ACR Submits Comments on AHRQ Draft Report for Lumbar Fusions

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:

• Coverage Implications: The report’s conclusions could lead to restrictive coverage policies, limiting access to effective care and increasing overall costs.
• Patient Selection: ACR emphasized the importance of appropriate patient selection and clarified distinctions among nonsurgical interventions like epidural steroid injections, medial branch blocks and facet joint injections.
• Scope of Review: The College questions the inclusion of non-fusion procedures in a fusion-focused report and offered to provide expert input and evidence to strengthen the review.

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.