Medical policy: Vagus Nerve and Implantable Peripheral Nerve Stimulators

Número de política: MP 1.034

Beneficio clínico

  • Minimizar el riesgo o la preocupación de seguridad.
  • Minimizar las intervenciones dañinas o ineficaces.
  • Garantizar el nivel de atención adecuado.
  • Asegurar la duración adecuada del servicio para las intervenciones.
  • Asegurar que se hayan cumplido los requisitos médicos recomendados.
  • Asegurar el lugar apropiado para el tratamiento o servicio.

Fecha de entrada en vigor: 2/1/2026

Política

Vagus nerve stimulator

Vagus nerve stimulation may be considered medically necessary as a treatment of medically refractory seizures.

Vagus nerve stimulation is considered investigational as a treatment of other conditions, including but not limited to depression, heart failure, upper-limb impairment due to stroke, essential tremors, headaches, fibromyalgia, tinnitus, and traumatic brain injury as there is insufficient evidence to support a general conclusion concerning the health outcomes or benefits associated with this procedure.

Transcutaneous (nonimplantable) vagus nerve stimulation devices are considered investigational for all indications as there is insufficient evidence to support a general conclusion concerning the health outcomes or benefits associated with this procedure.

Implantable peripheral nerve stimulator

Peripheral nerve stimulation as a treatment for chronic pain is considered investigational as there is insufficient evidence to support a general conclusion concerning the health outcomes or benefits associated with this procedure.

Restorative neuromodulation therapy (ReActiv8) is considered investigational as there is insufficient evidence to support a general conclusion concerning the health outcomes or benefits associated with this procedure.

Directrices de la política

Medically refractory seizures are defined as seizures that occur despite therapeutic levels of antiepileptic drugs or seizures that cannot be treated with therapeutic levels of antiepileptic drugs because of intolerable adverse events of these drugs.

Spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion stimulation are covered in policy MP 1.069 and are not reviewed herein.

The Nau Medical, Inc. and Neuspera Medical Inc. device indications state “trial devices are solely for trial stimulation (no longer than 30 days) to determine efficacy before recommendation for a permanent (long term) device.”

Cross-references:

  • MP 1.069 Spinal Cord Stimulation
  • MP 1.141 Peripheral Subcutaneous Field Stimulation (PSFS)
  • MP 2.092 Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) and Auricular Electrostimulation
  • MP 6.050 Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) and Percutaneous Neuromodulation Therapy (PNT)

Variaciones del producto

Esta política solo se aplica a ciertos programas y productos administrados por Capital Blue Cross y está sujeta a variaciones en los beneficios. Consulte la información adicional a continuación.

FEP PPO - Consulte el Manual de Políticas Médicas de FEP.

Descripción/Antecedentes

Vagus nerve stimulation

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) was initially investigated as a treatment alternative in patients with medically refractory partial-onset seizures for whom surgery is not recommended or for whom surgery has failed. Over time, the use of VNS has expanded to include generalized seizures, and it has been investigated for a range of other conditions.

While the mechanisms for the therapeutic effects of VNS are not fully understood, the basic premise of VNS in the treatment of various conditions is that vagal visceral afferents have a diffuse central nervous system projection, and activation of these pathways has a widespread effect on neuronal excitability. An electrical stimulus is applied to axons of the vagus nerve, which have their cell bodies in the nodose and junctional ganglia and synapse on the nucleus of the solitary tract in the brainstem. From the solitary tract nucleus, vagal afferent pathways project to multiple areas of the brain. VNS may also stimulate vagal efferent pathways that innervate the heart, vocal cords, and other laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles, and provide parasympathetic innervation to the gastrointestinal tract.

Other types of implantable vagus nerve stimulators that are placed in contact with the trunks of the vagus nerve at the gastroesophageal junction are not addressed in this evidence review.

Regulatory status

Table 1 includes updates on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and clearance for VNS devices pertinent to this evidence review.

Table 1. FDA-approved or -cleared vagus nerve stimulators

Device name
Fabricante
Cleared
PMA/510(k)
Indications

NeuroCybernetic Prosthesis (NCP®) / VNS Therapy®; Product Codes LYJ, MUZ

LivaNova (Cyberonics)

1997

P970003

Indicated or adjunctive treatment of adults and adolescents >12 years of age with medically refractory partial-onset seizures

 

 

2005

P970003/S50

Expanded indication for adjunctive long-term treatment of chronic or recurrent depression for patients ≥18 years of age experiencing a major depressive episode and have not had an adequate response to ≥4 adequate antidepressant treatments

 

 

2017

P970003/S207

Expanded indication as adjunctive therapy for seizures in patients ≥4 years of age with partial-onset seizures that are refractory to antiepileptic medications

gammaCore®

ElectroCore

2017/2018

DEN150048 / K171306 / K173442

Indicated for acute treatment of pain associated with episodic cluster headache in adults using noninvasive VNS on the side of the neck

gammaCore-2®, gammaCore-Sapphire®; Product Code PKR

ElectroCore

2017/2018/2021

K172270 / K180538 / K182369 / K191830 / K203456 / K211856

Indicated for adjunctive use for the preventive treatment of cluster headache in adult patients.

