Update on Medicare Proposed TENS Coverage Decision for Chronic Low Back Pain Treatment
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will soon issue a final ruling on its National Coverage Analysis Proposed Decision Memo regarding transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for chronic low back pain (CLBP) on June 11. Within the memo – issued on March 13, 2012 – CMS proposed to limit Medicare coverage of TENS for CLBP to patients who enroll in an approved prospective clinical study. The clinical study must address whether TENS provides a clinically meaningful reduction in pain, improvement in function, or reduction in other treatments or services. In addition, the study must adhere to specified standards of scientific integrity and relevance to the Medicare population. A summary of the proposed decision memo is available to APTA members on the Medicare Coverage Issues webpage under the “TENS” heading.
APTA submitted comments regarding the proposed decision on April 12, 2012, expressing its concern that this requirement to enroll in a clinical study is highly burdensome for the Medicare beneficiary and will severely limit patient access to medically necessary treatment utilized to improve overall function and health.
As the June 11 final decision date approaches, advocacy continues through Congressional and grassroots efforts outside of APTA. Congressional members, such as Rep. Darrell Issa, Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, have also weighed in on this coverage issue. For example, in a letter dated May 3, Congressman Issa wrote that “TENS has long been recognized by CMS as an effective treatment for Medicare beneficiaries with low back pain and its costs have long been covered by Medicare.” Issa asked CMS to provide him with information explaining the rationale behind its decision.
Grassroots advocacy for TENS coverage is also taking place through a website petition hosted by DJO Global. Nearly 8,000 patients and clinicians have signed the petition protesting the proposed coverage decision.
For more information regarding APTA’s advocacy efforts on this issue as well as the advocacy occurring outside of our association, please feel free to contact us at advocacy@apta.org.
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The online registration for Las Vegas and St. Louis is now available. Click on the city below to view the information and register online! There is still limited availability in both cities so register today!
Las Vegas – May 4-5
St. Louis – June 22-23
We are now offering a full training and Employment Testing Certification in St. Louis on June 21-22. Space is limited, so call today if you are interested in getting certified at this training!
For questions or additional information, contact Stacy Clark at stacyc@worksteps.com or (512) 617-4100 ext. 202.
The WorkSTEPS team is excited to announce major changes to its 2012 symposium schedule! This year, WorkSTEPS will host three (3) 1.5-day regional training programs in three different locations across the country. It’s our hope that by increasing the number of symposiums and shortening the length of the program, we can improve convenience and reduce your travel costs, making it easier for providers to fulfill their obligation to attend one WorkSTEPS symposium every two years.
This year’s program will provide extensive information regarding important changes to protocol, which will be presented during Saturday’s day-long Protocol Refresher Recertification program.
Friday’s half-day seminar on marketing, sales & business development will equip you with valuable information and innovative ideas specifically-designed to improve your sales and marketing efforts.
Sponsored By:
YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS YEAR’S SYMPOSIUM!!
Click Here for the Registration Form
Click on a location below for details and agenda:
CHARLOTTE, NC – APRIL 20-21
Embassy Suites Charlotte
4800 S. Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28217
Discounted Room Rate=$114
Reference: WorkSTEPS
LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 4-5
Embassy Suites Hotel
4315 Swenson Street
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Discounted Rate = $125
Reference: WorkSTEPS
ST.LOUIS, MO – JUNE 22-23
Embassy Suites Hotel
11237 Lone Eagle Drive
Bridgeton, MO 63044
Discounted Rate=$104
Reference: WorkSTEPS
WorkSTEPS established the program for the Symposium as part of our WorkSTEPS Quality Assurance Program. WorkSTEPS requires that all licensed WorkSTEPS providers attend one symposium every two years to ensure that all providers are up to date on WorkSTEPS’ protocols, procedures, processes and policies. The program provides for consistency in both the delivery of the test and the use of the information obtained from the test in hiring, fitness for duty, and return to work decisions. With the protocol changes that will take place this year, we strongly urge all of our providers to send at least one representative to a symposium. You won’t regret the decision and we are confident that you will leave with a greater knowledge of the program and a fresh perspective on marketing efforts!
For questions about the Annual WorkSTEPS Symposiums, please contact Stacy Clark, Promotions /Special Events Director at (512) 617-4100 ext. 202 or via email at stacyc@worksteps.com.
REGISTRATION FEES:
WorkSTEPS Symposium – $295.00
(1 1/2-Day Conference)
One-Day Registration – $225.00
(Saturday only)