Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Close up of a woman sitting on a bed experiencing back pain
By Daniel Petkevich
Nov 23, 2022

Not typically, but read more to see if you might qualify

For those suffering from chronic back pain, it's likely that you've tried a dozen different treatments. With new technology, there are new opportunities to find relief. TENS therapy is an exciting new method of treatment, but does it receive coverage under Medicare? Generally, no. Medicare only covers TENS units on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested, read more to find out what you need to get Medicare assistance.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

What is a TENS Unit and what does it do?

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. You may have seen it called the ReBuilder as well. This device is a battery-operated, portable machine that sends electrical signals through electrodes placed on the skin to stimulate nerve fibers. This stimulation can help reduce pain and provide relief from many conditions, including back pain.

How TENS therapy works

The TENS unit works by sending an electrical signal through the electrodes placed on your skin. This signal stimulates nerve fibers, which can reduce pain and help with relaxation. The stimulation creates a tingling sensation that can also help reduce muscle spasms and promote natural healing. The main benefit of using a TENS unit is the potential to alleviate pain. It can also help reduce muscle spasms and promote natural healing. Additionally, it may have psychological benefits such as reducing anxiety or depression.

Candidates for TENS therapy

TENS therapy is usually recommended for people with chronic pain, such as back pain. However, it can also be used to treat injuries from sports or accidents, arthritis, and many other conditions. TENS therapy may be a good option if your pain is lingering despite trying other forms of treatment such as medication or physical therapy. It's important to talk with your doctor before trying any kind of treatment to ensure it is right for you.

How can Medicare cover your TENS unit?

Medicare does not typically cover TENS units as they are considered a form of alternative therapy. However, in some cases, Medicare may provide coverage for the device. If you have severe chronic pain that is not responding to other treatments, your doctor can submit a request to Medicare for coverage. This request must include documentation of your medical condition and a prescription for the TENS unit. You may receive coverage if your doctor deems it medically necessary.

Alternatives to Medicare coverage for TENS units

If Medicare does not cover your TENS unit, there are other options for coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans might offer coverage for the device and its associated costs. Talk with your plan provider to see what extra benefits your plan has. You can also consider purchasing a used TENS unit from a reputable seller or renting one on a monthly basis.

Takeaway

In conclusion, Medicare generally does not cover TENS units, but there are some cases in which they may cover the device. If Medicare does not provide coverage, there are potentially Medicare Advantage plans and other options that can help you access a TENS unit for your chronic pain.
Be sure to consult with your doctor about any questions or concerns related to using a TENS unit before you begin treatment. This content is for informational purposes only. And if you have any Medicare questions, call an expert at Fair Square Medicare today.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

Health insurance form on a table with pen, calculator and glasses stock image
What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage
Jan 18, 2023
Doctor demonstrating upper cervical spine anatomy stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?
Jan 20, 2023
doctor examining a patient's varicose veins stock photo
Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?
Nov 18, 2022
Cover image
The Fair Square Bulletin: July 2023
Jul 17, 2023
Cover image
The Fair Square Bulletin: The End of the COVID Emergency Declaration
May 30, 2023
woman sitting up in bed experiencing back pain stock photo
Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
Nov 19, 2022
Female physiotherapist helping elderly man in wheelchair do exercises with dumbbells at health center stock photo
What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?
Jan 20, 2023
older man suffering from stomach pain due to IBS stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?
Jan 19, 2023
Vitamin in a syringe stock photo
Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?
Aug 15, 2022
A cartoon signpost with HMO and PPO pointing in opposite directions
What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?
Dec 1, 2022
Medicare Part A & Part B stock photo
How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2023?
Nov 18, 2022
Philadelphia skyline at sunset stock image
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia
Mar 7, 2023
20 Q's with Fair Square
20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent
Mar 17, 2023
Modern endoscope in hands of experienced medical worker stock photo
How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?
Dec 27, 2022
senior man experiencing discomfort stock image
Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?
Dec 6, 2022
Model of the lungs with the diseased part stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Ofev?
Dec 2, 2022
amazon box
What If I Don't Like My Plan?
Jun 8, 2020
Cover image
What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued
Feb 26, 2024

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

2024 "Donut Hole" Updates

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2023

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Physicals & Blood Work?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Estimating Prescription Drug Costs

Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Are Medicare Star Ratings Determined?

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How to Enroll in Social Security

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Medicare 101

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

The Fair Square Bulletin: August 2023

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.
Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2024

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2024 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M