Blue Cross Blue Shield Policy of Tennessee Classifies All PNS Devices "Investigational" 

A new draft policy from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee classifies all PNS neuromodulation devices as "investigational." The draft policy is available at BCBS of Tennessee's website, Implantable Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Devices as a Treatment for Pain (DMP0223-17). The open comment period for this policy closes on Monday, March 27.
 
NANS is especially concerned as BCBS claims the basis for this policy is the lack of long-term data, while lumping all PNS systems into one category.
 
Together with the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, NANS issued this letter to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee on its draft policy, calling for the insurer to preserve access to a proven therapy and in most cases a last treatment option for patients with chronic pain. You can view the letter here [PDF].
 
We encourage our members to review this policy and consider submitting your own comments via email by the deadline of Monday, March 27. Comments from physicians in Tennessee are especially important and influential.