ASA Urges United Healthcare to Cover Pain Treatments

On December 6, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and a group of pain medicine societies urged United Healthcare (UHC) to overturn the lack of coverage for two procedures, dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-S) and percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). Despite UHC policy which deems this “medically unnecessary,” both treatments have a proven track record of safety and efficacy.

ASA believes coverage of these neuromodulation treatments is essential. Neuromodulation utilizes therapeutic electrical stimulation of the nervous system and is used by physicians specializing in pain medicine. Overall, these treatments reduce the opioid burden in the chronic pain population and are effective in treating a variety of other painful conditions. ASA strongly supports increased access to non-opioid options for chronic pain patients.

Read the letter here.