A letter from the American Society of Neuroradiology that was co-signed by multiple spine groups is calling out Cigna over its policies related to closed-loop spinal cord stimulation therapy.
The Nov. 30 letter expressed "profound objection" to Cigna's policy calling the therapy "experimental, investigational, and/or unproven" and said the classification neglects the research and evidence behind it.
The letter cited the benefits of closed-loop spinal cord stimulation and CMS' transitional pass through designation.
The letter urged Cigna to reevaluate its position and acknowledge the "overwhelming evidence supporting closed-loop SCS therapy."
The following medical societies co-signed the letter:
American Academy of Pain Medicine
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
American Association of Neurological Surgeons
American Society of Anesthesiologists
American Society of Neuroradiology
American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
American Society of Spine Radiology
Congress of Neurological Surgeons
North American Neuromodulation Society
North American Spine Society
Society for Interventional Radiology
Cigna did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Becker's.