---
title: "What Is Face-to-face encounter? TENS and Pain Glossary"
description: "A face-to-face encounter is a practitioner visit that gathers information about the condition for which equipment is ordered."
url: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/face-to-face-encounter
publisher: Analgesic Healthcare
phone: +1-800-749-1188
contact: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/contact
---

Insurance

# Face-to-face encounter

A face-to-face encounter is a practitioner visit that gathers information about the condition for which equipment is ordered. CMS requires one for items on its required list.

CMS says that for all items requiring a face-to-face encounter, a practitioner visit is required within six months before the order. The visit must gather subjective and objective information about diagnosing, treating or managing the condition for which the item is ordered, and it must be documented in the medical record. CMS requires the encounter only for items on its required list or those with a statutory rule. The Medicare TENS policy article refers to this rule for specified codes. Ask your clinician whether your TENS code is on the current list. See also [written order prior to delivery](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/written-order-prior-to-delivery) and the [referral documentation guide](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/guides/tens-referral-documentation-guide).

## Related terms

-   [Written order prior to delivery](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/written-order-prior-to-delivery)
-   [Medical necessity](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/medical-necessity)
-   [Durable medical equipment](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/durable-medical-equipment)
-   [DME MAC](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/dme-mac)

## Sources

1.  [CMS: DMEPOS Order and Face-to-Face Encounter Requirements](https://www.cms.gov/data-research/monitoring-programs/medicare-fee-service-compliance-programs/medical-review-and-education/dmepos-order-requirements)
2.  [CMS: Policy Article A52520, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators (TENS)](https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleid=52520)

## Questions about your unit or a bill?

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