The acute treatment of pain associated with episodic cluster headache in adult patients.

The acute treatment of pain associated with migraine headache in adult patients.

The preventive treatment of migraine headache in adult patients.

FDA: Food and Drug Administration; PMA: premarket approval; VNS: vagus nerve stimulation

Peripheral nerve stimulation

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) has been used to treat chronic pain. It is a system consisting of leads, electrodes, and a pulse transmitter that delivers electrical impulses to peripheral nerves. Leads are placed using ultrasound guidance and can be placed for temporary or permanent use in an outpatient procedure.

Peripheral nerve stimulation for neuropathic chronic pain

Chronic, noncancer pain is responsible for a high burden of illness and can be defined as persistent pain that lasts for more than 3 months. Chronic pain of peripheral origin may be caused by damage to peripheral nerves impacting the upper and lower extremities.

Regulatory status for PNS devices for neuropathic chronic pain

A number of PNS devices have been cleared for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through the 510(k) process. These are listed in Table 2.

Two PNS devices by Stimwave Technologies Inc., the StimQ Peripheral Nerve Stimulator (PNS) System and the Receiver Kit, Trial Kit, Spare Lead Kit, Sterile Revision Kit, SWAG Kit, SWAG Accessory Kit, Charger Kit, were recalled in September 2020 for the product containing a nonfunctional component not referenced in product labeling.

Table 2. FDA-cleared peripheral nerve stimulation devices (FDA product code: GZF)

Device name
Fabricante
Cleared
510(k)
Indications

Nalu Neurostimulation Kit (integrated, 40 cm single 8/dual 8), Nalu Neurostimulation Kit (ported, 2 cm single 8/dual 8), dual 8 ported Nalu implantable pulse generator with 40 cm kit, 40 cm/60 cm trial/extension lead kits, patient kits and miscellaneous replacement kits

Nalu Medical, Inc.

Marzo de 2019

K183579

This system is indicated for pain management in adults who have severe intractable chronic pain of peripheral nerve origin, as the sole mitigating agent or as an adjunct to other modes of therapy used in a multidisciplinary approach. The system is not intended to treat pain in the craniofacial region.

IPG, integrated, 25/40 cm, single, tined, IPG, 2 cm, single 4, lead (25/40 cm, 4 tined), extension – 4

Nalu Medical, Inc.

Septiembre de 2019

K191435

This system is indicated for pain management in adults who have severe intractable chronic pain of peripheral nerve origin, as the sole mitigating agent or as an adjunct to other modes of therapy used in a multidisciplinary approach. The system is not intended to treat pain in the craniofacial region.

StimRouter Neuromodulation System

Bioness, Inc.

October 2019; March 2020; February 2022

K190047; K200482; K211965

The StimRouter Neuromodulation System is indicated for pain management in adults who have severe intractable chronic pain of peripheral nerve origin, as an adjunct to other modes of therapy (e.g., medications). The StimRouter is not intended to treat pain in the craniofacial region.

Stimulator, stimulator kit, external transmitter, external transmitter kit

Micron Medical Corporation

Agosto de 2020

K200848

Moventis PNS is indicated for pain management in adults who have severe intractable chronic pain of peripheral nerve origin, as the sole mitigating agent or as an adjunct to other modes of therapy used in a multidisciplinary approach. The Moventis PNS is not intended to treat pain in the craniofacial region.

Neuspera Neurostimulation System (NNS)

Neuspera Medical, Inc.

Agosto de 2021

K202781

The Neuspera Neurostimulation System (NNS) is indicated for pain management in adults who have severe intractable chronic pain of peripheral nerve origin, as the sole mitigating agent or as an adjunct to other modes of therapy used in a multidisciplinary approach. The system is not intended to treat pain in the craniofacial region.

Neuspera Unity System

Neuspera Medical, Inc.

Abril de 2023

K221303

The Neuspera Unity™ System is indicated for pain management in adults who have severe intractable chronic pain of peripheral nerve origin, as the sole mitigating agent or as an adjunct to other modes of therapy used in a multidisciplinary approach. The system is not intended to treat pain in the craniofacial region.

Freedom Peripheral Nerve Stimulator (PNS) System

Curonix, Inc.

2024 de junio

K233162

The Freedom Peripheral Nerve Stimulator (PNS) System is indicated for pain management in adults who have severe intractable chronic pain of peripheral nerve origin, as the sole mitigating agent or as an adjunct to other modes of therapy used in a multidisciplinary approach. The Freedom Trial Lead Kit is only to be used in conjunction with the Freedom Neurostimulator Kit. The trial devices are solely used for a trial stimulation period (no longer than 30 days) to determine efficacy before recommendation for a permanent (long term) device.

