US · guidance
CMS Pub. 100-03, ch. 1, § 230.16
Bladder Stimulators (Pacemakers)
CIM 65-11
Not Covered
There are a number of devices available to induce emptying of the urinary bladder by using electrical current
which forces the muscles of the bladder to contract. These devices (commonly known as bladder stimulators
or pacemakers) are characterized by the implantation of electrodes in the wall of the bladder, the rectal
cones, or the spinal cord. While these treatments may effectively empty the bladder, the issue of safety
involving the initiation of infection, erosion, placement, and material selection has not been resolved.
Further, some facilities previously using electronic emptying have stopped using this method due to the pain
experienced by the patient.
The use of spinal cord electrical stimulators, rectal electrical stimulators, and bladder wall stimulators is not
considered reasonable and necessary. Therefore, no program payment may be made for these devices or for
their implant.
History
(Rev. 1, 10-03-03)
Provenance
- Source
- cms.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-08-25
- Edition
- iom-2026-08-25
- Content hash
cf439e54a67a8b68f6139903c3bf149f5c226ff8391da56a6ee92ad16b0edb58
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