7.01.87 artificial intervertebral disc: lumbar spine · effective date: july 1, 2018 last revised:...
TRANSCRIPT
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MEDICAL POLICY 7.01.87
Artificial Intervertebral Disc: Lumbar Spine
BCBSA Ref. Policy: 7.01.87
Effective Date: July 1, 2018
Last Revised: June 22, 2018
Replaces: N/A
RELATED MEDICAL POLICIES:
7.01.108 Artificial Intervertebral Disc: Cervical Spine
7.01.120 Facet Arthroplasty
7.01.542 Lumbar Spinal Fusion
7.01.551 Lumbar Spine Decompression Surgery: Discectomy, Foraminotomy,
Laminotomy, Laminectomy
Select a hyperlink below to be directed to that section.
POLICY CRITERIA | CODING | RELATED INFORMATION
EVIDENCE REVIEW | REFERENCES | HISTORY
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Introduction
The bones of the spine are called vertebrae. Between each of vertebra is a disc, which acts as a
shock absorber and prevents the bones from rubbing together. As a person ages, these often
become thinner as they lose water and the gel-like substance thats inside of each disc. This is
known as degenerative disc disease. Studies show that most adults over the age of forty have
some level of degenerative disc disease. Often, no treatment is needed because the
degeneration isnt severe enough to cause pain in the lower back (lumbar spine). When there is
pain, the usual first step is to try nonsurgical treatment, which often works. In cases where it
doesnt work, surgery may be considered. One type of surgery calls for placing an artificial disc
between the vertebrae. The goal is to imitate how a natural disc works in the body. There is not
enough medical evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of this procedure for the lower back.
Artificial disc replacement in the lower back is considered investigational (unproven).
Note: The Introduction section is for your general knowledge and is not to be taken as policy coverage criteria. The
rest of the policy uses specific words and concepts familiar to medical professionals. It is intended for
providers. A provider can be a person, such as a doctor, nurse, psychologist, or dentist. A provider also can
be a place where medical care is given, like a hospital, clinic, or lab. This policy informs them about when a
service may be covered.
https://www.premera.com/medicalpolicies/7.01.108.pdfhttps://www.premera.com/medicalpolicies/7.01.120.pdfhttps://www.premera.com/medicalpolicies/7.01.542.pdfhttps://www.premera.com/medicalpolicies/7.01.551.pdfhttps://www.premera.com/medicalpolicies/7.01.551.pdf
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Policy Coverage Criteria
Treatment Investigational Artificial intervertebral
discs lumbar spine
Artificial intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine are
considered investigational.
Coding
Code Description
CPT 0163T Total disc arthroplasty (artificial disc), anterior approach, including discectomy to
prepare interspace (other than for decompression), each additional interspace, lumbar
(List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
0164T Removal of total disc arthroplasty (artificial disc), anterior approach, each additional
interspace, lumbar (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
0165T Revision including replacement of total disc arthroplasty, anterior approach, each
additional interspace, lumbar (List separately in addition to code for primary
procedure)
22857 Total disc arthroplasty (artificial disc), anterior approach, including discectomy to
prepare interspace (other than for decompression), single interspace, lumbar
22862 Revision including replacement of total disc arthroplasty (artificial disc), anterior
approach, single interspace; lumbar
22865 Removal of total disc arthroplasty (artificial disc), anterior approach, single interspace;
lumbar
Note: CPT codes, descriptions and materials are copyrighted by the American Medical Association (AMA). HCPCS
codes, descriptions and materials are copyrighted by Centers for Medicare Services (CMS).
Related Information
Artificial intervertebral discs for treating the cervical spine are addressed in a separate medical
policy (see Related Policies).
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Evidence Review
Description
Total disc replacement, using an artificial intervertebral disc designed for the lumbar spine, is
proposed as an alternative to spinal fusion in patients with degenerative disc disease that leads
to disabling symptoms.
Background
When conservative treatment of degenerative disc disease (DDD) fails, a common surgical
approach is spinal fusion. More than 200,000 spinal fusions are performed each year. However,
outcomes with spinal fusion have been controversial, in part due to the difficulty in determining
if a patient's back pain is related to DDD, and in part due to the success rate of the procedure
itself. Also, spinal fusion alters the spine biomechanics, potentially leading to premature disc
degeneration at adjacent levels, a particular concern for younger patients. During the past 30
years, various artificial intervertebral discs have been investigated as an alternative approach to
fusion. This approach, also referred to as total disc replacement or spinal arthroplasty, is
intended to maintain motion at the operative level once the damaged disc has been removed as
well as the normal biomechanics of the adjacent vertebrae.
Potential candidates for artificial disc replacement have chronic low back pain attributed to
DDD, lack of improvement with nonoperative treatment, and have none of the contraindications
for the procedure. These include multilevel disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis,
previous major spine surgery, neurologic symptoms, and other minor contraindications. These
contraindications make artificial disc replacement suitable for a subset of patients in whom
fusion is indicated. Patients who require procedures (eg, laminectomy, decompression) in
addition to fusion are not candidates for the artificial disc.