SPRINT Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)

SPR Therapeutics, Inc.

2018 de julio

K181422

The SPRINT PNS system is indicated for up to 60 days in the back and/or extremities for symptomatic relief of chronic, intractable pain, post-surgical and post-traumatic acute pain, symptomatic relief of post-traumatic pain, and symptomatic relief of post-operative pain. This system is not intended to treat pain in the craniofacial region.

Restorative neuromodulation for chronic lower back pain attributed to multifidus dysfunction

Restorative neuromodulation therapy (ReActiv8) uses an implanted device to deliver electrical stimulation to the nerves controlling the multifidus muscles of the lumbar spine. It is proposed that restorative neuromodulation reduces pain by triggering contractions of the multifidus muscles to restore neuromuscular control and help stabilize the spine. It is intended for individuals with intractable chronic low back pain associated with multifidus dysfunction for whom available low back pain treatments do not provide sufficient or durable symptomatic relief.

Regulatory status for restorative neuromodulation devices

In 2020, the ReActiv8 (Mainstay Medical) was FDA approved through the premarket approval (PMA) process (PMA P190021) for individuals with intractable chronic low back pain associated with multifidus dysfunction for whom available low back pain treatments do not provide sufficient or durable symptomatic relief. FDA product code: QLK.

Fundamento

Summary of evidence

Vagus nerve stimulation

For individuals who have seizures refractory to medical treatment who receive VNS, the evidence includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and multiple observational studies. Relevant outcomes are symptoms, change in disease status, and functional outcomes. The RCTs have reported significant reductions in seizure frequency for patients with partial-onset seizures. The uncontrolled studies have consistently reported large reductions in a broader range of seizure types in both adults and children. Las pruebas son suficientes para determinar que la tecnología da lugar a una mejora en el resultado neto para la salud.

For individuals who have treatment-resistant depression who receive VNS, the evidence includes 2 RCTs evaluating the efficacy of implanted VNS for treatment-resistant depression compared to sham, 1 RCT comparing therapeutic to low-dose implanted VNS, nonrandomized comparative studies, and case series. Relevant outcomes are symptoms, change in disease status, and functional outcomes. The sham-controlled RCTs only reported short-term results and found no significant improvement in the primary outcome. The low-dose VNS controlled trial reported no statistically significant differences between the dose groups for change in depression symptom score from baseline. Other available studies are limited by small sample sizes, potential selection and confounding biases, and lack of a control group in the case series. Las pruebas son insuficientes para determinar que la tecnología da lugar a una mejora en el resultado neto para la salud.

For individuals who have chronic heart failure who receive VNS, the evidence includes a systematic review including 4 RCTs and case series. Relevant outcomes are symptoms, change in disease status, and functional outcomes. Meta-analyses of the RCTs evaluating chronic heart failure found significant improvements in the New York Heart Association functional class, quality of life, 6-minute walk test, and N-terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide levels in patients treated with VNS compared to control. An analysis of the ANTHEM-HF uncontrolled trial evaluated longer-term outcomes of VNS use in chronic heart failure. They found that left ventricular ejection fraction improved by 18.7%, 19.3%, and 34.4% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively, in high-intensity VNS. Individuals with low-intensity VNS only showed improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction at 24 months (12.3%). The ANTHEM-HF trial found improvements in New York Heart Association functional class, quality of life, and 6-minute walk test distances in patients with preserved ejection fraction and implanted VNS. Although this data is promising, a lack of a no-VNS comparator group precludes drawing conclusions based on findings from the uncontrolled studies. Las pruebas son insuficientes para determinar que la tecnología da lugar a una mejora en el resultado neto para la salud.

For individuals who have upper-limb impairment due to stroke who receive VNS, the evidence includes 3 pilot RCTs. Relevant outcomes are symptoms, change in disease status, and functional outcomes. Two RCTs comparing VNS plus rehabilitation to rehabilitation alone failed to show significant improvements for the VNS group on response and function outcomes, but the other RCT, which had a larger patient population, found a significant difference in response and function outcomes. The other RCT compared VNS to sham and found that although VNS significantly improved response rate, there were no serious adverse events related to surgery. Longer-term follow-up studies are needed to evaluate long-term efficacy and safety. Las pruebas son insuficientes para determinar que la tecnología da lugar a una mejora en el resultado neto para la salud.

For individuals who have other neurologic conditions (e.g., essential tremors, headache, fibromyalgia, tinnitus, autism) who receive VNS, the evidence includes case series. Relevant outcomes are symptoms, change in disease status, and functional outcomes. Case series are insufficient to draw conclusions regarding efficacy. Las pruebas son insuficientes para determinar que la tecnología da lugar a una mejora en el resultado neto para la salud.

