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Academy Advocacy Win: Michigan BCBS Blue Care Network Will Continue to Cover Hyaluronic Acid Injections Until Further Notice

Members & Publications

April 4, 2018

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan announced a reversal of their decision to stop covering the use of intra-articular injections of Hyaluronans in the knee. BCBS planned to stop coverage of these injections beginning April 1, citing concerns that it is not considered medically necessary for osteoarthritis of the knee and all other knee conditions.

On March 6, 2018, AAPM&R distributed a letter to Academy members in Michigan, on behalf of Dr. Steven Arbit, President of the Michigan Academy of PM&R. This letter informed members of Blue Cross Blue Shield’s decision and included a template letter that members could send to BCBS in opposition, if they were affected by the policy change.

Thanks to physician advocacy efforts, BCBS announced that after further review, they will continue covering hyaluronic acids while conducting additional research. They hope to provide a final decision in the next few months and will continue to update members on this initiative.

Legislation Introduced to Alleviate Impact of Conversion Factor Cut for 2021

Nov 09, 2020

Last month, two bills were introduced in the House proposing solutions to the estimated 10.6% Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor cut expected to go into effect January 1, 2021.  The bills offer some relief to the cut, but do not reflect a comprehensive or long-term solution.  AAPM&R has therefore chosen to remain neutral regarding these bills. 

Your Academy continues to advocate for a permanent solution to the conversion factor cut while maintaining the important payment increases to office and outpatient evaluation and management services.

 

 

 

 

 

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