Articles
What the 2026 Medicare Final Rules Mean for Neuromodulation and Pain Practices
NANS Members: Visit the NANS eLearning platform to download a workbook with full details of how Medicare changes affect neuromodulation, pain, evaluation and management and telemedicine in 2026.
NANS Joins National Effort Urging CMS to Reverse Proposed Limits on Peripheral Nerve Blocks
The North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) has joined a coalition of national and state medical societies in responding to CMS’ proposed Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) that would sharply restrict coverage for peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) and other established chronic pain procedures.
NANS Joins National Push to Rescind Anthem’s New Policy
The North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) has joined a broad coalition of national medical societies in signing a letter urging Elevance Health (Anthem) to rescind its new Facility Administrative Policy: Use of a Nonparticipating Care Provider, set to take effect January 1, 2026, in 11 states.
CMS Final Rule Introduces ‘Efficiency’ Cut in 2026 Physician Fee Schedule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Final Rule, effective January 1, 2026, introducing a new –2.5% “efficiency adjustment” that will reduce reimbursement for many surgical and procedural specialties.
NANS Urges Coverage for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation in Chronic Pain
The North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) has joined seven national medical specialty societies in signing a joint letter urging Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas—as well as the Health Care Services Corporation—to revise their draft policy on implantable peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) for chronic pain.
Physician Action Alert: Protect Access to RFA Procedures & Peripheral Nerve Blocks
Several Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) have released proposed Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) that would classify peripheral nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedures—including genicular, shoulder, and hip—as “not reasonable and necessary.”
CMS Updates Medicare Claims Hold Guidance Amid Shutdown
Updated 10/21/25. CMS has directed Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to lift the claims hold and process services dated October 1, 2025, and later under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, FQHC, and ground ambulance provisions.
CMS Shutdown: What Physicians Need to Know and Why Advocacy Matters
During the current federal funding lapse, CMS has confirmed that Medicare and Medicaid will continue. However, with reduced staffing and expired program extensions, physicians should prepare for significant disruptions.
NANS Voices Concerns on 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
The North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) has submitted formal comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed revisions to the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS).
CMS Final FY26 IPPS Rule Preserves Payment Rates for RNS Cases
Last week, CMS issued the final rule for the Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) for fiscal year (FY) 2026.
NANS and Medical Societies Urge Aetna to Remove Barriers to PNS Access
NANS, joined by 11 leading medical societies, has sent a letter to Aetna urging the insurer to align its Medicare Advantage coverage policies for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) with the existing National Coverage Determination (NCD 160.7).
Senate Bill Adds 2.5% Physician Pay Increase After Advocacy from NANS and 70+ Physician-Led Organizations
Physicians may get a 2.5% Medicare payment increase in 2026, thanks to new language added to the Senate’s budget legislation—an important win for clinicians after sustained advocacy efforts.