Spine surgeons Kern Singh, MD, Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA, and Morgan Lorio, MD, developed the policy statement through the International Advocates for Spine Patients, ISASS’ advocacy arm.
The statement addresses some payers’ policy considering spine cages not medically necessary for cervical fusion and summarizes spine surgeon purview on the evolution of cervical interbody fusion. The policy cites several studies to support their conclusion:
“It is our belief that having a policy that would inhibit the use of cervical cages in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgeries would have a negative impact on patient care and we advocate strongly for maintenance of coverage of this treatment option.”
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