electrodes into the skin of the neck or back to stimulate nerve fibers in the deep tissues. The treatment regimen suggested by manufacturers typically consists of two to three, 30-minute sessions per week, for two to six weeks.

  VitalStim® Therapy is a type of NMES that uses a mild electrical current that is intended to treat dysphagia by re- educating the muscles and improving swallowing. Guardian dysphagia dual chamber unit is proposed for use for muscle re-education by application of external stimulation for pharyngeal contraction. VitalStim® therapy was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2001 for the treatment of dysphagia through the application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to cervical swallowing muscles. To date, however, aside from Title of Cobranded Guideline (CPG 272) the developer's own studies, there are no peer-reviewed publications supporting these claims.

  Deep pharyngeal neuromuscular stimulation (DPNS) is an electrical stimulation therapy for people with dysphagia. DPNS stimulates the cranial nerves by directly touching specific areas within the mouth and throat. This causes the pharyngeal and lingual muscles to contract. Over time, this is postulated to strengthen the patient’s gag reflex and help to improve long-term swallowing functionality.

  Transcutaneous electrical modulation pain reprocessing (TEMPR), also called Scrambler therapy or Calmare® pain therapy, delivers electrical stimulation via the nerve fibers to convey a message of normality to the central nervous system (CNS) by a procedure defined as “scrambling” or “tricking” of information. The device is proposed to send a very low current of electrical stimulation through the nerve fibers, which carries a "no pain" signal to the brain that overrides the previous pain signal. Unlike conventional TENS, the procedure is administered in an outpatient setting and is not intended for home use. Up to five pairs of electrodes are placed on the patient’s skin in the dermatome areas of pain above and below the dermatome. Amperage ranges from 3.5 to 5.0 milliamperes with a voltage range of 6.5 to 12.5 volts. Electrical stimulation is increased to the maximum tolerated intensity until pain is relieved. The device is proposed to simultaneously stimulate multiple pain areas in a patient. TEMPR has been proposed for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, intractable cancer pain, failed back surgery syndrome, phantom limb pain, sciatica, post-surgical pain, neuropathic pain, brachial plexus pain, low back pain, neck pain, reflex sympathetic dystrophy and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Recommended treatment regimen for neuropathic pain is 10–12 daily sessions (30–45 minute) and 10–12 treatments for oncologic patients based on the patient’s pain control needs (Competitive Technologies, 2020; Marineo, et al., 2012).