Pelvic floor training is a public health priority: nearly 25% of women over 40 report urinary leakage in France. Getting a reimbursed pelvic floor trainer depends on the device type, medical indication, and the documents submitted to social security and your health insurance. This article clearly explains what is covered, how to get a prescription, and why products like Emy Trainer are often recommended by healthcare professionals despite limited coverage.
- Pelvic floor electrostimulation devices for home use can be reimbursed under certain conditions by social security, but they are generally less effective than biofeedback pelvic floor trainers used in clinics.
- Home biofeedback pelvic floor trainers are not covered by social security but offer superior technology for pelvic floor training.
- To maximize reimbursement, you need a prescription, the correct LPP coding, and to contact your health insurance for additional coverage.
What is a pelvic floor trainer?
Pelvic floor trainers are medical devices inserted vaginally or anally to measure or stimulate pelvic floor muscle activity. They come in various forms and technologies designed for pelvic floor training to address incontinence, mild prolapse, or postpartum recovery.
Definition and types of trainers
- Pelvic floor electrostimulation devices: deliver electrical currents to trigger muscle contractions.
- Biofeedback trainers: measure muscle contractions and provide real-time feedback to help you train your pelvic floor.
- Mixed trainers: combine stimulation and biofeedback in some devices, typically used only in clinics with healthcare professionals.
Each device type has different indications, usage methods, and reimbursement status.
Goals of pelvic floor training
Training aims to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, improve urinary continence, reduce pain, and restore sexual function. Medical protocols often include targeted exercises, regular assessments, and, if needed, the use of a medical device prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Learn more about the Emy Trainer medical device
Pelvic floor trainer reimbursement
Reimbursement depends on the device, LPP code, and the medical indication specified on the prescription. The CPAM always verifies the administrative compliance of the prescription before approving coverage.
Trainers reimbursed by Social Security
In practice, certain pelvic floor electrostimulation devices for home use can be reimbursed by social security under a specific LPP code if the device is on the reimbursable products list and the indication is recognized (for example stress or mixed incontinence). The reimbursed amount corresponds to an LPP base, supplementary health insurance may, in some cases, cover the remaining cost.
Reimbursement Conditions
- Medical prescription specifying the indication and the device to be prescribed.
- Inclusion of the LPP code if available, or commercial designation and number.
- Approved supplier or equipment registered for reimbursement.
- Sending or submitting the invoice and the claim form to the health insurance fund (CPAM).
- Some complementary insurances require a prior authorization request.
Always check with your health insurance fund and supplementary health insurance before purchase to avoid any surprises.
Difference Between Electrical Stimulation and Biofeedback
The difference affects reimbursement and effectiveness:
| Criterion | Home Electrical Stimulation | Home Pelvic Floor Trainer with Biofeedback |
|---|---|---|
| Social security reimbursement | Possible under conditions | Not reimbursed by CPAM to date |
| Clinical effectiveness | Useful but limited due to less targeted action | Validated biofeedback effectiveness, results from 3 weeks |
| Features | Electrical stimulation - passive contractions | Real-time feedback - active contractions |
| Training sessions | Long, about 30 minutes daily | Short, 5 to 20 minutes |
| Usage period | 2 months | Several months/years with possible breaks |
| Motivation | No games, no progress tracking | Engaging and varied games, progress visualization |
| Ergonomics | Often wired and connected to a control box | Wireless, connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth Low Energy |
| Usage position | Lying down | Standing, sitting, lying down to enable training in "real" muscle conditions |
| Pain | Possible if the electrical current intensity is improperly set by the user | No, no vibration or stimulation |
| Postpartum use | Not recommended postpartum due to nerve injuries frequently associated with childbirth (HAS 2002) | Adapted protocols no electric discharge |
| Use during menstruation | Not recommended | Allowed |
How to Get a Prescription for a Pelvic Floor Trainer?
Getting a correct prescription with the right information makes the process smoother and helps avoid administrative refusals.
Prescription Steps
- See a doctor (gynecologist, urologist, general practitioner) or a physiotherapist for a pelvic floor assessment.
- Obtain a prescription specifying the medical indication (incontinence, postpartum pelvic floor recovery).
