Forms & Download Guides - RA Fischer Co.

Check out some of our helpful resources

Looking for more information on hyperhidrosis, the insurance coverage process, or general iontophoresis help?

Insurance Reimbursement Guide

Seek payment from your provider without first waiting for approval.

RA Fischer Co. Overview

Who are we? Learn more about our history and hyperhidrosis solution.

Insurance & Physician Packet

Bring this to your doctor to help explain your symptoms and get a prescription.

2019 Desktop Calendar – RA Fischer Co

A monthly calendar to help motivate you past your hyperhidrosis.

Back-to-School Letter

A letter for your student to hand to teacher that explains hyperhidrosis.

MD-1 vs. MD-2 Comparison Chart

Comparing our MD-1 (analog) and MD-2 (digital) iontophoresis devices.

Hyperhidrosis Solutions Comparison Chart

Comparing your options, from antipersperants to medications.

Iontophoresis Physicians Booklet

Everything you need to know as a medical practitioner to prescribe iontophoresis.

Pediatric Hyperhidrosis – Gordon & Hill

Scientific paper published 2013.

Treatment of Palmar Hyperhidrosis by Iontophoresis – Stolman

Scientific paper published 1987.

Palmar and Plantar Hyperhidrosis Practical Management – Benohanian, Boudjikanian & Paylan

Scientific paper published 2007.

Hyperhidrosis Management Options – McConaghy

Scientific paper published 2018.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Primary hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes abnormal sweating not related to exercise or resulting from another underlying condition. While it can affect different areas of the body, severe palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis (involving the hands or feet) are the most common cases. Besides being a physical medical condition, hyperhidrosis can often cause social anxiety and occupational difficulties that severly limit an individual’s quality of life. Our Treatment Specialists can share some truly inspiring success stories of people – both young and old – whose lives have been changed after discovering our iontophoresis device.

What is Iontophoresis?

Iontophoresis is an at-home treatment for managing sweat from hyperhidrosis. The treatment consists of placing your hands and/or feet in two small bath trays, each filled with tap water, for approximatly 15-20 minutes. A mild electrical current pushes the natural minerals found in tap water into your sweat pores, essentially “plugging them up” to create a long-lasting dryness barrier.

A physician may recommend “Tap Water Iontophoresis” for treatment of palmar or plantar hyperhidrosis. Use of iontophoresis with everyday tap water has clinical evidence dating back to the 1950s. Modern studies by Dr. Fred Levit and Dr. Lewis P. Stolman have continued to demonstrate the efficacy of iontophoresis for treating hyperhidrosis.

Most patients begin with 3-4 sessions per week, then reduce once they’ve achieve a desired level of dryness. A regular maintenance program – from once a week to once a month – will ensure long-term success. On average, patients see signifigantly drier results after 2 weeks.

Interested in learning more? Ask one of our Treatment Specialists to provide you with a clinical case study. If another provider can’t do the same, do you really trust their solution? I didn’t think so.

Do you require a prescription?

Yes, because we are an FDA-Approved medical device, all sales within the United States must be accompanied by a prescription. If you live outside of the U.S., you can order online or over the phone without needing a doctor’s prescription.

What does the treatment feel like?

Patients report feeling a tingling sensation during treatments. Occasionally, some users have described the feeling as having a “pins and needles” sensation – like your hands/feet are falling asleep. Nothing you can’t endure for 15-20 minutes while you watch your favorite show on TV!

Is iontophoresis painful?

When done properly, iontophoresis should not be painful. If you are experiencing pain during treatment you may have the intensity level set too high. Be sure to cover irritated or cracked skin with a thin layer of petroleum jelly before treatment. Open cuts may be especially sensitive, so we recommend waiting until they heal before resuming your regular maintence schedule.

Which iontophoresis device should I order, the MD-1 or MD-2?

Are you looking to treat your hands, feet, or both? Both the MD-1a and MD-2 models are designed for medical treatment of hyperhidrosis. With the MD-1, however, if you’re looking to treat your hands, you will need a partner present to switch the polarity halfway through treatment. Our MD-2 features an automatic polarity switch, so you can treat yourself unaccompanied.

You should also base your choice upon the available features and pricing. If you have questions, our Treatment Specialists are on-call to answer them. We find that talking to a real-person helps provide the best, most accurant guidance based on your insurance coverage, the status of your prescription, etc.

If you want to get technical real quick:

The MD-1 is our classic Galvanic Unit and has been FDA-Approved for over 30-years. Output is manually controlled using an adjustable knob and an analog (needle-type) meter. You can also manually reverse polarity (usually mid-treatment).

