As some of you may know, Washington State Authority Health Care Authority has been considering coverage for spinal cord stimulation. Other states will be doing the same. ASIPP has been working on this for quite some time, along with multiple other organizations. Dr. Amol Soin and Dr. Chris Gharibo were intimately involved. Dr. Gharibo testified on our behalf in front of the Commission. Dr. Soin wrote the public comments. Overall, Washington State Authority Health Care Authority changed its policy, and the draft policy shows they are going to cover spinal cord stimulation for post lumbar laminectomy syndrome, non-surgical low back pain, and painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, but not for complex regional pain syndrome.
Overall, this is very good, but we will have to overcome multiple limitations included in this, such as each patient undergoing the completion of a comprehensive cognitive behavioral therapy, chiropractic, or acupuncture, which seems to be impractical or extremely difficult to achieve. We are working on these issues, as well as with other organizations.
ASIPP congratulates all those involved in this great cause, which is largely moving in a positive manner. This is a big step forward considering that it was not covered at all.
Please find the Spinal Cord Stimulation DRAFT findings and decision: https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/program/SCS-draft-findings-and-decision.pdf