CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric Disorders
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi·MS · Pain Management, Anesthesiology, Psychiatry +1 more·Medical Policy
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
BCBS Mississippi has updated their medical policy classifying IV infusion of anesthetics (ketamine or lidocaine) for chronic pain and psychiatric disorders as investigational. This means these treatments are not considered medically necessary and claims will likely be denied.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team should flag any claims for IV ketamine or lidocaine infusions used for chronic pain (neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic headaches) or psychiatric disorders (depression, OCD, PTSD) as likely denials for BCBS Mississippi members. Providers should be notified that these treatments are considered investigational and may require alternative treatment documentation or patient financial responsibility discussions.