who can perscribe a tens unit?

**efbrgnthm** · 01-12-2007, 04:54 PM

I went to my doctor a lil while ago and asked him if he could prescribe me a tens unit for my pain and he said it wouldn't work for my pain and it was probably just some bull**** i read on the internet. I have such bad reactions to oral medication so it would be nice to get some relief with out having to take a pill!
how did all of you get one?
thanx for your help
aloha Caitlin

***ICNDonna*** · 01-13-2007, 04:15 AM

I got mine for a frozen shoulder --- my orthopedist ordered it. Any doctor can order one.

Donna

**ihurttoo** · 01-13-2007, 04:54 AM

There are also several sites online where you can order one, without a prescription. Although, insurance won cover it without one. Plus, if you get a Dr. to refer you to a physical therapist, and they write you a script, they will also show you how to use it and the best positions for the leads, specific to your pain.

***ICNDonna*** · 01-13-2007, 06:09 AM

In the United States it is not legal for anyone to sell you a TENS unit without a physician's order.

Donna

**ihurttoo** · 01-13-2007, 07:43 AM

Originally Posted by ICNDonna

In the United States it is not legal for anyone to sell you a TENS unit without a physician's order.

Donna

Wow! I didnt know that. The sites were U.S. sites, so that's why I didnt know it was illegal. (I guess I am still naive about all this internet stuff!) Thanks for the post!

**SandyRN** · 01-13-2007, 09:04 AM

I had a physical therapist write an RX for mine. I wish I could remember how I got it cause I desperately need a new one!!

**catlover2** · 01-13-2007, 10:30 AM

My family practitioner wrote the Rx for mine. If your insurance will cover the unit, I would highly recommend Empi's TENS unit. They are expensive; I don't know the exact amount because insurance paid for 100% of mine.

**Angie** · 01-13-2007, 04:34 PM

For me--your Drs kinda right--it works a little bit for pain. What it's great for --I didn't even know this until I'd had the unit a week--is urgency and frequency. I use my TENS shopping, vacation, going out--I can stretch out the potty breaks. I also like to use it for cramps.
My Uro wrote a prescrip that I had to give to my PT--she gave the TENS to me and showed me how to use it. My insurance also paid for the whole thing. (they cost close to $800.00--the insurance also pays 80% of supplies) When I went to the Fair this summer they had booths with people selling something similiar. I should have tried one out to see if they worked. I had mine on at the time and didn't want to mess with trying theirs. You didn't need a prescription to buy one from them. ??? Maybe theirs isn't as stong???
I figure anything is worth a try with this stupid disease--maybe a TENS will work great for you. I've read it does help some people in reducing their pain. Good luck.
angie

***ICNDonna*** · 01-14-2007, 03:08 AM

My TENS unit cost about $150 (It may have been $152), including rechargeable batteries and the initial supplies. I got mine from a local medical supply place. Electrodes are about $10 to $12 for a set locally and can be ordered via the internet for slightly less.

Donna