Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) seek comments about the proposed local coverage determination (LCD) for Facet Joint Interventions for Pain Management. Physicians and subject matter experts (SMEs) have an opportunity to help improve the clinical indications section and related ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. This LCD is under reconsideration to seek clarification regarding non-coverage of third-level injection, use of anesthesia in conjunction with facet injections and radiofrequency ablations (RFA), and a request for expansion of therapeutic joint injection as a first-line option.
MACs allow 45 days for the medical community to provide oral and/or written comments through open meetings and the public comment period. Interested parties (those that would be affected by the LCD, including providers, physicians, vendors, manufacturers, beneficiaries, caregivers, etc.) can make informational presentations and submit written comments related to the proposed LCD. All comments will be considered by the MAC before the LCD is finalized.
The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) urges members who perform this procedure to engage in the public comment period. Following is the list of MACs, deadlines, contacts and other information:
Medicare Administrative Contractor |
Draft LCD |
Comment Period Ends |
Open Meeting |
Draft Coding Article |
Contact |
CGS Administrators |
03/09/2024 |
02/13/2024 |
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First Coast Service Options |
03/30/2024 |
02/29/2024 1 pm ET |
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National Government Services |
03/23/2024 |
02/29/2024 1 pm ET |
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Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC |
J-E J-F |
03/03/2024 |
02/15/2024 |
J-E J-F |
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Novitas Solutions, Inc. |
03/30/2024 |
03/01/2024 10am ET |
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Palmetto GBA |
02/17/2024 |
02/12/2024 |
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WPS Insurance Corporation |
03/23/2024 |
02/22/2024 6 pm ET |
If you have questions or would like more information about local coverage policies and activities, contact Alicia Blakey, ACR Principal Economic Policy Analyst.