BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Medical Policy Manual

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Does not apply to Medicare Advantage, please refer to the Medicare policy addressing this topic.

DESCRIPTION

This policy does not address functional neuromuscular electrical stimulation.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) involves the use of a device which transmits an electrical impulse to the skin over muscle groups by way of electrodes. This technology is proposed to stimulate the muscle while the individual is in a resting state to prevent or treat muscle atrophy and is indicated for individuals with intact nerve supply to the muscle. This technology differs from Functional Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (addressed in a separate policy) which is proposed for use in individuals who are neurologically impaired (e.g., stroke, spinal cord injury).

When subjected to insufficient use, muscles atrophy, resulting in a loss of strength and mass. Muscle atrophy may occur when the limbs are immobilized after injury or surgery (e.g., casting or splinting of limb, contracture due to scarring of soft tissue as in burn lesions, hip replacement surgery). The NMES device is proposed to stimulate the motor nerves with electrical currents, generating muscle contractions to reverse muscle atrophy. The intensity and frequency of stimulation can vary based on the level of muscular function and treatment response. Examples of devices that have received 510(k) marketing clearance for the treatment of muscle atrophy include RS Medical’s RS-2m™ 2-channel and RS-4m® 4-channel muscle stimulator.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation has also been studied in the treatment of spastic muscles related to cerebral palsy and spina bifida. For this indication, the stimulation is not intended to cause muscle contraction. Although the mechanism of action is not understood, it is thought that low-intensity stimulation (sub-threshold level) may increase muscle strength and joint mobility, leading to improved voluntary motor function. This technique is referred to threshold electrical stimulation.

H-wave stimulation is a distinct form of electrical stimulation that has been investigated primarily for treatment of pain from a variety of etiologies including diabetic neuropathy, muscle sprains, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), and reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). H-wave stimulation has also been used to accelerate wound healing such as diabetic ulcers and to improve range of motion and function to prevent muscle atrophy after orthopedic surgery. This technology produces a direct, localized effect on the conduction of underlying peripheral nerves and may be used in the home setting. It differs from transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in terms of the wave form.

POLICY

MEDICAL APPROPRIATENESS

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

There remains a lack of sufficient evidence to support the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for any condition other than disuse muscular atrophy.

SOURCES 

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2021). Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee (evidence-based clinical practice guideline). Retrieved May 17, 2024 from https://www.aaos.org.

Blum, K., Chen, A., Chen, T., Waite, R., Downs, B., Braverman, E., et al. (2009). Repetitive H-wave device stimulation and program induces significant increases in the range of motion of post-operative rotator cuff reconstruction in a double-blinded randomized placebo controlled human study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 10, 132. (Level 2 evidence)

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CMS.gov. National Coverage Determination (NCD) for neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) (160.12). Retrieved July 7, 2020 from http://www.cms.gov.   

Gatewood, C.T., Tran, A.A., & Dragoo, J.L. (2017). The efficacy of post-operative devices following knee arthroscopic surgery: a systematic review. Knee surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 25 (2), 501-516. Abstract retrieved August 16, 2018 from PubMed database.

Salazar, AP., Pagnussat, AS., Pereira, GA., Scopel, G., & L, JL. (2019). Neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy: a meta-analysis. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 23 (5), 378-386. (Level 1 evidence)

Stevens-Lapsley, J., Balter, J., Wolfe, P., Eckhoff, D., & Kohrt, W. (2012). Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Physical Therapy, 92 (2), 210-226. (Level 2 evidence)

Toth, M.J., Tourville, T.W., Voigt, T.B., Choquette, R.H., Anair, B.M., Falcone, M.J., et al. Utility of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to preserve quadriceps muscle fiber size and contractility after anterior cruciate ligament injuries and reconstruction: A randomized, sham-controlled, blinded trial. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 48 (10), 2429-2437. (Level 2 evidence)

U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2002, May). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Pre-market Notification Database. K021763. Retrieved August 17, 2018 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov. 

Yue, C., Zhang, X., Zhu, Y., J, W., Wang, H., Liu, Y., et al. (2018). Systematic review of three electrical stimulation techniques for rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty. The Journal of Arthroplasty, 33 (7), 2330-2337. Abstract retrieved July 8, 2020 from PubMed database.

ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE:  3/1980

MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE:  6/13/2024

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Policies included in the Medical Policy Manual are not intended to certify coverage availability. They are medical determinations about a particular technology, service, drug, etc. While a policy or technology may be medically necessary, it could be excluded in a member's benefit plan. Please check with the appropriate claims department to determine if the service in question is a covered service under a particular benefit plan. Use of the Medical Policy Manual is not intended to replace independent medical judgment for treatment of individuals. The content on this Web site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice in any way. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider if you have questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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