- Check if the model is covered for reimbursement or ask the professional for the LPP coding.
- Order the device from a contracted supplier or an official medical website.
- Send the invoice and treatment form to the health insurance (CPAM), then to your complementary insurance.
What Documents Are Needed?
- Original medical prescription stating the indication and device.
- Invoice or order form detailing the brand and serial number.
- Treatment form provided by the seller if partial coverage applies.
- Explanatory letter if your complementary insurance requires prior authorization.
Remember to keep copies of all documents in your personal file.
Tips for Better Coverage
- Ask your prescriber to include the LPP code when available (for example, LPP 1183014 for certain devices).
- Choose a contracted supplier registered with CPAM.
- Include a medical report if your case is complex.
- Contact your complementary insurance before purchase and send them a quote to know the possible reimbursement amount.
- Keep a record of the package and purchase date for any claims.
Spotlight on Emy Trainer
Fizimed is a French company specialized in connected medical devices for women's health. Emy Trainer is their at-home pelvic floor training solution, designed for guided and effective care.
How It Works and Product Benefits
Emy Trainer uses a patented biofeedback technology. Its ultra-sensitive sensors detect muscle contractions across the entire surface of the pelvic floor trainer. The mobile app offers 8 personalized programs and over 32 mini-games to make training sessions fun and motivating. It adjusts exercise difficulty based on your results for measurable progress tailored to each user.
Proven Effectiveness and Feedback Experience
- Clinical efficacy validated by an external clinical trial
- Results observed as early as 3 weeks according to user feedback and studies with simple home follow-up
- Improvement in urinary incontinence symptoms and quality of life
- Protocol based on medical standards, including the PERFECT Scheme
Support and guidance program
The Emy Trainer device offers comprehensive support: a coach guides users through the app, there is an option for a free consultation with a physiotherapist, and dedicated customer support for practical questions. The product is made in Europe and CE certified.
FAQ about pelvic floor trainers
Who can prescribe a pelvic floor trainer?
General practitioners, gynecologists, urologists, and sometimes physiotherapists can issue a prescription. For CPAM reimbursement, a medical prescription is generally required.
How to choose the right pelvic floor trainer?
Choose based on the indication, technology, and advice from a professional. For active training with real-time feedback, opt for biofeedback. For reimbursable care, check if an electrostimulator suits your situation.
What financial support is available?
- Social security: partial reimbursement if the device is registered and prescribed.
- Health insurance: possible additional coverage depending on your plan; request a quote.
- Alternative options: physiotherapy sessions reimbursed for pelvic floor recovery in clinics. Send your invoice and documents to facilitate coverage.
Conclusion
Reimbursement for a pelvic floor trainer depends on the type of device and medical justification. Home electrostimulators may be reimbursed under certain conditions, but home biofeedback, which is more effective, is usually paid for by the patient.
The Emy Trainer smart pelvic floor trainer offers a clinically validated solution, professional support, and advanced technology for effective home pelvic floor training.
If you have a specific situation, book an appointment with a healthcare professional for a personalized pelvic floor assessment.
Sources
- Biofeedback and pelvic floor exercises for the rehabilitation of urinary stress incontinence, Buket Aksac, Semih Aki, Ayse Karan, Onay Yalcin, Mete Isikoglu, Nurten Eskiyurt, July 2003, Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation 56(1):23-27.
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Rehabilitation Using Biofeedback, Diane Kaschak Newman, July 2014, Urologic Nursing 34(4):193-202.
- Prospective evaluation of the connected biofeedback EMY Kegel trainer in the management of stress urinary incontinence, Floriane Jochum, Olivier Garbin, Julien Godet, Mathilde Ragueneau, Chantal Meyer, Sylvie Billecocq, Lise Lecointre, Chérif Akladios, Aline Host, February 2022, Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and Human Reproduction 51(2):102280.
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Assessment: The PERFECT Scheme, J Laycock ∙ D Jerwood, December 2001, Physiotherapy 87(12):631-642.
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Rééducation dans le cadre du post-partum, Agence Nationale d'Accréditation et d'Évaluation en Santé (ANAES) / Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), Décembre 2002, Recommandation de Bonne Pratique.
