A Washington state committee is considering whether state healthcare programs should continue to pay for spinal injection treatments for neck and back pain, according to a Northwest News report.
Some medical professionals are concerned that more patients will turn to narcotic pain medicines or costly surgeries if the state ceases to pay for injections. Also, there are concerns that this decision may set a precedent for private insurance companies to follow.
Spinal injections have been under review by the Health Technology Assessment Program since late 2009. The program reviews approximately 12 healthcare technologies per year, examining safety and effectiveness. These findings are then shared with an 11-member committee made up of healthcare officials who decide whether the state should continue paying for treatment.
A company called Spectrum Research prepared the report on spinal injections. From a review of medical literature, the company found little or no benefit to patients from the use of spinal injections, such as epidurals, to manage back and neck pain, according to the report.
If the committee makes a decision today, a draft of the decision will become available for comment. A final decision would be made at the committee’s next quarterly meeting.
Read the Northwest News report on spinal injections.
Read more about spinal injections:
– Injecting Botox Into Spine Could Relieve Pain
– Study: Spinal Injections Reduce Pain in Most Patients, Help Cut Down Pain Medication Use in Half
