Cryotherapy and Compression Devices for Home Use
Coverage decision: Not covered
Cryotherapy and compression devices, such as Game Ready™ system, are considered personal appliances and are not authorized per WAC 296-20-1102.
Game Ready™ system and other similar devices are used to reduce pain and swelling after knee or shoulder surgery. The devices may pump cold water through a sleeve around the affected limb and provides intermittent compression by inflating and deflating the sleeve. The devices are classified by the Food and Drug Administration as a massager and cold water cooling system. These devices are not approved for marketing or use as a pneumatic compression device to treat or prevent deep vein thrombosis.
L&I does not cover Game Ready™ system or similar devices for home use because the evidence of effectiveness is insufficient and the evidence of cost-effectiveness is unfavorable compared to the standard of care: rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). The coverage decision applies to other cooling devices with or without pneumatic compression, including but not limited to:
- ArticFlow Cold Therapy System
- AutoChill® system
- Cryo/cuff™
- Cryotherapy Cold Water Therapy System by Artic® Ice
- Iceman Cold Therapy unit
- OPTI-ICE™ Cold Therapy System
- Polar Care Cub
- Polar Care 500, Polar Care 300
- Versa-Cool™ Portable Cold Therapy Unit
- VitalWrap™ System
Billing codes
HCPCS codes: E0218 and E0236
Note: Cryotherapy and compression devices used in a clinical setting are not payable separately. These modalities are considered to be bundled into existing physical medicine services billable under CPT® 97010. HCPCS E1399 is not appropriate for use of cryotherapy and compression devices in any setting.
Technology assessment and references
Regulatory authority and related information
