SIS Coordinates 14 Society Response to the Oregon Health Authority’s Decision to End ESI Coverage

HINSDALE, Ill.—May 19, 2016—On behalf of 14 medical specialty societies that comprise physicians who utilize and/or perform spinal injection procedures to accurately diagnose and treat patients suffering from spine pathologies, SIS has submitted comments regarding Oregon Health Authority’s decision to eliminate coverage of epidural steroid injections (ESIs) effective July 1st.

ESIs have an established record of safety and effectiveness, and a cascade of unintended consequences may stem from this decision including unnecessary suffering, further opioid dependency, avoidable invasive surgeries, increased utilization of added healthcare resources, and a diminishment of productivity due to greater employment disability claims. Read the multi-society response letter here.

Once again, SIS has taken the lead to coordinate a response to an emerging challenge spine interventionists face in guaranteeing access and reimbursement for clinically appropriate, patient-oriented care. Learn more about SIS advocacy efforts here.