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    OpenPayerPolicy UpdatesGastroenterologyPremera Nerve Field Stimulation Coverage | OpenPay…
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    ModifiedPremera Blue Cross of WashingtonPolicy 2.01.106

    Percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation for disorders of gut-brain interaction

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    This policy governs coverage of percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation for abdominal pain associated with disorders of gut-brain interaction, including irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia. The service is considered investigational and is not established as effective for these conditions.

    Policy Summary
    PayerPremera Blue Cross of Washington
    PolicyPercutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation for disorders of gut-brain interaction
    Policy CodePolicy 2.01.106
    Change TypeModified
    Effective DateNov 6, 2026
    Last ReviewAug 1, 2026
    Next Review DateN/A
    Key ActionTreat percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation for abdominal pain related to disorders of gut-brain interaction, including irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia, as investigational and potentially deny it as not covered.
    SourceLink
    POLICY UPDATE CHANGES

    The investigational policy statement was expanded from irritable bowel syndrome to abdominal pain-related disorders of gut-brain interaction, including irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia.

    CPT code 64567 was added as the replacement for CPT code 0720T effective January 1, 2026.

    CPT code 0720T was removed from the policy coding table.

    InvestigationalCoverage status
    2CPT codes identified
    QHHFDA product code
    No NCDMedicare NCD

    Coverage Criteria

    Percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation

    Percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation is considered investigational for the following indication.

    Investigational indication: Percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation for abdominal pain in individuals with disorders of gut-brain interaction, including but not limited to irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia, is considered investigational.

    Examples include IB Stim, First Relief v1, and TEA Device.

    Abdominal pain-related disorders of gut-brain interaction

    The following abdominal pain-related disorders of gut-brain interaction are within the investigational scope of this policy.

    Investigational policy scope: Percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation for abdominal pain-related disorders of gut-brain interaction, including irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia, is addressed as investigational.

    The policy scope was expanded from irritable bowel syndrome to include abdominal pain-related disorders of gut-brain interaction, including functional dyspepsia.

    Percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation for abdominal pain associated with disorders of gut-brain interaction, including irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia, is considered investigational and is not covered. The policy scope includes, but is not limited to, devices such as IB Stim, First Relief v1, and TEA Device.

    Coding Information

    Investigational CPT CodesCPTExperimental
    64567Percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation, cranial nerves, without implantation (new code effective 01/01/26)
    0720TPercutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation, cranial nerves, without implantation (code termed effective 01/01/26)
    CPT coding historyCPT
    0720TCPT code for percutaneous nerve stimulation; removed from the table in the August 2026 revision.
    64567New CPT code added to replace 0720T effective January 1, 2026.
    FDA Product CodeHCPCS
    QHHFDA product code

    Provider Actions

    Denial Risk

    Expect denial for investigational nerve field stimulation

    Percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation for abdominal pain in individuals with disorders of gut-brain interaction, including but not limited to irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia, is considered investigational and may be denied as not covered. Examples include IB Stim, First Relief v1, and TEA Device.

    Denial Risk

    Confirm investigational coverage status

    Percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation for abdominal pain-related disorders of gut-brain interaction, including irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia, is addressed as investigational. The expanded scope applies to dates of service on or after November 6, 2026.

    Background

    Percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation delivers electrical impulses through percutaneous electrodes placed near cranial nerve branches in the ear to target neural pathways involved in pain processing. The devices are used in the clinical context of disorders of gut-brain interaction, in which gastrointestinal symptoms occur without an identifiable structural abnormality; examples include irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia.

    The available evidence is insufficient to establish improvement in net health outcomes. The cited randomized trial was small, heterogeneous, and had short follow-up, limiting the ability to establish durable clinical benefit.

    Key Definitions

    Disorders of gut-brain interaction
    DefinitionConditions in which the stomach and intestines do not work as expected, even though no clear structural problem is found.
    ExamplesIrritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia.
    Common symptomsOngoing pain, bloating, or discomfort.
    Percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation
    Device typeNon-implantable, disposable, battery-operated device.
    Stimulation methodDelivers electrical stimulation through a four-lead electrode array with thin needles.
    Electrode placementElectrodes attach behind and around the ear at points where cranial nerve peripheral branches are located just beneath the skin.
    Policy Summary
    PayerPremera Blue Cross of Washington
    PolicyPercutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation for disorders of gut-brain interaction
    Policy CodePolicy 2.01.106
    Change TypeModified
    Effective DateNov 6, 2026
    Last ReviewAug 1, 2026
    Next Review DateN/A
    Key ActionTreat percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation for abdominal pain related to disorders of gut-brain interaction, including irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia, as investigational and potentially deny it as not covered.
    SourceLink
    On This Page
    Coverage CriteriaCoding InformationProvider ActionsBackgroundKey Definitions

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