NANS Joins National Effort Urging CMS to Reverse Proposed Limits on Peripheral Nerve Blocks

The North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) has joined a coalition of national and state medical societies in responding to CMS’ proposed Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) that would sharply restrict coverage for peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) and other established chronic pain procedures.

Earlier this year, five Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) released draft LCDs labeling PNBs as “experimental” or “investigational,” raising significant concerns among clinicians and patients who depend on these evidence-based, non-opioid treatments.
 
In collaboration with partner societies, NANS supported a joint resolution to the American Medical Association (AMA), which was adopted at the AMA House of Delegates meeting in November. The AMA’s resulting letter to CMS Administrator Mehmet C. Oz, MD, MBA, urges the agency to withdraw the proposed LCDs, warning that the policies would limit patient access and force clinicians toward less appropriate or higher-risk alternatives.
 
NANS remains committed to working alongside the broader pain community to protect access to proven, effective pain care.

read letter