---
title: "What Is Lead wire? TENS and Pain Glossary | Analgesic Healthcare"
description: "A lead wire is the cable that connects an electrode pad to the TENS unit. Most units use two or four lead wires, and a lead wire can wear out."
url: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/lead-wire
publisher: Analgesic Healthcare
phone: +1-800-749-1188
contact: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/contact
---

Device

# Lead wire

A lead wire is the cable that connects an electrode pad to the TENS unit. Most units use two or four lead wires, and a lead wire can wear out.

A lead wire plugs into the TENS unit at one end and into an [electrode pad](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/electrode-pad) at the other. University of Iowa Health Care says to put the lead wires all the way into the connector on each pad, and not to bend or coil them tightly because that can damage them. Medicare's TENS policy says that if a unit is ordered for use with 4 leads, the medical record must document why 2 leads are insufficient. It also says replacing lead wires more often than every 12 months would rarely be reasonable and necessary. Both points are from the LCD revision effective January 1, 2024. Read the [pads and supplies guide](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/guides/tens-electrode-pads-supplies-guide).

## Related terms

-   [Electrode pad](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/electrode-pad)
-   [TENS unit](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/tens-unit)
-   [Conductive garment](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/conductive-garment)
-   [Local coverage determination](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/local-coverage-determination)

## Sources

1.  [University of Iowa Health Care: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS)](https://uihc.org/health-topics/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulator-tens)
2.  [CMS: Local Coverage Determination L33802, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators (TENS)](https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx?lcdid=33802)

## Questions about your unit or a bill?

Call toll free. For customer care, ask for extension 508.

[Call (800) 749-1188](tel:+1-800-749-1188)[Pay invoice](https://ahcpatientservices.com/)