What is a WalkAide device?
WalkAide® is an advanced medical device that may provide immediate and dramatic improvement in walking for patients with foot drop. These gentle electrical impulses activate the muscles to raise the foot at the appropriate time during each step. The result is a smoother, more natural and safer walking motion.
How much does the WalkAide System cost?
The WalkAide costs approxi- mately $4,500 and the NESS L300 costs about $5,900. Both companies say they are working on getting Medicare coverage, but couldn’t provide a timeline.
How does WalkAide work?
The WalkAide sends appropriate functional electrical stimulation (FES) to the common peroneal nerve, this stimulation then activates the muscle that lifts up the foot (Tibialis Anterior) at the appropriate time during the gait cycle. Thus, producing a much more natural, efficient and safe pattern of walking.
Does Medicare cover Fes?
Coverage of FES Medicare will consider coverage of for SCI patients who have completed a training program consisting of at least 32 physical therapy sessions with the device, over a period of three months. Per the CMS NCD 160.12, coverage for FES to enhance walking will be limited to SCI patients with ICD-10 codes G04.
How much does Functional Electrical Stimulation cost?
FES bikes, however, are not cheap — they are in the range of $15,000. The manufacturers have yet to convince Medicare to pay for the devices. Some private insurance companies have reimbursed for them, but many people access FES exercise in community settings like health clubs and rehab clinics.
How do you stimulate the peroneal nerve?
A short burst of electrical stimulation is applied to the common peroneal nerve between the popliteal fossa and the fibular head. This burst is controlled by a switch in the heel of the affected limb. The stimulator is activated when the foot is lifted and stopped when the foot contacts the ground.
Is WalkAide covered by insurance?
Children and adults with hemiplegia or hemiparesis may use a WalkAide or Bioness device to help them with foot drop. Insurance companies may deny coverage for a variety of reasons. The insurance company may deny coverage because they say the WalkAide or Bioness is not medically necessary.
Does walking help drop foot?
The main goal of physical therapy for foot drop is to improve functional mobility related to walking. This can ensure that you are able to get around safely and may lower your risk of falling.
What is the difference between NMES and FES?
For patients with neurological impairments, NMES is defined as the use of electrical stimulation (ES) to activate muscles through stimulation of intact peripheral motor nerves, and FES is the use of NMES to promote functional activities.
What is the difference between NMES and TENS?
To sum things up, both TENS and NMES use electrical current to treat body areas, they only do it in different ways and for various purposes. While TENS stimulates the nerves to block pain signals or release endorphins, NMES stimulates nerves in muscles to promote contraction and cause artificial exercise.
What EMG triggers electrical stimulation?
EMG-triggered stimulation is a technology to detect the extremely small electrical ElectroMyoGraphic (EMG) signals still measurable in paralyzed muscles after stroke and use these signals to initiate electrical stimulation impulses to the same muscles resulting in actual muscle movement.
What is the walkaide ® system?
The WalkAide ® System is an advanced Functional Electrical (FES) Stimulation System for the treatment of Foot Drop caused by upper motor neuron injury such as:
What is the walkaide drop foot device?
MMAR Medical carries the WalkAide dropped foot device to help sufferers lift the foot and regain normal movement. Drop foot is a condition that inhibits a person’s normal walking stride due to muscular weakness or paralysis.
Is the walkaide compatible with Windows 7 and 8?
This version is for Windows 7 and 8 and netbooks or laptops running Windows 7 and 8. The WalkAide can replace the traditional foot brace to re-engage a person’s existing nerve pathways and muscles. The recruitment of existing muscles results in reduction in atrophy and walking fatigue, common side effects of bracing.
Does my insurance cover the walkaide or Bioness?
This page provides hints from families who’ve successfully obtained insurance coverage for the WalkAide or Bioness. Depending on the requirements of your insurance plan, you may need to apply in advance for approval of coverage of the WalkAide or Bioness. Often this involves a letter from the neurologist requesting its coverage.