ACR® provided input Aug. 7, to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) about the agency’s draft systematic review of the performance of fusion procedures for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. The comment period ended Aug. 7.
AHRQ’s review evaluates the effectiveness and risks of lumbar fusion for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis and nonsurgical treatments for chronic low back pain. Given the relevance to interventional radiologists, ACR addressed key concerns with the agency’s draft review, including:
The ACR Contractor Advisory Committee Network continues to monitor evidence reviews with national and local coverage implications. Member engagement remains vital to ensuring access to essential care. The AHRQ final report will be shared with members once released.
For questions, contact Alicia Blakey, ACR Principal Economic Policy Analyst.
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