CMS proposed a national non-coverage decision for intradiscal electrothermic therapy (IDET), saying there is insufficient evidence that the procedure improves outcomes in the Medicare population.
IDET is a minimally-invasive treatment for low back pain where a catheter and a heating element are inserted into the disc annulus, and the catheter is heated. While the precise mechanism of action in this type of heat therapy has not yet been identified, it has been suggested in research that the treatment may damage pain receptors such that the patient's capacity to feel discogenic pain is reduced, and it may also stiffen the annular tissue such that any small tears are sealed. Smith & Nephew is one of the companies who market an IDET system.
The agency will accept comments for 30 days, at which point they will issue a final decision.
