United Healthcare to Implement ASA-recommended Changes to Coverage for Pain Treatment

Beginning March 2022, United Healthcare (UHC) will implement changes to the coverage of Dorsal root ganglion (DRG-S) stimulation, a procedure effective in the treatment of a variety of painful conditions. The new UHC policy details implanted electrical spinal cord stimulators as proven and medically necessary for treating certain conditions.

In December 2021, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and a group of pain medicine societies urged UHC to overturn the lack of coverage for this procedure. ASA applauds UHC for implementing ASA’s recommendations and believes coverage for neuromodulation treatments is essential.

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 full policy here.