BlueCross BlueShield Issues coflex-Favorable Policy

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina’s (BCBS SC) new policy, titled, “Interspinous and Interlaminar Stabilization/Distraction Devices (Spacers)”, is the latest in a series of positive insurer announcements in support of distraction devices, notably New York-based Paradigm Spine LLC’s coflex.

According to the company, “Traditional surgical treatment options for LSS [lumbar spinal stenosis] includes a decompression that removes bone and soft tissue and may also require a fusion to stabilize the spine. The coflex device is a non-fusion, motion-preserving stabilization implant, that is FDA PMA approved for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis and is used in conjunction with a decompression or used in lieu of a spinal fusion.”

Marc Viscogliosi, chairman & CEO of Paradigm Spine, noted, “With more than 90 peer-reviewed published articles, including landmark long-term follow-up clinical studies, spine medical society guidelines, and now with additional commercial insurance coverage, it is wonderful to be able to expand patient access to the coflex technology.”

Francis Magee, D.V.M., chief technology officer at Paradigm Spine, told OTW, “Commercial payors are recognizing the value of coflex as part of the lumbar spinal stenosis treatment continuum. We are delighted by BCBS SC’s positive insurance coverage policy that includes coflex. Surgeons and patients enrolled in the BCBS SC plan will now have ready access to coflex as a treatment option.”