Washington State Finalizes SCS Policy

On July 1, 2024, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) officially finalized its policy to expand spinal cord stimulation (SCS) coverage. This policy change, originally supported by IPSIS and other medical societies, extends SCS coverage to patients suffering from nonsurgical refractory back pain (NSRBP), failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), and painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN).

However, more than 2.7 million residents of Washington State continue to lack SCS coverage for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), as this condition is not included in the new policy. IPSIS remains dedicated to collaborating with the HCA in the future to further refine interventional pain policies, ensuring they remain evidence-based and patient-focused.

Those in Washington are encouraged to help keep the interventional pain community informed about the impact of these changes by sharing your experiences on the IPSIS Open Forum or by emailing reimbursement@IPSISmed.org.

Help sustain this vital advocacy with your donations. The International Pain and Spine Intervention Society (IPSIS) is a tax-exempt organization under US section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law.