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation

For individuals with cluster headaches who receive transcutaneous VNS (tVNS; also referred to as noninvasive VNS [nVNS]) to prevent cluster headaches, the evidence includes 1 RCT. Relevant outcomes are symptoms, change in disease status, quality of life, and functional outcomes. One RCT reported significant reductions in cluster headache frequency but did not include a sham treatment group. Las pruebas son insuficientes para determinar que la tecnología da lugar a una mejora en el resultado neto para la salud.

For individuals with cluster headaches who receive nVNS to treat acute cluster headache, the evidence includes RCTs. Relevant outcomes are symptoms, change in disease status, quality of life, and functional outcomes. The ACT1 and ACT2 RCTs compared nVNS to sham for treatment of acute cluster headaches in patients including both chronic and episodic cluster headache. In ACT1, there was no statistically significant difference in the overall population in the proportion of patients with pain score of 0 or 1 at 15 minutes in the first attack and no difference in the proportion of patients who were pain-free at 15 minutes in 50% or more of the attacks. In the episodic cluster headache subgroup (n=85), both outcomes were statistically significant favoring nVNS although the interaction p-value was not reported. In ACT2, the proportion of attacks with pain intensity score of 0 or 1 at 30 minutes was higher for nVNS in the overall population (43% vs. 28%, p=.05) while the proportion of attacks that were pain-free at 15 minutes was similar in the 2 treatment groups in the overall population (14% vs. 12%). However, a statistically significant higher proportion of attacks in the episodic subgroup (n=79) were pain-free at 15 minutes in the nVNS group compared to sham (48% vs. 6%, p<.01). These results suggest that people with episodic and chronic cluster headaches may respond differently to acute treatment with nVNS. Studies designed to focus on episodic cluster headache are needed. Quality of life and functional outcomes have not been reported. Treatment periods ranged from only 2 weeks to 1 month with extended open-label follow-up of up to 3 months. There were few adverse events of nVNS and they are mild and transient. Las pruebas son insuficientes para determinar que la tecnología da lugar a una mejora en el resultado neto para la salud.

For individuals with migraine headaches who receive nVNS to treat acute migraine headaches, the evidence includes 1 RCT. Relevant outcomes are symptoms, change in disease status, quality of life, and functional outcomes. One RCT has evaluated nVNS for acute treatment of migraine with nVNS in 248 patients with episodic migraine with/without aura. There was not a statistically significant difference in the primary outcome of the proportion of patients who were pain-free without using rescue medication at 120 minutes (30% vs. 20%; p=.07). However, the nVNS group had a higher proportion of patients with decrease in pain from moderate/severe to mild or no pain at 120 minutes (41% vs. 28%; p=.03) and a higher proportion of patients who were pain-free at 120 minutes for 50% or more of their attacks (32% vs. 18%; p=.02). There were few adverse events of nVNS and they are mild and transient. Quality of life and functional outcomes were not reported, and the double-blind treatment period was 4 weeks with an additional 4 weeks of open-label treatment. Las pruebas son insuficientes para determinar que la tecnología da lugar a una mejora en el resultado neto para la salud.

For individuals with chronic migraine headaches who receive nVNS to prevent migraine headaches, the evidence includes 3 RCTs. Relevant outcomes are symptoms, change in disease status, quality of life, and functional outcomes. The EVENT RCT was a feasibility study of prevention of migraine that was not powered to detect differences in efficacy outcomes. It does not demonstrate the efficacy of nVNS for prevention of migraine. The PREMIUM RCT was a phase 3, multicenter, sham-controlled RCT including 341 randomized participants with a 12-week double-blind treatment period. The results of PREMIUM demonstrated that nVNS was not statistically significantly superior to sham with respect to the outcomes of reduction of at least 50% in migraine days from baseline to the last 4 weeks, reduction in number of migraine days from baseline to the last 4 weeks, or acute medication days. The PREMIUM II trial was a randomized controlled trial including 231 randomized participants with a 12-week double-blind treatment period. The trial was terminated early due to the COVID-19 pandemic and results were based on a modified intention-to-treat population that included 113 total participants. Results demonstrated that treatment with nVNS was not statistically significantly superior to sham with respect to the primary outcome of reduction in the number of migraine days per month during weeks 9 through 12, nor other outcomes such as mean change in the number of headache days or acute medication days. However, the percentage of patients with at least a 50% reduction in the number of migraine days was significantly greater in the nVNS group than in the sham group. Las pruebas son insuficientes para determinar que la tecnología da lugar a una mejora en el resultado neto para la salud.

