ISIS Instrumental in Noridian Reversal of Non-Coverage Policy for Lumbar Facet Interventions

As a result of a 15 month effort, lead by ISIS and supported by 11 other medical societies (NASS, AAPM, AAPM&R, ASA, SIR, ACR, ASNR, ASSR, AANS, CNS, and AAOS), the non-coverage policy on lumbar facet blocks has been reversed and replaced by new policy, finalized and published by Noridian, on Sep 23, 2010. Noridian Administrative Service (NAS) is a Medicare contractor in 11 states; therefore the impact of this accomplishment cannot be underestimated.

ISIS will continue its work to preserve patient access to effective diagnostic and therapeutic spine interventions through ongoing commitment to building of multi-specialty coalitions; assisting Noridian and other payers in understanding the most appropriate and clinically effective means of implementing evidence-based spine therapies; and ensuring that reputable research publications appropriately guide coverage decisions.

All members who submit Medicare claims in the states covered by Noridian (UT, AZ, MT, WY, ND, SD, WA, OR, ID, AK, MN) are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new coverage policy for lumbar facet injections to assure compliance with all the requirements. To view the policy, click here.