Major Insurers Expand Coverage for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Systems, Improving Access for Chronic Pain Patients
Key Insights
Aetna (search) has updated its medical policy to cover both SPR (search)'s SPRINT PNS System (search) and Curonix's Freedom PNS System (search) for intractable neuropathic pain (search), expanding access to 22.3 million covered lives.
The SPRINT PNS System (search) offers a 60-day treatment without permanent implant, while the Freedom PNS System (search) provides a permanent, MR-conditional solution powered by electromagnetic coupling.
Additional commercial coverage from Health Alliance Plan of Michigan (search), Select Health (search), Sentara Health Plan (search), and University of Utah Health Plans (search) extends access to an additional 27 million covered lives nationwide.
Major health insurers are significantly expanding coverage for peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) systems, marking a pivotal shift toward non-opioid pain management solutions for millions of Americans. Aetna (search) has updated its medical policy to recognize two innovative PNS systems as medically necessary treatments for intractable neuropathic pain (search), while additional commercial payers have joined the coverage expansion.
Aetna Recognizes Dual PNS Technologies
Aetna (search)'s updated medical policy now designates both SPR (search)'s SPRINT PNS System (search) and Curonix's Freedom PNS System (search) as covered treatment options when selection criteria are met. The policy expansion provides access to an estimated 22.3 million covered lives across the United States for the SPRINT system, while also recognizing the Freedom system for members with intractable neuropathic pain (search).
The updated policy includes coverage for additional indications such as chronic pain syndrome (search), polyneuropathy (search), intractable neuropathic pain (search), chronic pain (search) due to trauma, and other chronic pain conditions. Notably, the SPRINT PNS System (search) does not require a trial prior to use given its 60-day treatment duration, representing a streamlined approach to patient care.
Distinct Technological Approaches
The two systems offer fundamentally different approaches to peripheral nerve stimulation. SPR (search)'s SPRINT PNS System (search) provides a 60-day treatment designed to recondition the central nervous system (search) without requiring a permanent implant. The system is indicated for symptomatic relief of chronic, intractable pain, post-surgical and post-traumatic acute pain.
In contrast, Curonix's Freedom PNS System (search) represents the first and only permanent PNS system in the United States that is MR Conditional with the ability to scan throughout the body at both 1.5T and 3T. The system utilizes High-Frequency Electromagnetic Coupling (HF-EMC) technology and comprises a two-component implantable neurostimulator, an externally worn transmitter, and software for patient-specific stimulation programs.
Broader Commercial Coverage Expansion
Beyond Aetna (search)'s policy updates, commercial coverage has expanded to include Health Alliance Plan of Michigan (search), Select Health (search), Sentara Health Plan (search), and University of Utah Health Plans (search), extending access to an additional 27 million covered lives nationwide for the Freedom PNS System (search).
"This policy expansion is a pivotal step forward to align national coverage with evidence-based guidelines and a game changer for millions of patients who could benefit from peripheral nerve stimulation," said Dr. Usman Latif, MD, MBA, Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and Pain Management physician and SPR (search) consultant. Dr. Latif served as lead author of recent American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) published evidence-based consensus guidelines for peripheral nerve stimulation use.
Clinical Evidence and Market Impact
The coverage decisions reflect growing payer recognition of peripheral nerve stimulation as an effective alternative for patients who have not found adequate relief with conventional therapies. SPR (search)'s SPRINT PNS System (search) is backed by extensive clinical studies for low back pain (search), knee pain (search), shoulder pain (search), post-amputation pain (search), and chronic and acute postoperative pain.
"Aetna (search)'s recognition of the significant clinical data and successful outcomes delivered via SPRINT PNS in thousands of real-world patients is encouraging and offers millions of members a better chance to find relief," noted Maria Bennett, President, CEO, and Founder of SPR (search).
Aure Bruneau, Chief Executive Officer of Curonix, emphasized the broader implications: "These coverage decisions are another meaningful step forward in expanding access to our innovative, clinically validated therapies. As payer recognition grows, we are advancing our mission to empower physicians with effective long-term solutions while improving patient quality of life."
Safety and Implementation Considerations
Both systems maintain established safety profiles, with the most common adverse events for the SPRINT system being skin irritation and erythema. The Freedom PNS System (search)'s MR-conditional status allows for comprehensive diagnostic imaging throughout treatment, addressing a significant limitation of traditional neurostimulation devices.
Aetna (search) maintains specific exclusion criteria under Section II: Experimental, Investigational, or Unproven that applies to all PNS therapies, ensuring appropriate patient selection and clinical oversight.
The coverage expansions underscore the healthcare industry's commitment to providing clinically supported non-opioid treatment options, addressing the critical unmet need for drug-free, minimally invasive solutions for the millions of Americans suffering from chronic pain (search) conditions.