ISASS supports decision making at the physician-patient level based on medical necessity and achieving the best outcomes to address the patient’s medical condition. Medical necessity should not be determined by a mere administrative code reporting system such as CPT. Prior to the July 1st implementation of CPT category III code 0334T, surgeons reported and were...

May 20, 2013 Don W Bradley, MD, MHS-CL Vice-President for Healthcare and CMO Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina P.O. Box 2291 Durham, NC 27702 Dear Dr. Bradley: I am writing you on behalf of International Advocates for Spine Patients (IASP) as well as the patient population of North Carolina. IASP is an...

ISASS Policy Statement – Vertebral Augmentation It is estimated that over 1.4 million people will develop vertebral compression fractures every year (Johnell & Kanis 2006).  Many will be clinically insignificant or heal with non-operative treatment.  A large group will have persistent pain, kypholic deformity, weight loss, depression and a reduced quality of life.  (Old &...

Note: The public comment period for this has passed. Thank you for your input. Member Input Needed The US Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (AHRQ) has taken up a comparative effectiveness review of “Spinal Fusion for Treating Painful Lumbar Degenerated Discs or Joints.” They recently released a draft report and have provided a public comment...