--- title: "What Is Trial period? TENS and Pain Glossary | Analgesic Healthcare" description: "A TENS trial period is a first stretch of use in which the treating practitioner monitors whether the unit modulates pain." url: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/tens-trial-period publisher: Analgesic Healthcare phone: +1-800-749-1188 contact: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/contact --- Therapy # Trial period A TENS trial period is a first stretch of use in which the treating practitioner monitors whether the unit modulates pain. Medicare's policy sets the length for chronic pain. For chronic pain, the Medicare TENS policy says the unit must be used on a trial basis for a minimum of one month (30 days), but not to exceed two months, and the trial period is paid as a rental. The treating practitioner must monitor the trial to determine the effectiveness of the unit in modulating the pain. For coverage of a purchase, the practitioner must determine that the beneficiary is likely to derive significant therapeutic benefit from continuous use over a long period. These are the terms of the LCD revision effective January 1, 2024. Other plans may differ. Read the [TENS trial period guide](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/guides/tens-trial-period). Use any unit as your clinician and the device instructions direct. ## Related terms - [Local coverage determination](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/local-coverage-determination) - [Chronic pain](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/chronic-pain) - [Medical necessity](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/medical-necessity) - [TENS unit](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/tens-unit) ## Sources 1. [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/)