BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina’s (BCBS SC) new policy, titled, “Interspinous and Interlaminar Stabilization/Distraction Devices (Spacers)”, is the latest in a series of positive insurer announcements in support of distraction devices, notably New York-based Paradigm Spine LLC’s coflex.
According to the company, “Traditional surgical treatment options for LSS [lumbar spinal stenosis] includes a decompression that removes bone and soft tissue and may also require a fusion to stabilize the spine. The coflex device is a non-fusion, motion-preserving stabilization implant, that is FDA PMA approved for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis and is used in conjunction with a decompression or used in lieu of a spinal fusion.”
Marc Viscogliosi, chairman & CEO of Paradigm Spine, noted, “With more than 90 peer-reviewed published articles, including landmark long-term follow-up clinical studies, spine medical society guidelines, and now with additional commercial insurance coverage, it is wonderful to be able to expand patient access to the coflex technology.”
Francis Magee, D.V.M., chief technology officer at Paradigm Spine, told OTW, “Commercial payors are recognizing the value of coflex as part of the lumbar spinal stenosis treatment continuum. We are delighted by BCBS SC’s positive insurance coverage policy that includes coflex. Surgeons and patients enrolled in the BCBS SC plan will now have ready access to coflex as a treatment option.”
.I have severe spinal stenosis and require a decompression and possible spinal fusion. i would like to use the Coflex device versus the regular fusion. How would I go about getting insurance for the implanted device through the Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of South Carolina? I have New York Medicare and Empire as my regular polices, but they have no coverage available. It is so difficult to find a doctor that is trained in this, and if I do, they won’t of course take my insurance. They also are the most expensive doctors in the best hospitals.I have been in severe pain for six months now. i have had 3 epidurals which helped for a short time and now I have nothing else to turn to. My present surgeon will only use the accepted method of a rod and screws for the fusion. I am very unhappy with that procedure. Please help me find a way to be able to use the Coflex solution. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Sincerely, Arlene Courtesis.
I believe that OrthoCarolina has experience with coflex. RY
My husband was supposed to have this done but BCBS of VA denied the coflex
Florida Blue Cross Blue Shield has DENIED paying for coflex though medically necessary according to my
spine surgeon. I can’t afford to self pay. How do I get Florida Blue to pay for coflex. I pay over $3,000 per month in insurance coverage and I’m being DENIED needed medical implant. HELP
Im also denied for the coflex procedure. I have blue cross anthem .