[troutman]

A Skeptical Look at Low Level Laser Therapy
http://www.devicewatch.org/reports/lllt.shtml

The scientific consensus is that no LLLT has been proven more effective for pain than any other form of heat delivery. Some benefits have been reported, but the studies have been too small and/or too short to draw firm conclusions.

Aetna, CIGNA, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), have published detailed critiques of Anodyne's data and other published studies and explain why they do not cover LLLT.

• Aetna considers treatment with low-level infrared light (infrared therapy, Anodyne Therapy System) experimental and investigational for the treatment of chronic non-healing wounds, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, lymphedema, neck pain, acne, osteoarthritis, ischemic stroke and all other indications (except for grade I and II internal hemorrhoids) because of a lack of adequate evidence in the peer-reviewed published medical literature regarding the effectiveness of infrared therapy for these indications [4].
  
  
• CIGNA concludes: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been proposed for a wide variety of uses, including wound healing, tuberculosis, and musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel syndrome. There is insufficient evidence in the published, peer-reviewed scientific literature to demonstrate that LLLT is effective for these conditions or other medical conditions. Large, well-designed clinical trials are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of LLLT for the proposed conditions [5].
  
  
• CMS has determined that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that the use of infrared devices is not reasonable and necessary for treatment of Medicare beneficiaries for diabetic and non-diabetic peripheral sensory neuropathy, wounds and ulcers, and similar related conditions, including symptoms such as pain arising from these conditions. Therefore, we are issuing the following National Coverage Determination. The use of infrared and/or near-infrared light and/or heat, including monochromatic infrared energy (MIRE), is not covered for the treatment, including symptoms such as pain arising from these conditions, of diabetic and/or non-diabetic peripheral sensory neuropathy, wounds and/or ulcers of skin and/or subcutaneous tissues in Medicare beneficiaries [6].