[JayThompson]

I've had chronic pain for around 6 years now and tried a few of alternative things aside from pharmaceuticals which I really dont want to have to rely on. So it's been offered by my doc to look into Anodyne therapy, which would be great but the prices they offer at the clinics around here seem to be very expensive in the long run.

So i looked into home models and I just wanted some opinions on getting second hand machines? Theres one on eBay right now bid at 150 and I'd like to bid on it since thats quite cheap. I've talked to the buyer and he's actually got another one to sell soon thats just 2 pads but I think I'll need the 4. I know its bidding so it will probably go up a lot, but any other options and opinions would be great! Thanks!

[mrsD]

It is hard to say.... Anodyne used to be paid for by insurance, but some of them are now disallowing claims for it. Several years ago
when I had PT for an injury I asked them about Anodyne, and the therapists were positive about it. But you'd have to Google it today for "reviews" to see what its current status is.

[sweetkisses09]

I bought a used one for my dad a few years ago from the manufacturer. Medicare didn't pay for it, so we didn't consider getting new.

[Sandy49]

Originally Posted by sweetkisses09

I bought a used one for my dad a few years ago from the manufacturer. Medicare didn't pay for it, so we didn't consider getting new.

I know that refurbished units are available from the manufacturer with a 1 year warranty. Their number us 800-521-6664 if there is an interest.

[ed121430]

Originally Posted by JayThompson

I've had chronic pain for around 6 years now and tried a few of alternative things aside from pharmaceuticals which I really dont want to have to rely on. So it's been offered by my doc to look into Anodyne therapy, which would be great but the prices they offer at the clinics around here seem to be very expensive in the long run.

So i looked into home models and I just wanted some opinions on getting second hand machines? Theres one on eBay right now bid at 150 and I'd like to bid on it since thats quite cheap. I've talked to the buyer and he's actually got another one to sell soon thats just 2 pads but I think I'll need the 4. I know its bidding so it will probably go up a lot, but any other options and opinions would be great! Thanks!

I never even heard of that before today when it was suggested to me !!
Do you know anybody that have good results with it or is it mostly smoke and mirrors........Some one else said that if the insurance, or Medicare won't pay, that might be a clue telling that it is not much help if any !! I think I will call them for my own peace of mind...

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by ed121430

Some one else said that if the insurance, or Medicare won't pay, that might be a clue telling that it is not much help if any !!

Help for what, specifically? I seem to recall some discussions about this type of therapy (Low Level Infrared Light or Laser Therapy)

Regarding FDA/Medicare/insurance, I found this:

The [Anodyne Therapy System] system has FDA clearance for marketing for "relief of minor muscle and joint pain and improvement of superficial circulation" but the company's Web site suggests that it can do more. In 2005, the FDA ordered the manufacture to stop claiming that it could wounds and ulcers, gait and balance impairment, carpal tunnel syndrome, and several other conditions. Aetna, CIGNA, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), have critiqued Anodyne's data and other published studies and explain why they do not cover LLLT as a treatment modality.
http://www.ncahf.org/digest09/09-25.html

and: http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage...=IAAAACAAEAAA&

and: http://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/600_699/0604.html

I also found a Fraud case involving the company over its claims:
http://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-7th-circuit/1499270.html

So it appears (with regard to some insurance) to depend on the type & reason for physical therapy.

Regarding efficacy, I found this study: Effect of Pulsing in Low-Level Light Therapy

See also:
Light therapy
Low level laser therapy

Doc