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Post by autumnmist on Mar 23, 2017 12:24:51 GMT -8
Over the years, I've found that TENS units really enhanced the PT experience, but not all therapists will use them. And one physiatrist I saw actually refused to script for one, stating that he doesn't approve of them for use in PT. That choice seems to be at their discretion. So I've asked for and gotten a script for my own personal TENS unit from another physician. That was the easy part. Now comes the harder part, actually getting it through Medicare's "enhanced" DME competitive bid supplier process.
There's so much rigamarole that I'm thinking about just buying a unit myself and getting what i want, not what's available through the DME competitive bidding process allocations.
Like some other medical devices, such as a pulse ox (which was about $1500 when I first wanted to buy one back in the early 2000s), prices are actually reasonable when purchased either directly through a DME or at a good quality pharmacy. I'm wondering though if anyone has any experience with units you've bought on the market, and if so what brands? Any problems? How often do you have to replace leads and pads? Any problems with the unit? Any other advice to share?
Thanks for any suggestions.
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foxalo
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Post by foxalo on Mar 23, 2017 13:53:59 GMT -8
It's in my wish list. My PT said you can buy one online for around $20. I haven't looked very hard to compare machines, but I know I don't want one that runs on batteries that will only last for one session. It will come in handy for use on my feet and back.
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Post by autumnmist on Mar 23, 2017 19:01:28 GMT -8
I've been pricing them and found they range from around $20 to about $200. I never even thought of batteries. It's a good thing you raised that issue. At PT, if I recall correctly, the unit was connected to a rolling support stand, which may have been plugged into an outlet near the therapy bed.
What I haven't found out is how long the electrodes and leads last. Prices range from around $10.99 to $20 for a pack of leads, but I haven't compared them in as much detail as the basic machine. Nor have I figured out how long the electrode pads last.
If you haven't had a TENS unit on your back, I think you'll find it really helps, as does ultrasound, but I haven't investigated that yet.
I know that Aleve has a unit that seems to be reasonably priced, but I didn't see any leads so I think it is battery operated.
Thanks for raising that issue.
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Ed
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Post by Ed on Mar 24, 2017 4:17:31 GMT -8
Aleve TENS unit:
"BATTERY PACK Two AAA batteries (included) last for more than 120 30-minute treatments"
It's about $60 for the unit.
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Post by Coolkat on Mar 27, 2017 11:45:49 GMT -8
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Mar 27, 2017 12:18:57 GMT -8
M has a TENS she never uses anymore. I'll ask her about it when she gets home.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Mar 27, 2017 15:57:36 GMT -8
autumnmist M has an EMPI unit with lots of new spare pads, etc... hardly used, maybe 4 times all told. She is willing to sell it, if you are interested in a used model. She has the spray, pads, and such, but we will have to gather it up since it is in boxes still in the garage.
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Post by autumnmist on Mar 28, 2017 14:15:29 GMT -8
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and advice. There are times when I can't make good decisions or summon the concentration to evaluate options; this is one of those times. I've just hit what I'd consider a gold mine of information on help through the VA for in-home support for my father, and am switching focus to that as it's somewhat of a higher priority. I've been searching VA websites periodically for some time but never seemed to get the right websites. In the last few hours I've gotten so much helpful information that my brain is overloaded, so I'm following up on that as my top priority for the time being and plan to come back to the TENS issue after doing more initial work on subjects in home care for Dad.
I sincerely appreciate the time each of you took to help me with this issue.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on Apr 21, 2017 17:50:37 GMT -8
I have: www.lgmedsupply.com/lgelteunandm.htmlI don't think I had to give them any script although I did have one from my orthopedist (treated after car accident). It can be really good for muscle pain or spasming muscles. Learning pad placement is an ongoing thing. The pads last a long time but I clean the skin before applying them and am not hairy. I did get another pair of leads but the originals are still fine. I don't move around with it on. I worry about hurting the muscles since they are doing something somewhat unnatural. Once I didn't put a pad in quite the right place. Even 1/2 an inch seems to make a difference sometimes. I got lazy and tried to move it without turning off the unit. Went from effecting a small area on my neck to all the way through hand and arm to other pad. Sorry for the pun but very shocking.
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