Earlier this week, HCSC, the parent corporation for Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans in Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, issued a new draft policy for Lumbar Spinal Fusions. Concerns have been raised that this new policy rules out access to lumbar fusion for patients where the sole indication is a disc herniation or neurostructure compression (initial discectomy/laminectomy), and patients with a sole indication of degenerative disc disease or facet syndrome. To review this draft policy, please Click Here ISASS is currently conducting a review of this proposed policy, and expects to issue comments to HCSC prior to the May 31st comment deadline, accompanied by our evidence-based Policy Statement on Lumbar Fusion Surgeries. However, it is very important that HCSC hear from surgeons
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