Vivistim – The Process

What to Expect

So far I have completed steps 1 through 5.  And on January 14, 2025, I will begin step 6. I will post my progress periodically, so don’t forget to subscribe and get post notifications to your inbox.

1

the Getting Started Survey

Complete our simple survey to see if Vivistim might be right for you. A Vivistim rep will review your survey submission.

Is Vivistim Right for You? 

2

Connect with a Vivistim Rep

If you meet the survey criteria, you will be contacted by one of our representatives who will guide you through the evaluation process.

3

Eligibility & Candidacy Evaluation

To determine if you are eligible for Vivistim Therapy, a rehabilitation professional will evaluate your current hand and arm function. You will then be referred for a consultation with a surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for the implantation procedure.

4

Insurance Coverage and Cost

Vivistim is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance with prior authorization on a case-by-case basis. 

Patient out-of-pocket costs for the Vivistim placement procedure and associated therapy vary depending on a patient’s medical insurance plan, type of coverage and provider charges. The procedure may also require prior authorization. The Vivistim Pre‐Service Clearance Program can assist the patient and their provider’s office to secure prior authorization or pre-certification.

5

Simple, outpatient procedure

In a short, same-day outpatient procedure, a surgeon makes a small incision in the neck, to place the lead, and another small incision in the chest, to place the Vivistim implant. Within a few weeks, your doctor will likely clear you for rehab therapy. 

6

Participate in Consistent Vivistim Therapy

In-Clinic Therapy

In-clinic rehabilitation therapy typically lasts 6 weeks, a few times per week. The sessions are focused on active movement tasks while your therapist signals the Vivistim implant to deliver a gentle pulse to the vagus nerve.

The tasks will be selected by you and your therapist and will be based on functional goals that you want to improve.