This is the current policy of Medicare on the trial, rent and purchase of tens machines, as of November 2012. MedFaxx accepts assignment on tens machines. Assignment not accepted on the Infrex Plus unless there is a patient waiver form signed acknowleding Medicare will partially pay for the unit. The Infrex Plus has a tens mode, but very few patients ever use that mode, as the interferential mode is the most effective. The sole purpose of having tens in the Infrex Plus is to assist Medicare, some states Medicaid, patients in the cost of the Infrex Plus unit.
Medicare requires a 30 day evaluation period to establish if the tens machine helps a patient or not. During this 30 day period Medicare authorizes approximately $33 for the rent of the tens unit for that month. Medicare will pay Medfaxx approximately $28 for the "rental period". If the unit is helping the patient then after 30 days, and before 60 days, the physician authorizes the purchase of the tens machine by Medicare. Generally this requires another visit to the treating doctor.
Once the doctor approves purchase then Medicare pays approximately $280 of a $320 authorized price to MedFaxx. Also from the date of authorization for purchase supplies for the tens machine is covered for as long as the patient has chronic pain.
MedFaxx does not give a "free trial" to the Medicare program, but does give a free trial to the patient. The patient is not billed for any part of the bill if the tens machine does not help them, and the patient returns the unit in the 30 day trial period. The $3 - $6 that is the patient responsiblity is waived by MedFaxx to stay consistent to the patient on the "free trial". MedFaxx does ask for the patient share, minus the rental amount, if the unit is purchased.
* This policy is subject to change based upon any new regulation or condition imposed by Medicare.
