Multiple Medicare administrative contractors representing 24 states have proposed limiting coverage for some chronic pain procedures and therapies.
A proposed policy revision published Sept. 25 suggests restricting coverage for peripheral nerve blocks — an anesthetic used to block pain signals in a precise area of the body — and other procedures for chronic pain.
Three steroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome, two injections for Morton’s neuroma and two radiofrequency treatments for trigeminal neuralgia would be covered, according to the proposed policy. All other uses of peripheral nerve blocks and similar treatments would not be covered.
In an Oct. 16 statement, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine said “these proposals misclassify many evidence-based procedures as not medically necessary, which could significantly limit access to effective pain management for patients nationwide.”
Individuals can submit comments on the proposal through Nov. 8.
