Written question asked by Lord Jackson of Peterborough (Conservative) on Monday, 27 February 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 February 2012. It was answered by Simon Burns (Conservative) on Monday, 5 March 2012 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Pain

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to include spinal cord stimulators for the treatment of chronic pain within the national tariff; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Spinal cord stimulators are currently excluded from the tariff.Each year the High Cost Devices Steering Group reviews the devices that are excluded due to their high and disproportionate cost relative to the costs covered under the relevant health care resource group. The exclusion of spinal cord stimulators will be reviewed again this year.The fact that spinal cord stimulators are excluded from tariff does not mean that their use is not funded. Reimbursement for their use is subject to local negotiation.

Secondary information