About this policy
CMS evidence review | evidence_type=Technology Assessment | record_type=technology_assessment | document_id=13 | year=1996
Coverage indications
Electrostimulation (E-stim) applied to chronic venous, arterial and pressure ulcers to accelerate healing, has been utilized as a possible therapeutic modality for several decades. Several types of E-stim for the treatment of chronic ulcers currently are in use, and the effectiveness of electrical therapy for different categories and severity of chronic ulcers remains controversial. In April 1997, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a national noncoverage policy (Coverage Issues Manual (CIM) section 35-98) for E-stim for the treatment of wounds. Pursuant to a court order, CMS issued a program memorandum (PM) to its contractors in December 1997, precluding them from giving any effect to the April 1997, national noncoverage determination published in the CIM. This instruction was recently renewed in PM AB-00-53. Therefore, coverage for E-stim for the treatment of wounds remains at carrier discretion.
Documentation requirements
Associated Medcac: MEDCAC Meeting for Electrostimulation for Wounds (Medical and Surgical Procedures Panel) - 10/17/2000 Associated Nca: Original Consideration for Electrostimulation for Wounds (CAG-00068N) Issue: Electrostimulation (E-stim) applied to chronic venous, arterial and pressure ulcers to accelerate healing, has been utilized as a possible therapeutic modality for several decades. Several types of E-stim for the treatment of chronic ulcers currently are in use, and the effectiveness of electrical therapy for different categories and severity of chronic ulcers remains controversial. In April 1997, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a national noncoverage policy (Coverage Issues Manual (CIM) section 35-98) for E-stim for the treatment of wounds. Pursuant to a court order, CMS issued a program memorandum (PM) to its contractors in December 1997, precluding them from giving any effect to the April 1997, national noncoverage determination published in the CIM. This instruction was recently renewed in PM AB-00-53. Therefore, coverage for E-stim for the treatment of wounds remains at carrier discretion. Other Material: Other Material 1 1997 UPDATE [PDF, 1MB] Questions: Questions Technology Assessment: Download Technology Assessment [PDF, 4MB]
Codes in this policy
Code numbers and each code’s status as the policy records it. CPT code descriptions are left out of this page, as are the passages that cite CPT codes; the official document has them.
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