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Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

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By Daniel Petkevich
Nov 19, 2022

Medicare has your back

If you suffer from chronic back pain, you have probably already tried every solution in the book to alleviate it. For Medicare beneficiaries curious about spinal cord stimulation, also known as HF10, you're in luck. Medicare covers the procedure and the stimulator. Read more to see if this treatment is right for you and how Medicare will offer coverage.

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What is a spinal cord stimulator?

A spinal cord stimulator is a device that is surgically implanted in the body. It sends out electrical pulses to disrupt pain signals from reaching the brain and can help with back pain, leg pain, and other forms of chronic pain. Before committing to a spinal cord stimulator, you may have a trial period of up to three days, so you can get a good idea of how it feels and if the treatment works for you.

How is a spinal cord stimulator implanted?

This implant is usually done in an outpatient procedure which takes an hour or two. You will likely receive a sedative for comfort, and so the doctor can communicate where the electrodes are being placed. The implants will be for a generator, usually around the abdomen or buttocks, and for electrodes on the spine.

What are the benefits of a spinal cord stimulator?

The biggest benefit is that the stimulator can provide significant relief from chronic pain. In addition, it is non-invasive and reversible. Many of the surgeries associated with the spine are more invasive and require significantly longer recovery time. Since it does not require medication or surgery, there are virtually no side effects associated with the procedure.

What are the risks associated with having a spinal cord stimulator implanted?

There are risks, just like any surgery. These include infections, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and blood clots. However, these risks are relatively low when compared to the potential benefits of pain relief that a spinal cord stimulator can provide.

Does Medicare cover a spinal cord stimulator?

Medicare does cover the implantation of a spinal cord stimulator for eligible beneficiaries. You will need to meet certain criteria and have a doctor's recommendation in order for the procedure to be covered. In addition, you must use an approved supplier. Since it's typically an outpatient procedure, your coverage will be under Part B in Medicare. That means Medicare covers 80% of the cost, and you are responsible for the remaining 20%. Medicare Supplement plans may help you cover some or all of the balance.

Conclusion

If you are struggling with chronic pain and looking to alleviate the pain, talk to your doctor about spinal cord stimulation as a potential solution. This content is for informational purposes only. With Medicare's help, you can have the device implanted and feel relief from pain. For all your other Medicare questions, give us a call at 1-888-376-2028

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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. © 2022 Help Button Inc

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