NANS Objects to Revised PNS Policy from BCBS of TN

Back in March, we alerted you to a draft policy from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee that classified PNS devices for the treatment of acute and chronic pain as investigational. BCBS of TN claimed in that policy that “[o]verall, there is a lack of literature evaluating long-term efficacy and adverse events associated with implantable PNS devices.” You can view our previous commentary here.​

In June, BCBS of TN released a revised policy, still classifying PNS devices as investigational, but modifying its stance on the research to “[o]verall, the current level of evidence associated with implantable PNS devices is insufficient to support long-term safety, efficacy, and effects of the technology on health outcomes. Additional high quality level published evidence without bias and significant study limitations are needed.”


NANS joined with members of the Multidisciplinary Pain Workgroup, including the American Society of Anesthesiologists and American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, to object to this revised policy. You can view the draft letter here.