Kimberly-Clark's Cooled Radiofrequency Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain Now Health-Insurance-Reimbursed by New Jersey Insurer

ROSWELL, Ga., Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark announced today that its SInergy Cooled Radiofrequency (RF) System, has become eligible for reimbursement under a new sacroiliac joint denervation policy* adopted by Horizon Healthcare Services, Inc., New Jersey's oldest and largest health insurer. The policy, which provides coverage for sacroiliac joint denervation for those patients diagnosed with chronic sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain, temporarily destroys the nerve endings to the sacroiliac joint. The new policy went into effect on July 28, 2012. 

The SInergy procedure is a minimally-invasive treatment intended to target and treat the pain-generating nerves in the lower back and buttock region that may be responsible for SIJ pain. The treatment can significantly reduce low back pain.

Approximately four out of five adults in the United States will experience chronic axial low back pain, and SIJ pain accounts for between 18 and 30 percent. This number converts to Americans spending at least $50 billion each year on low back pain, making it the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work[i]. 

"The impact of chronic SIJ pain can be profound. It can strip away a person's independence making normal day-to-day activities such as sitting, standing or walking incredibly difficult," said Lisa Kudlacz, general manager of Interventional Pain, Kimberly-Clark Health Care. "We're pleased that Horizon has made the determination to provide, under the appropriate clinical condition, coverage for sacroiliac joint denervation to their members."  

According to recently-published articles, the long-term treatment of musculoskeletal pain requires identification and treatment of a cause for the pain accompanied by conservative therapy and lifestyle change. In appropriate circumstances, nerve destruction procedures can play a supportive role.

Results of a study published in the March edition of Pain Medicine showed that slightly more than half of patients treated with SInergy Cooled Radiofrequency demonstrated significant improvements in pain, disability and quality of life outcomes. The durability of the relief was also maintained at the nine-month follow-up.

Kimberly-Clark in the Healthcare Environment

Around the world, medical professionals turn to Kimberly-Clark for a wide portfolio of solutions that improve the health, hygiene and well-being of their patients and staff. As part of their healing mission, caregivers rely on Kimberly-Clark to deliver clinical solutions and educational resources that they can depend on to prevent, diagnose and manage a wide variety of healthcare-associated infections. This more than $1 billion global enterprise of Kimberly-Clark Corporation holds the No. 1 or No. 2 market share position in several categories, including infection control solutions, surgical solutions, pain management and digestive health. And throughout the care continuum, patients and staff alike trust Kimberly-Clark medical supplies and devices, KLEENEX tissues, Kimberly-Clark professional skin care products and SCOTT towels for day-to-day needs. For more information, visit http://www.kchealthcare.com.

About Kimberly-Clark 

Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Every day, nearly a quarter of the world's population trust K-C's brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, HUGGIES, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in more than 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the company's 140-year history of innovation, visit or http://www.kimberly-clark.com/.

*Horizon Healthcare Services, Inc.'s medical policies do not replace or supersede a member's contract benefits. Although a service, supply or procedure may be medically necessary, it may be subject to limitations and/or exclusions under a member's benefit plan. Medical policies do not constitute medical advice, authorization, certification, approval, explanation of benefits, offer of coverage, contract or guarantee of payment. This press release shall not constitute or imply an endorsement of Kimberly-Clark's products or services by Horizon Healthcare Services, Inc.

[i]"Low Back Pain Fact Sheet." National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. NIH Publication, 2003. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/backpain/detail_backpain.htm

SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Health Care

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