IPSIS Suggests Modifications to the Draft Massachusetts Neck and Back Medical Treatment Guideline

On January 13, 2021, IPSIS issued a comment letter 🔒 to Massachusetts’ Health Care Services Board on their proposed Neck and Back Medical Treatment Guideline.

IPSIS strongly recommends that the guidelines:

• require fluoroscopic guidance for facet and sacroiliac joint procedures;
• appropriately characterize the quality of evidence supporting epidural steroid injections and sacroiliac joint injections; and
• clarify the requirement for a positive response to the diagnostic component of dual medial branch blocks for patients considered for radiofrequency neurotomy.
  

These revisions will help ensure that patients covered under Massachusetts’ workers’ compensation have access to appropriate, effective, and responsible treatments to improve their quality of life.