30-06-2012, 05:11 PM
Bone Growth Stimulators – Electric & Ultrasound
[attachment=26362]
Important note
Even though this policy may indicate that a particular service or supply is considered covered, this conclusion is not based
upon the terms of your particular benefit plan. Each benefit plan contains its own specific provisions for coverage and
exclusions. Not all benefits that are determined to be medically necessary will be covered benefits under the terms of your
benefit plan. You need to consult the Evidence of Coverage to determine if there are any exclusions or other benefit
limitations applicable to this service or supply. If there is a discrepancy between this policy and your plan of benefits, the
provisions of your benefits plan will govern. However, applicable state mandates will take precedence with respect to fully
insured plans and self-funded non-ERISA (e.g., government, school boards, church) plans. Unless otherwise specifically
excluded, Federal mandates will apply to all plans. With respect to Medicare and Medicaid members, this policy will apply
unless Medicare and Medicaid policies extend coverage beyond this Medical Policy & Criteria Statement. Medicare and
Medicaid policies will only apply to benefits paid for under Medicare or Medicaid rules, and not to any other health benefit
plan benefits. CMS's Coverage Issues Manual can be found on the following website:
Overview
An electrical bone growth stimulator
(EBGS) is a
durable medical equipment
(DME)
device used to treat
fractures with established nonunion; meaning, fractures with both clinical and radiological evidence of no
progressive signs of healing.
There are three types of electrical bone growth stimulators: invasive, semi-invasive and noninvasive.
Invasive and semi-invasive devices utilize direct current delivered internally via implanted electrodes.
Noninvasive devices may use direct current or pulsed electromagnetic fields. The current is delivered to the
appropriate site via externally mounted cathodes for direct current or coils for electromagnetic fields.
Ultrasound bone growth stimulators
are external DME devices that apply low-intensity, pulsed
ultrasound to the skin surface above fracture sites. While the exact mechanism of ultrasound stimulation of
bone healing is unknown, the theory is that the pressure waves it produces provides micro-mechanical
stress and strain causing biochemical alterations at the cellular level, which leads to enhanced bone
formation.
Ultrasound bone growth stimulators are also referred to as Ultrasonic Accelerated Fracture or Sonic
Accelerated Fracture Healing System (SAFHS). It consists of two main components: a signal generator
and a small tran sducer connected by a cable to the generator.
[attachment=26362]
Important note
Even though this policy may indicate that a particular service or supply is considered covered, this conclusion is not based
upon the terms of your particular benefit plan. Each benefit plan contains its own specific provisions for coverage and
exclusions. Not all benefits that are determined to be medically necessary will be covered benefits under the terms of your
benefit plan. You need to consult the Evidence of Coverage to determine if there are any exclusions or other benefit
limitations applicable to this service or supply. If there is a discrepancy between this policy and your plan of benefits, the
provisions of your benefits plan will govern. However, applicable state mandates will take precedence with respect to fully
insured plans and self-funded non-ERISA (e.g., government, school boards, church) plans. Unless otherwise specifically
excluded, Federal mandates will apply to all plans. With respect to Medicare and Medicaid members, this policy will apply
unless Medicare and Medicaid policies extend coverage beyond this Medical Policy & Criteria Statement. Medicare and
Medicaid policies will only apply to benefits paid for under Medicare or Medicaid rules, and not to any other health benefit
plan benefits. CMS's Coverage Issues Manual can be found on the following website:
Overview
An electrical bone growth stimulator
(EBGS) is a
durable medical equipment
(DME)
device used to treat
fractures with established nonunion; meaning, fractures with both clinical and radiological evidence of no
progressive signs of healing.
There are three types of electrical bone growth stimulators: invasive, semi-invasive and noninvasive.
Invasive and semi-invasive devices utilize direct current delivered internally via implanted electrodes.
Noninvasive devices may use direct current or pulsed electromagnetic fields. The current is delivered to the
appropriate site via externally mounted cathodes for direct current or coils for electromagnetic fields.
Ultrasound bone growth stimulators
are external DME devices that apply low-intensity, pulsed
ultrasound to the skin surface above fracture sites. While the exact mechanism of ultrasound stimulation of
bone healing is unknown, the theory is that the pressure waves it produces provides micro-mechanical
stress and strain causing biochemical alterations at the cellular level, which leads to enhanced bone
formation.
Ultrasound bone growth stimulators are also referred to as Ultrasonic Accelerated Fracture or Sonic
Accelerated Fracture Healing System (SAFHS). It consists of two main components: a signal generator
and a small tran sducer connected by a cable to the generator.