FAQ

Drug therapy has not helped me - could this device work in my case?

Yes. The device can work for patients who have not found success with medication.

Can I use the device at the same time I am taking medication?

The answer is yes and the reason is that the Fisher Wallace Stimulator® employs a completely different method of action than drug therapy. Instead of inhibiting neurons from absorbing serotonin, as antidepressant medication does, the Fisher Wallace Stimulator® activates brain regions, such as the basal ganglia and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, that are responsible for mood, sleep and cognition.

Are there any side effects?

When used cranially to treat insomnia, depression and anxiety, 1 in 500 patients report a mild headache upon using the device. Approximately 1 in 250 patients may experience an increase in wakefulness immediately after using the device. If this occurs, the device should not be used within three hours of bedtime.

Although not a side effect, improper use of the device may result in minor electrode irritation - this can occur if the sponges are not thoroughly wet before use. People with very sensitive skin may find that the sponge electrodes, even when wet, cause a slight irritation to the skin - but this is very rare.

How does the device work?

The Fisher Wallace Stimulator® works by stimulating the brain to produce neurochemicals such as serotonin, while modulating the default mode network and entraining alpha waves. The device treats insomnia but is not a sedative - instead, the device modulates the brain to produce a restful state that accelerates sleep onset and restores longer periods of sleep.

What does stimulation feel like?

Many patients do not feel the stimulation at all, while some may feel a mild tingling at the sponge contact sites.

How soon do patients experience benefits?

Many people report positive changes during or shortly after the first 5-10 treatment sessions. Results in treating insomnia are typically experienced faster than in treating depression and anxiety. The device should be used daily for up to 3-4 weeks before making a decision regarding effectiveness. While level 2 is the recommended starting dosage level, the device may be used safely at level 3 and 4, should level 2 not produce positive results after two weeks

Is there anyone who should not use the Fisher Wallace Stimulator?

The Fisher Wallace Stimulator® can be used by all patients except those with implanted medical devices, such as an implanted nerve stimulator or pacemaker. The device is contraindicated for use on the body in patients who have demand or sensing type cardiac pacemakers. The stimulator's electrical impulses may interfere with the functioning of such implanted devices.


Additional precautions:

  • This device should not be used around the Carotid sinus.
  • Patients with known or suspected heart disease should not be stimulated.
  • Patients who react poorly to the idea of electrical stimulation of any kind should not use this device.
  • Patients whose skin is irritated around either electrode site should discontinue use of this device.
  • This device must be used only for the purpose for which a physician or healthcare professional has prescribed or authorized.
  • This device must only be used by the person for whom the prescription or authorization has been written.

Is this device covered by my insurance?
Insurance Reimbursement

Guidelines for insurance reimbursement are below. Please call us at (800) 692-4380 if you have any questions.

Private Insurance

Many private insurance companies will reimburse patients for the purchase of a Fisher Wallace Stimulator® if the patient's doctor provides a letter of medical necessity. You may download a template of this letter by clicking Here. Your doctor will need to edit the template.

If the insurance company denies the claim at first, it will often accept the claim once the patient contests the initial denial.

You may reference the Medical Code: E0720 NU and the Provider Number: 1497045215 as needed for submission.

Medicare and Medicaid

Medicaid in Maine (MaineCare) fully covers the purchase of the device (visit our MaineCare site here). Medicare does not currently cover the purchase of the device.

Tricare for Life

TRICARE For Life covers the purchase of the Fisher Wallace Stimulator®. The device is covered for any veteran -- or immediate family member of a veteran -- who is either (1) retired from the armed services and over 65 or (2) on permanent disability and under 65.

Use the Medical Code: E1399 NU and the Provider Number: 1497045215, both of which are required for submission. Submit your claim directly to TRICARE For Life.