Blue Cross Blue Shield Association updated its quality evidence recommendation for minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion using triangular implants.
Here are five things to know:
1. BCBSA upgraded its BCBSA rating to "moderate" quality evidence, which indicates there is sufficient evidence to determine the effects technology has on health outcomes. The insurer has a four-tiered rating system outlining evidence as: substantial, moderate, low to none and uncertain.
2. According to the BCBSA technology assessment, individuals with SI joint disorders treated with sacroiliac fusion or fixation with a triangular implant results in a meaningful improvement to the net health outcome. The company used evidence in the literature to assess whether the exclusively SI-BONE patented technology in the triangular iFuse implant demonstrates clinical safety and effectiveness.
3. The new assessment also states evidence is insufficient for treating SI joint pain with therapeutic corticosteroid injections, radiofrequency ablation or cylindrical threaded implants.
4. BCBSA is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies, which cover 106 million members in all 50 states. The new decision could have an impact on coverage for all members.
5. There are more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, including two Level I randomized, controlled trials that support the use of minimally invasive SI joint fusion for appropriately selected patients.