…received overwhelming comments against implementation, including from ISASS. Most of the opposition revolved around its implementation timeframe, its short comment period, and its lack of inclusion of Medicare Advantage…

…Spine-health.com article Technologies for Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement – Spine-health.com article Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery Video – Spine-health.com In this ISASS Guide for Patients: Common Spinal Conditions Non-Surgical Spine…

…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…

On November 3, ISASS submitted comments to Novitas Solutions Inc., the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) covering Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Delaware, D.C., Maryland, New Jersey,…

ISASS Comments on Independence Blue Cross Spinal Fusion Policy On August 25, 2020, ISASS sent a comment letter to Independent Blue Cross (IBC), the Blue Cross affiliate for the…

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…

…specified complex “non-ancillary services” from the Stark law’s in-office ancillary services (IOAS) and physicians’ services exceptions, increasing penalties for violations, and adding compliance review provisions. With certain exceptions, the…

…lumbar J8 G2 $3,631.80 $2,721.78 -$910.02 ISASS submitted comments to CMS flagging the potential error and on December 22, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a…

On January 31, ISASS submitted comments to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) regarding two sets of coding edits, one set implemented in September 2015 and another set scheduled…

…lumbar laminectomy surgery when the spinal nerves are affected. Osteoarthritis Health Center – Spine-health.com Understanding Spinal Osteoarthritis – Spine-health.com article Osteoarthritis Video – Spine-health.com In this ISASS Guide for…

On December 23, ISASS submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in response to the final 2016 Hospital Outpatient and ASC rule. The…

On November 1, HCSC (BCBS Illinois, BCBS Montana, BCBS New Mexico, BCBS Oklahoma, BCBS Texas) posted a draft updated lumbar fusion medical policy for comment through November 16. The…