Trends in Utilization and Cost of Nonpharmacological Pain Therapies in the United States Under Medicare Part B, 2000-2022

J Integr Complement Med. 2024 Sep;30(9):902-906. doi: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0759. Epub 2024 Jul 8.

Abstract

Background: Many clinical practice guidelines for management of pain disorders now favor first-line use of nonpharmacological therapies (NPT). However, Medicare coverage of NPT is limited. Methods: Using a serial cross-sectional design, we examined temporal trends in the utilization and cost of NPT procedures commonly used to treat pain under Medicare. Results: Utilization and costs for physical therapy increased while those for spinal and osteopathic manipulation declined. Discussion: Future research on NPT under Medicare should focus on equity of patient access and comparative outcomes.

Keywords: Medicare; nonpharmacological therapies; pain.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medicare Part B* / economics
  • Pain Management* / economics
  • Pain Management* / methods
  • Pain Management* / trends
  • Physical Therapy Modalities / economics
  • Physical Therapy Modalities / statistics & numerical data
  • Physical Therapy Modalities / trends
  • United States