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AHRQ Seeks Comments Regarding Two Pain Management Systematic Reviews

Members & Publications

June 8, 2021

Integrated Pain Management Programs

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) published a draft systematic review on Integrated Pain Management Programs Pain Management Programs. The review intends to evaluate the effectiveness and harms of integrated pain management programs and describe contextual, process and structural factors that may impact outcomes particularly in the Medicare population. This review will inform Medicare coverage and payment for treatment of acute and chronic pain in support of the Dr. Todd Graham Pain Management Study. Todd Graham Pain Management Study, section 6086 of the SUPPORT Act. AHRQ is accepting comments, directly via the website, through June 21, 2021.

AAPM&R is collecting comments from members for an official Academy response. If you are interested in having your comments included in the official AAPM&R response, please email comments to healthpolicy@aapmr.org no later than Monday, June 14, 2021. 

Cannabis and Other Plant-Based Treatments for Chronic Pain

AHRQ also published a draft systematic review on Living Systematic Review on Cannabis and Other Plant-Based Treatments for Chronic Pain. This review intends to evaluate the evidence on benefits and harms of cannabinoids and similar plant-based substances (e.g., kratom) to treat chronic pain.

The draft review is available for comments until June 15, 2021.

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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