US · guidance
CMS Pub. 100-03, ch. 1, § 230.15
Electrical Continence Aid
CIM 65-2
Not Covered
An electrical continence aid is a device consisting of a plastic plug, molded into the shape of the patient’s
anal canal which contains two implanted electrodes that are connected by a wire to a small portable
generator. An electrical current is produced which stimulates the anal musculature to cause a contraction
sufficient to hold the plug in while allowing the patient to ambulate without incontinence.
Electrical continence aids are in the experimental stage of development and there is no valid scientific
documentation of their effectiveness and safety. Therefore, they are not covered under Medicare since they
cannot be considered to be reasonable and necessary for the treatment of an illness or injury or to improve
the functioning of a malformed body member as required by §1862(a)(1) of the Act.
History
(Rev. 1, 10-03-03)
Provenance
- Source
- cms.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-08-25
- Edition
- iom-2026-08-25
- Content hash
10099d1033568af7ecdc8379ef18b208f69cc7e95c21fa42d768f82561d46ac0
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