Medicare AdvantageCoverageMedium impact
Electrical Stimulation for Treatment of Arthritis
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI · Orthopedics, Rheumatology, PM&R (Physical Medicine & Rehab) +3 more·Physician / Facility
Effective date
Sep 1, 2019
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Effective September 1, 2019, transcutaneous electrical joint stimulation is no longer covered for BlueCHiP Medicare plans and is considered not medically necessary for commercial products for all indications. This policy removes coverage for electrical stimulation treatments for arthritis across all plan types.
Action Required
Immediately: Stop billing for transcutaneous electrical joint stimulation services for arthritis treatment on all BlueCHiP Medicare and commercial plans. Billing team must update system to flag these services as non-covered. Notify providers that these treatments will not be reimbursed and alternative treatments should be considered for arthritis patients.