ASA Raises Concerns with Noridian Over Proposed LCD on Nerve Blocks

ASA recently raised concerns to Noridian Healthcare Solutions regarding proposed Local Coverage Determination (LCD) ID: DL33188 Nerve Blockade: Somatic, Selective Nerve root, and Epidural.  ASA stated "we believe the language in the proposed LCD is inconsistent with best practices for patient care, the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) payment policy."

Specifically, ASA pointed out that "waiting until discharge from the PACU to place these blocks is not patient-centered care, as it will likely lead to delay in treatment..." and noted that the revised language appears to contradict the Part B language.  ASA also raised concerns regarding documentation requirements and expressed a desire for "clear education…to the surgical and anesthesiology communities describing the reasons for the requirements and examples of acceptable pathways to meet the documentation elements."

Review the letter to Noridian Healthcare Solutions.