It has become increasingly important for medical societies to comment in the public forum to foster safe, effective quality medical care.  NASS consistently receives requests for comments from insurance carriers, government entities, quality improvement bodies, and other external bodies. Recognizing the need to represent members’ interests in these forums and to proactively address this escalating trend, NASS has developed clinical topic reviews termed Review and Recommendation Statements.  The scope and number of questions addressed in Review and Recommendation Statements is generally smaller than that of a formal clinical guideline, allowing review of more limited literature, more rapid response and incorporation of transparently identified consensus where the evidence is lacking.      

Current NASS Review and Recommendation Statements

Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections: Review and Recommendation
Statement (3/2011)

Cervical epidural steroid injection (CESI) is used to treat cervical radicular pain and cervical radiculopathy which have an estimated annual incidence of 83.2/100,000 persons. The condition can be associated with significant pain and disability.  Patients who are candidates for CESI typically have not responded to some form(s) of medical treatment, and have often had recent cross sectional imaging studies that correlate with their clinical findings. This statement is intended to present the current state of the evidence about the use of CESI to treat cervical radiculopathy/radiculitis and provide evidence-based recommendations regarding their use in treating cervical radicular pain. 

Statement
Evidentiary Tables

Draft NASS Review and Recommendation Statements: 
Membership Review Opportunity

The following statements are currently available for membership review/comment: 
There are no statements available at this time.


Submit comments to Belinda Duszynski, Senior Manager of Research and Quality Improvement.