IPSIS Urges Excellus BlueCross BlueShield to Cover Lateral Branch RF Neurotomy for SI Pain

The Radiofrequency Joint Ablation/Denervation coverage policy of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield excludes coverage for thermal radiofrequency ablation of the sacroiliac joint, also referred to as lateral branch radiofrequency neurotomy (LBRFN), classifying it as unproven or medically unnecessary.

On January 29, 2019, the International Pain and Spine Intervention Society (IPSIS) submitted a comment letter to the insurer recommending that the procedure is an appropriate treatment for suitably selected patients, based on the IPSIS-convened multispecialty collaborative-endorsed set of appropriate use criteria for sacroiliac interventions.