Burr Ridge, Ill. – April 15, 2008 – The North American Spine Society (NASS), American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Cervical Spine Research Society, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Scoliosis Research Society and Spine Arthroplasty Society joined forces to review and provide feedback to the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Program’s request for public comments on key draft questions for an assessment of the artificial disc. NASS was instrumental in coordinating this effort.
The joint comment noted that “well-conceived questions will be key to a successful assessment.” The societies effectively collaborated to create the document, thanks to the shared efforts of their members, to help the HTA frame the review.
The Washington State HCA manages programs that provide health care access for more than 500,000 people. The HCA HTA Program “determines if health services used by state government are safe and effective” and influence coverage.1 Artificial discs were selected as a topic for review as part of the HTA’s second round of assessments. The first round of assessments included lumbar fusion and discography in late 2007. The societies were alerted to the public comment period and assessment by Jens R. Chapman, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and NASS member from Washington state.
The societies will continue to work together on efforts such as these, on behalf of spine care providers, at the state and federal levels. It is anticipated that a draft technology assessment document will be made available for review. A public meeting about the artificial disc review is scheduled for August 15, 2008.
Links
Washington State HCA HTA Draft Key Questions for Artificial Discs: http://www.hta.hca.wa.gov/docs/adr_contextandkeyquestions032408.pdf
Medical Society Letter Comment to Washington State: http://www.spine.org/Pages/PracticePolicy/ClinicalCare/ScientificPolicyComments/Default.aspx
1. Washington State Health Care Authority Web site: http://www.hta.hca.wa.gov/
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The North American Spine Society (NASS) grew out of the need for a scientific spine society that would include all members of the spine community regardless of specialty or locale. NASS is a multidisciplinary organization that advances quality spine care through education, research and advocacy. NASS members are MDs, DOs and PhDs in 24 spine-related specialties including orthopedics, neurosurgery, physiatry, pain management and other disciplines. Nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, chiropractors, physical therapists, practice administrators and other allied health care professionals involved in spine care are also represented in NASS as affiliate members. For more information on spine care or to find a spine specialist in your area, please contact 866.960.NASS (6277) or visit www.spine.org.
For further information, contact:
Jean-Marie O'Neal
Toll-free: (866) 960-NASS (6277)
Direct: (630) 230-3650
Fax: (630) 230-3750