Mr. Issa is asking for greater scrutiny into why the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services plans to cease TENS coverage for patients with chronic lower back pain. The treatment has been used for more than three decades to treat chronic pain.
In a letter dated May 3, Mr. Issa wrote, “TENS has long been recognized by CMS as an effective treatment for Medicare beneficiaries with low back pain and its costs have long been covered by Medicare when prescribed by physicians.” He also asked the CMS to provide him with information explaining the rationale behind its decision.
CMS will issue a final ruling on TENS coverage for chronic low back pain on June 11.
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