The MD-2 is a Digital Galvanic Unit with microprocessor control of all functions and includes automatic current regulation, auto sequenced polarity reversal, a treatment timer with alarm, and 32-character LCD display (aka our latest and greatest with all the bells and whistles).

Both models have great success rates and deliver similalr treatments. However, we’ve been doing this a long time, and from our experience, we’ve found the MD-2 to be more popular with kids, teenagers, and Millenials for its ease of use.

How much does it cost?

Our original analog MD-1 device is $675. Our newer, digital MD-2 model is $975. We offer a range of payment options, from working with your insurance company to get some or all of the cost covered, to 3, 6, and 12 month payment plans.

How much would you say you’ve spent on treatments, medications, new clothes, and miscellaneous things due to your excessive sweating? Even montly copays and trips to the pharmacy – those costs add up! Did you know that one Botox treatment costs as much as our entire device? Then factor in that you have to get Botox injections every few months, while our device is a one-time investment that lasts forever. Patients tell us that they have devices that are 20+ years old that still work!

How do I order?

You can place your order by telephone (800-525-3467), or online by visiting our Iontophoresis Product catalog, where current pricing is listed. The MD-1a or MD-2 is bundled with all necessary accessories to treat hands and feet; including a carrying case that converts into detachable water bath trays!

Pads for treating the underarm area are also available as an add-on accessory on our Iontophoresis Accessories page. The pads plug directly into the unit and can be ordered at any time, as they do not require a prescription.

We also offer a rent-to-own payment plan, which allows you to pay for your unit over time by making monthly rental payments until the unit is paid in full. Click here for full details about our monthly financing options through Affirm.

Your doctor will need to write a prescription for the Galvanic Unit, which you can email, mail, or fax to us for processing your order (visit our Contact Us page for address and phone/fax numbers). Due to compliance measures, we will not be able to process or ship your order until we receive your prescription. However, no charges will be processed until your order is complete.

Do you offer monthly payment plans or financing?

Yes! Through ourfinancing partner Affirm, you can choose between 3, 6, and 12-month payment plans. See if you qualify for 0% APR in less than 5 minutes. You’ll be sent loan confirmation and payment reminders via email and text.

Your account is created using your name, email, mobile phone number, birthday, and the last 4 digits of your SSN. This combination helps Affirm verify and protect your identity.

Affirm’s prequalifying will not affect your credit score. When you first create an account, Affirm performs what’s called a ‘soft’ credit check to help verify your identity and determine your eligibility for financing. This ‘soft’ credit check will not affect your credit score whatsoever.

Do you offer a warranty?

Yes! All iontophoresis devices are backed by a two-year manufacturer warranty on all products. Our warranty covers any manufacturer defects but does not cover general wear and tear that may occur over time. However, we’ve had patients report that their devices are still going strong after 20+ years! Our devices are 100% made in the USA, so you know what you’re getting and where you’re getting it from.

Can I return the MD-1 or MD-2 if it doesn’t meet my expectations?

Absolutely! While iontophoresis is 91% successful, it doesn’t work for everyone. That’s why we offer a 60-Day Mone Back Guarantee (less shipping). Since most patients see drier results in 2-weeks, this 60-day window gives you more than enough time to determine if iontophoresis is right for you. What have you got to lose?

Once we recieve your device, it is subject to inspection. Please allow 10-15 business days for us to process your return and issue a refund.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please call us at 800-525-3467 to obtain Return Authorization before shipping the device back to us. If you do not call us before you ship your device back to us, it may take longer to process your return and delay your refund.

How often should I use the device?

Everyone’s body is different, so it’s important that you talk to your doctor at your personal Treatment Specialist are RA Fischer Co. to establish a schedule that works for you. Most patients begin with 15-20 minute sessions 2-3x a week. Then, once you’ve acheived your desired level of dryness, you can reduce to the schedule that works best for you – once a week, once a month.

Begin at a low intensity – 2-5mA – and work your way up until you find a comfortable level. Most patients eventually treat at 12-15mA for hands and 15-18mA for feet. You may be able to build up over time or you can use at a lower intensity for a longer duration (30 minutes). Keep in mind that iontophoresis is like going to the gym – you have to keep at it!

What intensity level should I be using during treatment?

Begin at a lower intensity – 2-5mA – and work your way up until you find a comfortable level. Most patients treat regularly at 12-15mA for hands and 15-18mA for feet. Your tolerance should build up over time, or you can treat at a lower intensity for a longer duration (30 minutes).

How much water should I put into the trays?

Fill each bath tray to the fill line on the metal plates. This usually equates to between 2-5 cups of water, depending on the area you’re treating.

When can I reduce the frequency of treatment sessions?

Most patients see a noticeable reduction in sweating after the first 2 weeks of consistent treatment. You can gradually reduce the frequency of treatments once you’ve achieved your desired level of dryness. Maintenance treatments will be required, and this will vary from person to person. Patients have reported treating just once a month as part of their regular schedule.

