Advocating for Earlier Access to Vertebral Compression Fracture Treatment

IPSIS joined nine other national medical specialty societies in a letter sent to major commercial payors, calling for updated coverage policies that support timely access to surgical treatment for vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).

The letter highlights new Level IA evidence demonstrating the clinical benefits of early surgical intervention, specifically balloon kyphoplasty, within four weeks of fracture. It also notes that all seven Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) currently permit this treatment without delay, meaning Medicare Advantage patients may already be receiving more timely care than those covered by commercial plans. Aligning commercial coverage with these existing policies would ensure equitable access to evidence-based care across patient populations.

IPSIS remains committed to advocating for policies that reflect the latest clinical evidence and promote access to timely, effective, and appropriate interventional pain treatments.

Click the commercial payor name to download the letters:

Aetna
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Tennessee
BCBS HCSC (IL, NM, TX, OK, MT)
Blue Cross and Blue Sheild of Minnesota
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
Blue Shield of California
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna Healthcare
Elevance Health, Inc.
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
Florida Blue
Horizon Healthcare of New Jersey
Premera Blue Cross
UnitedHealthcare
UPMC Health Plan

You can also 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.