Edward Dohring, MD, President
North American Spine Society
7075 Veterans Blvd.
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
SUBJECT: NASS Draft Model Coverage Policy on Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
Dear Dr. Dohring:
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves (DSPN), we appreciate the opportunity to comment on the North American Spine Society’s (NASS) draft model coverage policy recommendation for basivertebral nerve ablation.
We are concerned about the coverage policy’s tone and overly broad indications, limiting our ability to endorse the coverage policy. The arguments and clinical data to support basivertebral nerve ablation are contradictory. The recommendation that basivertebral nerve ablation is a safe and cost-effective treatment for low back pain without a diagnosis is weak.
Click here to view the full Neurosurgery Comments on NASS Draft Coverage Policy for Basivertebral Nerve Ablation.
