ASA Voices Opposition to CMS Pain Proposal

On September 4, 2012, ASA voiced official opposition to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposal to create a new national payment policy for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain services by nurse anesthetists. The proposal is found in the “Medicare Program; Revisions to Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule, DME Face to Face Encounters, etc (CMS-1590-P)” proposed rule. 

ASA expressed its opposition:  

"As the medical specialty representing the largest number of practicing pain medicine physicians and the recognized leaders in patient safety, ASA is extremely disappointed with the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposal to create a new national payment policy to pay for chronic pain services delivered by CRNAs or nurse anesthetists."

This comment letter follows over 1,750 ASA members who have submitted comments opposing the proposal.

ASA will continue to work with federal agencies and Congress to oppose this proposal.

The letter also provides ASA's perspective on other provisions contained in the proposed rule.

Review the letter.
Review attachments to the letter.