For individuals who have other neurologic, psychiatric, or metabolic disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, schizophrenia, noncluster headache, impaired glucose tolerance, fibromyalgia, stroke) who receive tVNS, the evidence includes RCTs, systematic reviews of these RCTs, and case series for some of the conditions. Relevant outcomes are symptoms, change in disease status, and functional outcomes. The RCTs are all small and have various methodologic problems. None showed definitive efficacy of tVNS in improving patient outcomes. Las pruebas son insuficientes para determinar que la tecnología da lugar a una mejora en el resultado neto para la salud.

Peripheral nerve stimulators for neuropathic pain

For individuals who have peripheral, neuropathic, chronic pain who receive peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), the evidence includes several randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Relevant outcomes are symptoms, medication use, and quality of life. Statistically significant differences in response rates were reported in the RCTs ranging from 38% to 88% in the treatment groups and 0% to 24% in the control groups. Overall limitations of the current evidence include small sample sizes, heterogeneous patient populations, high attrition rates, and lack of long-term follow-up data. Additional evidence from RCTs with larger sample sizes and longer durations of comparative data are necessary to assess the efficacy and durability of PNS. Las pruebas son insuficientes para determinar que la tecnología da lugar a una mejora en el resultado neto para la salud.

Restorative neuromodulation therapy

For individuals who have chronic pain conditions including low back pain who receive restorative neuromodulation therapy (ReActiv8), the evidence includes 1 sham-controlled randomized controlled trial (RCT) (n=204), 1 open-label RCT (n=203), 1 prospective single-arm trial (n=53), and case series (n=44). Relevant outcomes are symptoms, functional outcomes, quality of life, and medication use. In the sham-controlled RCT, there was no difference between groups on the primary endpoint of treatment response at 120 days, defined as the composite of 30% or greater reduction in visual analog scale and no increase in pain medications (57.1% intervention vs. 46.6% sham; p=.1377). Prespecified secondary analyses of primary outcome data favored the intervention group, but clinical significance is unclear. An uncontrolled follow-up phase of the RCT reported continued improvement in pain scores through 3 years but results are at high risk of bias due to lack of a control group and high attrition. The open-label RCT showed statistically significant improvements in the treatment arm compared to the control arm in the primary and secondary outcomes. However, limitations included lack of blinding, imbalance in baseline depression between treatment and control arms, and greater clinical contact than standard management protocols in the treatment arm. Nonrandomized studies are limited by lack of blinding, no sham control, high attrition, and small sample sizes. Additional evidence from longer-term sham-controlled RCTs is needed. Las pruebas son insuficientes para determinar que la tecnología da lugar a una mejora en el resultado neto para la salud.

Definiciones

Epilepsy is a group of neurologic disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of convulsive seizures, sensory disturbances, abnormal behavior, loss of consciousness, or all of these. Common to all types of epilepsy is an uncontrolled electrical discharge from the nerve cells of the cerebral cortex.

Partial-onset seizures refers to seizures that have a discrete focal onset. There are three subtypes of partial-onset seizures:

  • Simple partial seizures: these do not involve alteration of consciousness but may have observable motor components or may solely be a subjective sensory or emotional phenomenon.
  • Complex partial seizures: these are partial-onset seizures that involve an alteration of consciousness.
  • Complex partial seizures, secondary generalized: these are partial-onset seizures that progress to involve both sides of the brain and result in a complete loss of consciousness.

Vagus nerve refers to either one of the longest pair of cranial nerves mainly responsible for parasympathetic control over the heart and many other internal organs, including thoracic and abdominal viscera.

Exención de responsabilidad

Las políticas médicas de Capital Blue Cross se utilizan para determinar la cobertura de tecnologías, procedimientos, equipos y servicios médicos específicos. Estas políticas médicas no constituyen asesoramiento médico y están sujetas a cambios según lo exija la ley o las pruebas clínicas aplicables de las directrices de tratamiento independientes. Los proveedores que brindan tratamiento son individualmente responsables de los consejos médicos y el tratamiento de los miembros. Estas políticas no son una garantía de cobertura o pago. El pago de las reclamaciones está sujeto a la determinación del programa de beneficios del miembro y la elegibilidad en la fecha del servicio, y a la determinación de que los servicios son médicamente necesarios y apropiados. Final processing of a claim is based upon the terms of contract that applies to the member's benefit program, including benefit limitations and exclusions. Si un proveedor o miembro tiene alguna pregunta sobre esta política médica, debe comunicarse con Servicios para proveedores o Servicios para miembros de Capital Blue Cross.

Información de codificación

Note: This list of codes may not be all-inclusive, and codes are subject to change at any time. La identificación de un código en esta sección no denota cobertura, ya que la cobertura está determinada por los términos de la información de beneficios del miembro. Además, no todos los servicios cubiertos son elegibles para un reembolso por separado.

