On October 2, National Government Services, Inc. (NGS), the Medicare Administrative Contractor covering Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Connecticut, New York, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, released a positive draft Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion (MIS SIJ fusion) and on October 16, CGS Administrators, LLC (CGS), the Medicare Administrative Contractor covering Kentucky and Ohio, released an identical positive draft LCD. Both draft LCDs reference ISASS prevalence data and coverage criteria for coverage of MIS SIJ fusion and propose coverage of the procedure when eight specific coverage criteria have been met. NGS is accepting public comments on the draft LCD until December 12, 2015. CGS is accepting public comments on the draft LCD until December 7, 2015. ISASS submitted comment letters in support of both draft LCDs.

ISASS Letter to CGS

ISASS Letter to NGS