title: The national coverage decision for reimbursement for biofeedback and pelvic floor electrical stimulation for treatment of urinary incontinence.
abstract: On October 6, 2000, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) (formerly the Health Care Financing Administration) issued a national coverage decision for the use of biofeedback and pelvic floor electrical stimulation in the treatment of urinary incontinence. This decision was the first major health care coverage decision made using CMS's new "open" process. The new process included the use of a panel of physicians to evaluate adequacy of evidence to support the utilization of the modalities. From the very beginning, there were indications that CMS was not favorably disposed toward the use of these modalities, and there was a real threat that coverage could be withdrawn or that no decision would be made. The organized and cohesive response of the health care community influenced CMS to make a positive coverage decision. Through the diligent and tenacious work of a group of nurses called the SUNA/WOCN Continence Coalition, professional organizations and prominent individuals were brought together to approach CMS with one message and one voice.
authors.affiliation: Fair Acres Geriatric Center, Media, Pennsylvania, USA. DLTcare@aol.com
authors.forename: Donna L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Thompson
mesh_terms: D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000379:methods*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D019458:Insurance Coverage / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008297:Male; D008484:Medicaid / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006278:Medicare / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D017773:Pelvic Floor; D014481:United States; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000191:economics* / Q000534:rehabilitation*