AppliedVR RelieVRx

RelieVRx, from AppliedVR, is a prescription virtual reality program for adults with chronic low back pain, used alongside other treatment. A clinician prescribes it, and a headset with a breathing amplifier is used at home. Over 8 weeks you do 56 sessions, typically a few minutes each, covering pain education, CBT-based skills, relaxation, breathing, mindfulness and distraction. The FDA granted De Novo authorization (DEN210014) in November 2021, originally as EaseVRx. Medicare created a billing code (E1905) in 2023, with coverage decided claim by claim, and access is also offered through the VA, some commercial plans and workers' compensation. Company-run sham-controlled trials found larger reductions in pain intensity and interference than sham VR; a published letter noted modest between-group effect sizes, and a separate 385-person trial found no difference between skills-based VR, distraction VR and sham.