Spinal cord stimulator post-listing review impact assessment

Overview

We are completing an impact assessment on the proposed outcomes of the spinal cord stimulator post-listing review. We invite stakeholders to provide feedback on how the proposed changes might affect them.

Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) are implanted under the skin and treat certain types of complex chronic pain by sending electrical impulses to the spinal cord. They may be offered to people when standard pain treatments haven’t worked. 

We commenced the post-listing review because of concerns about the comparative clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of SCS. 

The PL includes SCS devices in Group 04.05.01 Pulse Generators under the Neurostimulation Therapies for Pain Management subcategory. This subcategory includes: 

• spinal cord stimulators 

• dorsal root ganglion stimulators 

• two peripheral nerve stimulators (PNS). 

The PNS devices are out of scope for this review. 

The spinal cord stimulators post-listing review process is outlined on our website.

Spinal cord stimulator draft department report

Why your views matter

We have published a draft department report on the post-listing review of spinal cord stimulators. The draft report outlines proposed changes to the benefits for in scope devices listed in 04.05.03.01 - Permanent Lead and 04.05.01 - Pulse Generators. The draft report is provided for your feedback as part of an impact assessment on the proposed changes.

Your insights are essential to help us understand the potential impacts of the proposed changes across the sector, including any factors you consider important.