NANS Leads Response Objecting to Cigna’s Depiction of PNS

In March, we learned about Cigna’s Medical Coverage Policy, characterizing peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) to treat chronic pain as “not medically necessary.” On behalf of 88,000 physician members in national medical societies, NANS leads the response [PDF letter] objecting to CIGNA’s depiction of the treatment as lacking medical necessity.

The safety and efficacy of PNS in managing chronic pain is well documented through the extensive body of evidence from hundreds of clinical trials. By categorizing PNS as “not medically necessary,” this denies patient access to treatment outlined in physician guidelines, which is founded on rigorous scientific evidence.

This effort underscores our commitment to ensuring patients have access to the full range of neuromodulation therapies they need. We will keep you posted about these efforts.

Read more about NANS’s advocacy efforts on PNS treatment:

• New CIGNA Policy Calls Peripheral Nerve Stimulation “Not Medically Necessary” (4/24/24)
• Humana Revises Medicare Advantage Policy Allowing PNS Treatment for Chronic Pain Under Certain Criteria (5/1/24) 
• NANS Objects to Revised PNS Policy from BCBS of TN (7/5/23)