IPSIS Facilitates Successful Washington State SCS Coverage Review

On November 17, 2023, Dr. Brett Stacey represented IPSIS members by testifying before the Washington State Health Technology Clinical Committee (WA HTCC) to advocate for coverage of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for specific pain conditions

Dr. Stacey's testimony, developed in collaboration with the IPSIS-coordinated Washington State Physicians SCS Workgroup, detailed the evidence for SCS and highlighted deficiencies in the state's technology assessment.

After discussion and presentation of evidence, a majority of HTCC committee members now conditionally support SCS coverage for:

• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
• Nonsurgical Refractory Chronic Back Pain
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

The HTCC plans to reconvene in January 2024 for an official vote to establish official coverage language.

IPSIS thanks all members who participated in the hearing and assisted in preparing the testimony.

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.