ISASS Comments on Washington State Health Care Authority Potential Review of Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Policy

On July 23, 2020, ISASS sent a comment letter to the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) regarding their sacroiliac joint fusion coverage policy, which is used by the state’s Medicaid and workers’ compensation program for coverage. The ISASS letter asked that the Washington HCA consider review and potential revision of their coverage policy to include minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion for joint pain and dysfunction due to degenerative conditions not limited to direct trauma or injury to the pelvic girdle, which would be consistent with ISASS recommendations. The current Washington State HCA policy does not recommend coverage, despite an initial positive finding by the coverage policy team. The July 23, 2020, letter referred to ISASS and North American Spine Society policy reviews, along with updated literature and evidence on the procedure. The Washington State HCA will issue a final decision in the coming weeks.

Read the ISASS Washington State HCA letter here.