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Neural prosthetic devices consist of an orthotic and a microprocessor-based electronic stimulator with one or more channels for delivery of individual pulses through surface or implanted electrodes connected to the neuromuscular system. Microprocessor programs activate the channels sequentially or in unison to stimulate peripheral nerves and trigger muscle contractions to produce functionally useful movements that allow patients to sit, stand, walk, and grasp. Functional neuromuscular stimulators are closed loop systems, which provide feedback information on muscle force and joint position, thus allowing constant modification of stimulation parameters which are required for complex activities such as walking. These are contrasted with open loop systems, which are used for simple tasks such as muscle strengthening alone, and typically in healthy individuals with intact neural control.

One application of functional NMES is to restore upper extremity functions such as grasp-release, forearm pronation, and elbow extension in patients with stroke, or C5 and C6 tetraplegia (quadraplegia). The Neurocontrol Freehand system received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 through the pre-market approval (PMA) process. The system is an implantable upper extremity neuroprosthesis intended to improve a patient's ability to grasp, hold, and release objects, and is indicated for use in patients who are tetraplegic due to C5 or C6 spinal cord injury. The implantable Freehand System is no longer marketed in the US, though the company provides maintenance for devices already implanted. The Handmaster NMS I [neuromuscular stimulator] is another device that uses surface electrodes and is purported to provide hand active range of motion and function for patients with stroke or C5 tetraplegia. The Handmaster NMS I system was originally cleared for use in maintaining or improving range of motion, reducing muscle spasm, preventing or retarding muscle atrophy, providing muscle reeducation, and improving circulation; in 2001, its 510(k) marketing clearance was expanded to include provision of hand active range of motion and function for patients with C5 tetraplegia.

Other neural prosthetic devices have been developed for functional NMES in patients with foot drop. Foot drop is weakness of the foot and ankle that causes reduced dorsiflexion and difficulty with ambulation. It can have various causes such as stroke or multiple sclerosis. Functional electrical stimulation of the peroneal nerve has been suggested for these patients as an aid in raising the toes during the swing phase of ambulation. Examples of such devices used for treatment of foot drop are the Innovative Neurotronics’ (formerly NeuroMotion, Inc.) WalkAide®, Bioness’ radio-frequency controlled NESS L300™, and the Odstock Foot Drop Stimulator. The WalkAide device first received 510(k) marketing clearance from the FDA in the 1990s; the current version of the WalkAide device received 510(k) marketing clearance in September 2005. The Odstock Foot Drop Stimulator received 510(k) marketing clearance in 2005. The Bioness NESS L300 received 510(k) marketing clearance in July 2006. The FDA summaries for the devices state that they are intended to be used in patients with drop foot by assisting with ankle dorsiflexion during the swing phase of gait.

Another application of functional electrical stimulation is to provide spinal cord injured patients with the ability to stand and walk. Generally, only spinal cord injury patients with lesions from T4 to T12 are considered candidates for ambulation systems. Lesions at T1–T3 are associated with poor trunk stability, while lumbar lesions imply lower extremity nerve damage. Using percutaneous stimulation, the device delivers trains of electrical pulses to trigger action potentials at selected nerves at the quadriceps (for knee extension), the common peroneal nerve (for hip flexion), and the paraspinals and gluteals (for trunk stability). Patients use a walker or elbow-support crutches for further support. The electrical impulses are controlled by a computer microchip attached to the patient’s belt that synchronizes and distributes the signals. In addition, there is a finger-controlled switch that permits patient activation of the stepping.

To date, the Parastep® Ambulation System is the only noninvasive functional walking neuromuscular stimulation device to receive premarket approval (PMA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Parastep device is approved to “enable appropriately selected skeletally mature spinal cord injured patients (level C6-T12) to stand and attain limited ambulation and/or take steps, with assistance if required, following a prescribed period of physical therapy training in conjunction with rehabilitation management of spinal cord injury.” Other devices include a reciprocating gait orthosis (RGO) with electrical stimulation. The orthosis used is a cumbersome hip-knee-ankle-foot device linked together with a cable at the hip joint. The use of this device may be limited by the difficulties in putting the device on and taking it off.

Neuromuscular stimulation is also proposed for motor restoration in hemiplegia and treatment of secondary dysfunction (e.g., muscle atrophy and alterations in cardiovascular function and bone density) associated with damage to motor nerve pathways. These applications are not addressed in this policy.

Also, see the Microprocessor Controlled Prosthetic Knees and the Myoelectric Prosthesis for the Upper Limb medical policies.

• As a technique to provide ambulation in patients with spinal cord injury; or
• To provide upper extremity function in patients with nerve damage (e.g., spinal cord injury or post-stroke); or
• To improve ambulation in patients with foot drop caused by nerve damage (e.g., post-stroke or in those with multiple sclerosis).

Investigative service is defined as the use of any treatment procedure, facility, equipment, drug, device, or supply not yet recognized by certifying boards and/or approving or licensing agencies or published peer review criteria as standard, effective medical practice for the treatment of the condition being treated and as such therefore is not considered medically necessary.

The coverage guidelines outlined in the Medical Policy Manual should not be used in lieu of the Member's specific benefit plan language.

8/2000: Reviewed by MPAC, investigational status maintained.

10/17/2000: Description and Sources section updated.

6/11/2001: Management Care Requirements section deleted and Code Reference section updated

7/5/2001: ICD-9 procedure code 93.39 added

2/11/2002: Investigational definition added

5/1/2002: Type of Service and Place of Service deleted

6/5/2002: Code Reference section updated, CPT code 97032 deleted, ICD-9 diagnosis codes 952.00-952.9 and V57.1 deleted, ICD-9 procedure code 93.39 deleted

8/17/2004: Code Reference section updated, HCPCS E0745 term date added, HCPCS K0600 added

3/28/2006: Coding updated. HCPCS 2006 revisions added to policy

3/29/2006: Policy reviewed, no changes

1/10/2008: Policy reviewed, no changes

05/13/2010: Policy title changed from “Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation to Provide Ambulation” to “Functional Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation.”  Policy description updated regarding treatment approaches and devices. Policy statement updated to remove “to provide ambulation” and to add “to restore function.” Additional applications (hand and foot) were added to the policy statement. FEP verbiage added to the Policy Exceptions section. Added HCPCS code E0770.

04/25/2011: Policy reviewed; no changes.

03/27/2012: Policy reviewed; no changes.

Non-Covered Codes

This is not an all-inclusive list of non-covered procedure codes.

All codes billed for this procedure are considered investigational and not eligible for coverage. 

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