Noridian Facet Joint Issues and Misinformation

Three members of ASIPP's board of directors (Ramsin Benyamin, MD, President of ASIPP, Frank Falco, MD, Vice-President of Financial Affairs, and Laxmaiah Manchikanti, MD) who were particularly involved in the Noridian policy issue sent out a public response in an effort to dispel some of the misinformation that has been released regarding the facet joint procedures for which Noridian was denying coverage.

ISIS claims that twelve medical societies have collectively responded to an announced proposal from Noridian Administrative Services to cease coverage of lumbar facet joint interventions for Medicare beneficiaries in eleven states. ASIPP has not signed on as ONE of the TWELVE societies, but firmly believes that it truly represents the case for both the interventional pain physician community, and also in preserving access to care. ASIPP tried to work with the ISIS-led groups, but was unable to reach a consensus.

ASIPP, relying on the SCIENCE and EVIDENCE behind facet interventions, signed on to a much stronger, evidenced-based approach. This letter has shown to be the most effective and has replaced the somewhat narrative-based appeal of ISIS and the other 12 societies. We believe that such an approach will be best for patient care and access.

Click here for FULL letter to members

Click HERE for ASIPP Letter to Noridian Administrative Services - RE Discussion of Telephone Conference and Questions

Click HERE for ASIPP Draft Proposed Facet Joint LCD Policy Referenced in above letter