Investigational; therefore, not covered: Non-implantable vagus nerve stimulator and implantable VNS for conditions other than medically refractory seizures

Procedure codes

E0735

0908T

0909T

0910T

0911T

0912T

64999

 

 

 

Investigational; therefore, not covered: Implantable peripheral nerve stimulator

Procedure codes

64555

64575

64585

64590

64595

64596

64597

64598

64999

A4438

Covered when medically necessary: Vagus nerve stimulator to treat medically refractory seizures

Procedure codes

61885

61886

64553

64568

64569

64570

95976

95977

 

 

ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes

ICD-10-CM diagnosis code
Descripción

G40.011

Localization-related (focal) (partial) idiopathic epilepsy and epileptic syndromes with seizures of localized onset, intractable, with status epilepticus

G40.019

Localization-related (focal) (partial) idiopathic epilepsy and epileptic syndromes with seizures of localized onset, intractable, without status epilepticus

G40.111

Localization-related (focal) (partial) symptomatic epilepsy and epileptic syndromes with simple partial seizures, intractable, with status epilepticus

G40.119

Localization-related (focal) (partial) symptomatic epilepsy and epileptic syndromes with simple partial seizures, intractable, without status epilepticus

G40.211

Localization-related (focal) (partial) symptomatic epilepsy and epileptic syndromes with complex partial seizures, intractable, with status epilepticus

G40.219

Localization-related (focal) (partial) symptomatic epilepsy and epileptic syndromes with complex partial seizures, intractable, without status epilepticus

G40.311

Generalized idiopathic epilepsy and epileptic syndromes, intractable, with status epilepticus

G40.319

Generalized idiopathic epilepsy and epileptic syndromes, intractable, without status epilepticus

G40.411

Other generalized epilepsy and epileptic syndromes, intractable, with status epilepticus

G40.419

Other generalized epilepsy and epileptic syndromes, intractable, without status epilepticus

G40.803

Other epilepsy, intractable, with status epilepticus

G40.804

Other epilepsy, intractable, without status epilepticus

G40.813

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, intractable, with status epilepticus

G40.814

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, intractable, without status epilepticus

G40.823

Epileptic spasms, intractable, with status epilepticus

G40.824

Epileptic spasms, intractable, without status epilepticus

G40.843

KCNQ2-related epilepsy, intractable, with status epilepticus

G40.844

KCNQ2-related epilepsy, intractable, without status epilepticus

G40.911

Epilepsy, unspecified, intractable, with status epilepticus

G40.919

Epilepsy, unspecified, intractable, without status epilepticus

G40.A11

Absence epileptic syndrome, intractable, with status epilepticus

G40.A19

Absence epileptic syndrome, intractable, without status epilepticus

G40.C11

Lafora progressive myoclonus epilepsy, intractable, with status epilepticus

G40.C19

Lafora progressive myoclonus epilepsy, intractable, without status epilepticus

Z45.42

Encounter for adjustment and management of neuropacemaker (brain) (peripheral nerve) (spinal cord)

Z45.49

Encounter for adjustment and management of other implanted nervous system device

Z46.2

Encounter for fitting and adjustment of other devices related to nervous system and special senses

Covered when medically necessary when billed with an allowed surgery:

Procedure codes

C1767

C1778

C1816

C1820

C1827

C1883

C1897

L8678

L8679

L8680

L8681

L8682

L8683

L8685

L8686

L8687

L8688

L8689

L8695

95970

95971

95972

 

 

 

Referencias

  1. Panebianco M, Rigby A, Weston J, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation for partial seizures. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Apr 03 2015; 2015(4): CD002896. PMID 25835947
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  8. Chavel SM, Westerveld M, Spencer S. Long-term outcome of vagus nerve stimulation for refractory partial epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav. Jun 2003; 4(3): 302-9. PMID 12791333
  9. Vonck K, Boon P, D'Have M, et al. Long-term results of vagus nerve stimulation in refractory epilepsy. Seizure. Sep 1999; 8(6): 328-34. PMID 10512772
  10. Vonck K, Thadani V, Gilbert K, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation for refractory epilepsy: a transatlantic experience. J Clin Neurophysiol. 2004; 21(4): 283-9. PMID 15509917
  11. Majoie HJ, Berfelo MW, Aldenkamp AP, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation in children with therapy-resistant epilepsy diagnosed as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: clinical results, neuropsychological effects, and cost-effectiveness. J Clin Neurophysiol. Sep 2001; 18(5): 419-28. PMID 11709647
  12. Marangell LB, Rush AJ, George MS, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for major depressive episodes: one year outcomes. Biol Psychiatry. Feb 15 2002; 51(4): 280-7. PMID 11958778
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  84. Huang F, Dong J, Kong J, et al. Effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on impaired glucose tolerance: a pilot randomized study. BMC Complement Altern Med. Jun 26 2014; 14: 203. PMID 24968966
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  86. Kutu N, Özden AV, Alptekin HK, et al. The impact of auricular vagus nerve stimulation on pain and life quality in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Biomed Res Int. 2020; 2020: 8656218. PMID 32190684
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Peripheral nerve stimulation

