SI-BONE partnered with Colorado HealthOP, the state's nonprofit health insurance cooperative for individuals and small businesses across the state.
Here are five key notes on the partnership:
1. The co-op will now cover SI-BONE's iFuse Implant System for minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion for their members in accordance with the health plan policy and medical necessity.
2. Colorado HealthOP is among the early adopters of the technology to treat lower back pain more efficiently and avoid unnecessary additional procedures.
3. SI-BONE and Colorado HealthOP will focus on providing a better differential diagnosis for lower back pain and roll out new joint education programs.
4. Lower back pain has a significant impact on several members of the co-op and CMO Jack Westfall, MD, hopes the partnership will provide better access to treatment for SI joint dysfunction.
5. Three clinical studies released earlier this year support iFuse as an effective treatment, with pain scores improving after treatment. A literature review found the procedure is 59 minutes on average with 36.9 cc blood loss and patients spend 1.7 days at the hospital on average.