---
title: "What Is Preauthorization? TENS and Pain Glossary"
description: "Preauthorization is approval that an insurance plan gives before a device or service is provided. Each plan sets its own rules, so check with your plan."
url: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/preauthorization
publisher: Analgesic Healthcare
phone: +1-800-749-1188
contact: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/contact
---

Insurance

# Preauthorization

Preauthorization is approval that an insurance plan gives before a device or service is provided. Each plan sets its own rules, so check with your plan.

Preauthorization, also called prior authorization, means a plan reviews a request before an item is delivered. CMS says its prior authorization program for certain DMEPOS items helps suppliers ensure that applicable Medicare coverage, payment and coding rules are met before delivery. Medicare.gov says a Medicare Advantage plan may require approval (prior authorization) for certain drugs or services. [Medicare Advantage](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/medicare-advantage) plans differ, so ask yours how it handles TENS units. Analgesic Healthcare offers a preauthorization form for TENS units for doctors and physical therapists on its [preauthorization form page](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/preauthorization-form). A submitted form is a request, not a promise of coverage. Read [how to get a TENS unit covered by insurance](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/guides/get-tens-unit-covered-by-insurance).

## Related terms

-   [Medicare Advantage](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/medicare-advantage)
-   [Medical necessity](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/medical-necessity)
-   [Written order prior to delivery](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/written-order-prior-to-delivery)
-   [Durable medical equipment](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/durable-medical-equipment)

## Sources

1.  [CMS: Prior Authorization Process for Certain DMEPOS Items](https://www.cms.gov/data-research/monitoring-programs/medicare-fee-service-compliance-programs/prior-authorization-and-pre-claim-review-initiatives/prior-authorization-process-certain-durable-medical-equipment-prosthetics-orthotics-and-supplies)
2.  [Medicare.gov: Parts of Medicare](https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/parts-of-medicare)
3.  [Analgesic Healthcare: Preauthorization form for TENS units](https://analgesichealthcare.com/preauthorization-form/)

## 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/)