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64550 Application of surface (transcutaneous) neurostimulator


(NCD 10.2 TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION (TENS) FOR ACUTE POST-OPERATIVE PAIN)
PREVIOUSLY CIM 45-19

The use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for the
relief of acute postoperative pain is covered under Medicare. TENS may
be covered whether used as an adjunct to the use of drugs, or as an
alternative to drugs, in the treatment of acute pain resulting from
surgery.

TENS devices, whether durable or disposable, may be used in furnishing
this service. When used for the purpose of treating acute
postoperative pain, TENS devices are considered supplies. As such they
may be hospital supplies furnished inpatients covered under Part A, or
supplies incident to a physician's service when furnished in
connection with surgery done on an outpatient basis, and covered under
Part B.

It is expected that TENS, when used for acute postoperative pain, will
be necessary for relatively short periods of time, usually 30 days or
less. In cases when TENS is used for longer periods, contractors
should attempt to ascertain whether TENS is no longer being used for
acute pain but rather for chronic pain, in which case the TENS device
may be covered as durable medical equipment as described in Section
280.13.

Cross-references: Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 1,
Inpatient Hospital Services, Section 40; Medicare Benefit Policy
Manual, Chapter 2, Hospital Services Covered Under Part B,
Sections 20, 20.4, and 80; Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 15,
Covered Medical and other Health Services, Section110.

Let me ask you is this for wound care? If not G0283 foes not apply that is the only reason Medicare will cover it. For 97032 the nurse must be a NPP or it must be a PT working incident to that would be attended or in solo practice. An RN working for a doctor is considered unattended. You have to follow the rules of the codes themselves.

If you could be a little more clear on what the TENS is being used for it might help. The code I gave you was for post op pain and then as you said the patient takes it home.

So if you can provide more information it would be helpful otherwise I'm just taking stabs in the dark here.