The American College of Radiology is supporting a call from 10 medical specialty societies and academies urging Cigna Healthcare and UnitedHealthcare to update their coverage policies for peripheral nerve stimulation used to treat chronic pain.
Current payer policies classify the therapy as experimental or unproven, limiting patient access despite growing evidence supporting its effectiveness, according to a March 12 statement from the American College of Radiology.
In a March 9 letter, the organizations asked the insurers to review newer studies and clinical guidelines indicating that peripheral nerve stimulation can help manage chronic pain and should be reflected in coverage policies.
The American College of Radiology also encouraged members — including interventional radiologists who perform spine and pain procedures — to share recent research with payers to help improve patient access to the therapy across insurance plans.
Becker’s has reached out to Cigna Healthcare and UnitedHealthcare for comment and will update this story if more information becomes available.
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