NANS’ Efforts Ensure Coverage for Closed-loop SCS with Cigna and EviCore

In December, NANS led efforts on behalf of the Multisociety Pain Workgroup (MPW) to object to the insurers’ classification of closed-loop spinal cord stimulation (SCS) as “experimental, investigational and/or unproven.” Thanks to these efforts, Cigna and EviCore (and includes several Blue Cross Blue Shield plans) have revised their policies to include coverage of closed-loop SCS. These revised policies become effective May 1, 2024. 

Sent on behalf of 11 national medical societies, the MPW stated, "The scientific community at large recognizes closed-loop SCS as an evolutionary and proven advancement, offering patients a level of personalized care that was once unimaginable. Dismissing it as 'experimental, investigational, and/or unproven' not only undermines the years of dedicated research, but also restricts patient access to a treatment that has the potential to transform lives.”

By providing evidence-based results of closed-loop SCS, NANS and national medical societies have influenced Cigna and EviCore to recognize the clinical efficacy of closed-loop SCS, leading to improved coverage policies.  

NANS continues to be at the forefront of advocating for patient access to proven treatments to treat pain and illness and restore function. We’ll keep you updated on our ongoing efforts.  

• View Cigna’s coverage of closed-loop SCS
• Search EviCore’s policy for closed-loop SCS