What if I can’t withstand the treatment for required time? Will I achieve positive results?

Don’t worry, if you’re not able to tolerate the recommended intensity levels, feel free to treat at a level that’s comfortable for you. Many patients still achieve positive results even when treating at lower levels, albeit for longer sessions. Over time, you may be able to build up to a higher tolerance as you become accustomed to the treatment. If you are doing treatments under 10mA, we recommend extending the treatment time to 30 minutes per area.

If I haven’t sees results after a week of treatments, is the machine working?

Treatments are cumulative and it will take time before results are seen. The normal time frame is 2-4 weeks of treatment before the user will start to see a reduction in sweating. Please continue treatments as recommended. If, after 6 weeks, there is no noticeable improvement, there is a chance the treatment is not working for you. In this case, please call us for further information.

Can I do more than one treatment per day?

There is no restriction on daily treatments, however, it is not recommended. There is an increased risk of sensitivity, skin redness and irritation, and chronic dry skin from overuse. Talk to your doctor and your Treatment Specialist at RA Fischer Co. about creating a schedule that works for you.

Will my health plan cover the purchase of an iontophoresis device?

Iontophoresis is a recognized medical therapy for treatment and control of hyperhidrosis. RA Fischer’s MD-1 and MD-2 devices are registered with the FDA as prescription medical devices. Many healthcare plans consider this treatment as a medical necessity but some do not. In fact, some insurance comapnies consider hyperhidrosis a “discomfort” and not a “disability.” Can you believe that?!

If you have any questions about your insurance coverage, a Treatment Specialist at RA Fischer Co. can contact your provider on your behalf and inquire into eligibility. Then, we’ll review all of your options with you so you can make the decision that’s right for you based on your timeline and budget.

Once you have prior authorization and approval, we’ll bill your insurance company. The downside is that it can take 60-90 days before we receive approval, which is why many patients decide to purchase or finance the device out of pocket and then seek reimbursement directly from their provider.

Your insurance company may require one or more of the following codes to process a claim:

ICD-10 Codes:
- L74.5 – Focal Hyperhidrosis
- L74.51 – Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis
- L74.510 – Axilla
- L74.511 – Face
- L74.512 – Palms
- L74.513 – Soles
- L74.519 – Unspecified
- L74.52 – Secondary Focal Hyperhidrosis
HCPCS or HIC/PIC Code: E1399 “Tapwater Iontophoresis”
CPT Code: 97033 (only for use when billing treatments done in office)

FEIN Number (A.R. Hinkel Co. dba R.A. Fischer Co.): 95-4063106

NPI Number (National Provider ID for Insurance): 1174815484

Can RA Fischer help me find out if my insurance will cover the cost?

Absolutely! If you have any questions about your insurance coverage, a Treatment Specialist at RA Fischer Co. can contact your provider on your behalf and inquire into eligibility. Then, we’ll review all of your options with you so you can make the best decision based on your timeline and budget.

What information is needed to complete my insurance inquiry?

Once we have received your inquiry, we’ll need the following information:

Your full name and date of birth of patient
Your full name and date of birth of beneficiary, if different from patient
Copy of the front and back of your insurance card
Doctor’s name and contact information
Copy of doctor’s prescription

This information can be submitted via email to info@rafischer.com after submitting your insurance inquiry.

What is Prior Authorization and why is it needed?

Prior authorization may be required by your insurance company before obtaining an iontophoreis device. Prior authorization confirms that the device is considered medically necessary and will be covered by your specific insurance policy.

Who can start a prior authorization request and what information is needed?

A prior authorization request can be started by you, your doctor, or one of our Treatment Specialists here at RA Fischer Co. However, some insurance plans will only allow a prior authorization to be initiated by the member or their doctor.

Most prior authorization requests will require additional information from your doctor to show medical necessity. A sample letter of medical necessity can be found here.

What are my shipping options?

We ship via UPS or USPS. Expedited shipping options are available from both carriers depending on your situation.

Do you ship internationally?

We sure do! We ship globaly via USPS Global services. Expedited shipping options may be available depending on your country.

Please note that international shipping costs do NOT include any customs fees or taxes that may be charged when your package arrives at its destination.

How long does shipping take?

On average, shipping takes between 3-4 business days depending on where you live. Shipping time for international orders may vary.

Are customs fees and taxes included in shipping for international orders?

No, customs fees and taxes are not included in shipping costs. Taxes and fees are dependent on the country of delivery and are the responsibility of the patient.

For additional information, we recommend the following links:
International Hyperhidrosis Society
Sample Letter of Medical Necessity (PDF)