  1. Hardt J, Jacobsen C, Goldberg J, et al. Prevalence of chronic pain in a representative sample in the United States. Pain Med. Oct 2008; 9(7): 803-12. PMID 18346058
  2. Dworkin RH, Turk DC, Farrar JT, et al. Core outcome measures for chronic pain clinical trials: IMMPACT recommendations. Pain. Jan 2005; 113(1-2): 9-19. PMID 15621359
  3. Dworkin RH, Turk DC, Wyrwich KW, et al. Interpreting the clinical importance of treatment outcomes in chronic pain clinical trials: IMMPACT recommendations. J Pain. Feb 2008; 9(2): 105-21. PMID 18055266
  4. Char S, Jin MY, Francio VT, et al. Implantable peripheral nerve stimulation for peripheral neuropathic pain: a systematic review of prospective studies. Biomedicines. Oct 17 2022; 10(10). PMID 36289867
  5. Deer T, Pope J, Benyamin R, et al. Prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, partial crossover study to assess the safety and efficacy of the novel neuromodulation system in the treatment of patients with chronic pain of peripheral nerve origin. Neuromodulation. Jan 2016; 19(1): 91-100. PMID 26799373
  6. Gilmore C, Ilfeld B, Rosenow J, et al. Percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation for the treatment of chronic neuropathic postamputation pain: a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Jun 2019; 44(6): 637-645. PMID 30954936
  7. Gilmore C, Ilfeld B, Rosenow J, et al. Percutaneous 60-day peripheral nerve stimulation implant provides sustained relief of chronic pain following amputation: 12-month follow-up of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Nov 17 2019. PMID 31740443
  8. Ilfeld BM, Plunkett A, Vijjeswarapu AM, et al. Percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (Neuromodulation) for postoperative pain: a randomized, sham-controlled pilot study. Anesthesiology. Jul 01 2021; 135(1): 95-110. PMID 33856424
  9. Goree JH, Grant SA, Dickerson DM, et al. Randomized placebo-controlled trial of 60-day percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation treatment indicates relief of persistent postoperative pain and improved function after knee replacement. Neuromodulation. Jul 2024; 27(5): 847-861. PMID 38739682
  10. Hatheway JA, Hersel A, Engel M, et al. Clinical study of a micro-implantable pulse generator for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain: 3-month and 6-month results from the COMFORT randomized controlled trial. Reg Anesth Pain Med. May 31 2024. PMID 38821535
  11. Hatheway JA, Hersel A, Engel M, et al. Clinical study of a micro-implantable pulse generator for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain: 12-month results from the COMFORT randomized controlled trial. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Nov 20 2024. PMID 39572166
  12. Langford B, D'Souza RS, Pingree M, et al. Treatment of ulnar nerve pain with peripheral nerve stimulation: two case reports. Pain Med. May 02 2023; 24(5): 566-569. PMID 36271859
  13. Oswald J, Shahi V, Chakravarthy KV. Prospective case series on the use of peripheral nerve stimulation for mononeuropathy treatment. Pain Manag. Nov 2019; 9(6): 551-558. PMID 31686589
  14. Deer TR, Levy RM, Rosenfeld EL. Prospective clinical study of a new implantable peripheral nerve stimulation device to treat chronic pain. Clin J Pain. Jun 2010; 26(5): 359-72. PMID 20473041
  15. Luna D, Hettig G, Pirrotta L, et al. Real-world long-term outcomes of peripheral nerve stimulation: a prospective observational study. Pain Manag. Jan 2025; 15(1): 37-44. PMID 39834252
  16. Strand N, D'Souza RS, Hagedorn JM, et al. Evidence-based clinical guidelines from the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience for the use of implantable peripheral nerve stimulation in the treatment of chronic pain. J Pain Res. 2022; 15: 2483-2504. PMID 36039168
  17. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (L34328). 2019. https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx?lcdid=34328. Accessed June 13, 2025.
  18. Gilligan C, Volschenk W, Russo M, et al. Long-term outcomes of restorative neuromodulation in patients with refractory chronic low back pain secondary to multifidus dysfunction: two-year results of the ReActiv8-B pivotal trial. Neuromodulation. Jan 2023; 26(1): 87-97. PMID 35088722
  19. Gilligan C, Volschenk W, Russo M, et al. Three-year durability of restorative neuromodulation effectiveness in patients with chronic low back pain and multifidus muscle dysfunction. Neuromodulation. Jan 2023; 26(1): 98-108. PMID 36175320
  20. Gilligan C, Volschenk W, Russo M, et al. Five-year longitudinal follow-up of restorative neuromodulation shows durability of effectiveness in patients with refractory chronic low back pain associated with multifidus muscle dysfunction. Neuromodulation. 2024; 27(5): 930-943. doi:10.1016/j.neurom.2024.01.006
  21. Deckers K, De Smedt K, Mitchell B, et al. New therapy for refractory chronic mechanical low back pain-restorative neuromodulation to activate the lumbar multifidus: one year results of a prospective multicenter clinical trial. Neuromodulation. Jan 2018; 21(1): 48-55. PMID 29244235
  22. Thomson S, Chawla R, Love-Jones S, et al. Restorative neuromodulation for chronic mechanical low back pain: results from a prospective multi-centre longitudinal cohort. Pain Ther. Dec 2021; 10(2): 1451-1465. PMID 34478115
  23. Mitchell B, Deckers K, De Smedt K, et al. Durability of the therapeutic effect of restorative neuromodulation for refractory chronic low back pain. Neuromodulation. Aug 2021; 24(6): 1024-1032. PMID 34242440
  24. Ardeshiri A, Shaffey C, Stein KP, et al. Real-world evidence for restorative neuromodulation in chronic low back pain-a consecutive cohort study. World Neurosurg. Dec 2022; 168: e253-e259. PMID 36184040
  25. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Neurostimulation of lumbar muscles for refractory nonspecific chronic low back pain: interventional procedures guidance. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg739. Accessed December 6, 2024.
  26. Lorim M, Lewandrowski KU, Coric D, Phillips F, Shaffrey CI. International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery statement: restorative neuromodulation for the mechanical low back pain resulting from neuromuscular instability. Int J Spine Surg. 2023; 17(5): 728-750. doi:10.14444/8525
  27. Sayed D, Grider JS, Strand N, et al. The American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) evidence-based clinical guideline of interventional treatments for low back pain [published correction appears in J Pain Res. 2022 Dec 24;15:4075-4076]. J Pain Res. 2022; 15: 3729-3832. doi:10.2147/JPR.S386879
  28. Bouche B, Manifoto M, Rigoard P, et al. Peripheral nerve stimulation of brachial plexus nerve roots and supra-scapular nerve for chronic refractory neuropathic pain of the upper limb. Neuromodulation. 2017; 20(7): 684-689. doi:10.1111/ner.12573
  29. Manchikanti L, Sanapati MR, Soin A, et al. Comprehensive evidence-based guidelines for implantable peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) in the management of chronic pain: from the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP). Pain Physician. 2024; 27(9S): S115-S191.

