Functional electrical stimulation equipment: a review of marketplace availability and reimbursement

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a rehabilitation tool that has broad application in disability management for improving consumer health and independence. This review examines the availability and delivery of electrical stimulation equipment in a managed care environment, focusing particularly on recent advances and marketplace influences. New electrical stimulation products that are unique in their ability to improve function after disease or injury over conventional drug therapy, surgical intervention, or other rehabilitation techniques are described. Research directions, including new uses for existing products to expand patient indications, are discussed. Guidelines to assist providers and developers of FES technology with managing the reimbursement process are provided. The successful introduction of recent FES products should pave the way for even more exciting developments. However, reimbursement requires careful and early planning to ensure that FES technologies are available to people who may benefit from them.