Medicare Benefits Schedule - Note TN.8.241

Items 39129 and 39138 are for the insertion of leads that are intended to remain in situ long term. Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) is not to be claimed under these items.

The use of PENS for the management of chronic pain has not been assessed by the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) or recommended for public funding. Therefore, PENS procedures for management of chronic pain cannot be billed under the MBS, including items 39129 and 39138.

Item 39138 is the appropriate item to claim when surgical lead placement is required for a trial procedure prior to longer term placement. Item 39129 is the appropriate item for the percutaneous placement of leads, including for trial procedures.

Items 39129 and 39138 provide for the insertion of one or multiple leads. There is no intention to change current billing practices for these items, e.g. where more than one lead is inserted as part of an episode then the item can be billed once per lead.

Related Items: 39129 39138

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Multiple Operation Rule

Peripheral nerve lead or leads, surgical placement of, including intraoperative test stimulation, for the management of chronic neuropathic pain  where the leads are intended to remain in situ long term (H) 

(Anaes.) (Assist.)

Fee: $767.95 Benefit: 75% = $576.00

(See para TN.8.241 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Multiple Operation Rule

Peripheral lead or leads, percutaneous placement of, including intraoperative test stimulation, for the management of chronic neuropathic pain (H)

(Anaes.) (Assist.)

Fee: $691.15 Benefit: 75% = $518.40

(See para TN.8.241 of explanatory notes to this Category)