Antecedentes de la política

MP 1.034

03/25/2020 Consensus review. Policy statement unchanged. Variations, definitions, and references updated. Coding reviewed.

03/19/2021 Administrative update. Added new HCPCS code K1020.

04/01/2021 Minor review. Added new CPT codes 0424T, 0425T, 0426T, 0427T, 0428T, 0429T, 0430T, 0431T, 0432T, 0433T, 0434T, 0435T, and 0436T. Added HCPCS code C1823 and ICD-10 code G47.31 to the policy statement. References updated and added. Description/background and rationale updated.

06/14/2022 Consensus review. No change to policy statement. References, background, and rationale updated. Coding reviewed.

03/16/2023 Administrative update. Added new HCPCS code L8678.

07/18/2023 Consensus review. No change to policy statement. New references added.

10/11/2023 Minor review. Added NMN statement for restorative neurostimulation therapy (ReActiv8 device). Updated background, rationale, and references. Moved K1020 to the correct coding table based on policy statement.

12/12/2023 Administrative update. New code review: CPT codes 33276–33288 replaced 0424T–0436T. HCPCS code E0735 replaced K1020. Added CPT codes 64596–64598 and 93150–93153.

03/15/2024 Administrative update. Added new code A4438. Vigente a partir del 04/01/2024.

08/15/2024 Administrative update. Added new ICD-10 codes. Vigente a partir del 10/01/2024.

08/29/2024 Minor review. Title changed. Minor editorial refinements to VNS statements; no change to intent. Added statement that transcutaneous/non-implantable VNS is investigational. Implantable peripheral nerve stimulators are now investigational. ReActiv8 changed from NMN to investigational. Phrenic nerve stimulation removed from this policy and moved to MP 1.128. Policy guidelines added. Updated cross-references, background, rationale, definitions, and references. Codes used for multiple indications placed into the coding table titled “Covered when medically necessary when billed with an allowed surgery.”

12/13/2024 Administrative update. Added codes 0908T–0912T as part of new code update. Vigente a partir del 01/01/2025.

06/26/2025 Administrative update. Removed the Benefit Variations Section and updated the Disclaimer.

09/22/2025 Consensus review. Updated policy guidelines, cross-references, background, rationale, and references. Added codes 64999 and C1827 to the coding tables.