Use of a motion-preserving artificial disc increases the potential for a variety of types of implant
failure, such as device failure (device fracture, dislocation, or wear); bone-implant interface
failure (subsidence, dislocation-migration, vertebral body fracture); and host response to the
implant (osteolysis, heterotopic ossification, and pseudotumor formation).
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Summary of Evidence
For individuals with lumbar degenerative disc disease who receive a lumbar artificial
intervertebral disc, the evidence includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 5-year
outcomes and case series with longer-term outcomes. Relevant outcomes are symptoms,
functional outcomes, quality of life, and treatment-related morbidity. Five-year outcomes for the
ProDisc-L RCT have provided evidence for the noninferiority of artificial disc replacement. The
superiority of ProDisc-L with circumferential fusion was achieved at 2 but not at 5 years in this
unblinded trial. The potential benefits of the artificial disc (eg, faster recovery, reduced adjacent-
level disc degeneration) have not been demonstrated. Also, considerable uncertainty remains
whether response rates will continue to decline over longer time periods and if long-term
complications with these implants will emerge. Although some randomized trials have
concluded that this technology is noninferior to spinal fusion, outcomes which would make
noninferiority sufficient to demonstrate the clinical benefit of the artificial lumbar disc have not
been established. The evidence is insufficient to determine the effects of the technology on
health outcomes.
Ongoing and Unpublished Clinical Trials
Some currently unpublished trials that might influence this review are listed in Table 1.
Table 1. Summary of Key Trials
NCT No. Trial Name Planned
Enrollment
Completion
Date
Ongoing
NCT02381574 French Lumbar Total Disk Replacement Observational
Study (FLTDR Observational Study)
600 Dec 2020
NCT: national clinical trial
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02381574?term=NCT02381574&rank=1
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Clinical Input Received from Physician Specialty Societies and Academic
Medical Centers
While the various physician specialty societies and academic medical centers may collaborate
with and make recommendations during this process, through the provision of appropriate
reviewers, input received does not represent an endorsement or position statement by the
physician specialty societies or academic medical centers, unless otherwise noted.
In response to requests, input was received from 1 physician specialty society and 3 academic
medical centers while this policy was under review in 2008. The 4 reviewers disagreed with the
policy statement that artificial intervertebral discs for the lumbar spine are investigational.
After consideration of the clinical input in 2008, it was concluded that due to limitations of the
randomized controlled trial (described above), combined with the marginal benefit compared
with fusion, evidence was insufficient to determine whether artificial lumber discs are beneficial
in the short term. Also, serious questions remain about potential long-term complications with
these implants.
Practice Guidelines and Position Statements
North American Spine Society
The North American Spine Society (2014) issued coverage recommendations for lumbar artificial
disc replacement.18 The following recommendation was made:
Lumbar artificial disc replacement (LADR) is indicated as an alternative to lumbar fusion for
patients with discogenic low back pain who meet all of the following criteria from the Lumbar
Fusion Recommendation:
Advanced single-level disease noted on an MRI (magnetic resonance image) and plain
radiographs of the lumbar spine at L4-5 or L5-S1, characterized by moderate to severe
degeneration of the disc with Modic changes (defined as a peridiscal bone signal above and
below the disc space in question) as compared to other normal or mildly degenerative level
(characterized by normal plain radiographic appearance and no or mild degeneration on
MRI)
Presence of symptoms for at least one year AND that are not responsive to multi-modal
nonoperative treatment over that period that should include physical therapy/rehabilitation
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program but may also include (but not limited to) pain management, injections, cognitive
behavior therapy, and active exercise programs
Absence of active significant psychiatric disorders, such as major depression, requiring
pharmaceutical treatment
Primary complaint of axial pain, with a possible secondary complaint of lower extremity pain
Age 18 to 60 years old (unique to disc replacement, not fusion)
Absence of significant facet arthropathy at the operative level (unique to disc replacement,
not fusion)
Contraindications included multi-level degeneration, facet arthropathy, and hybrid procedures
(ie, in combination with a spinal fusion or other stabilizing-type procedure).
American Pain Society
In 2009, the American Pain Societys practice guidelines concluded there was insufficient
evidence to adequately evaluate long-term benefits and harms of intervertebral disc
replacement.19 The guidelines were based on a systematic review commissioned by the Society
and conducted by the Oregon Evidence-Based Practice Center.20 The rationale for the
recommendation was that, although artificial disc replacement has been associated with similar
outcomes compared with fusion, the trial results were only applicable to a narrowly defined
subset of patients with single-level degenerative disease, and the type of fusion surgery in the
trials is no longer widely used due to frequent poor outcomes. Also, all trials had been industry-
funded, and data on long-term (> 2 years) benefits and harms following artificial disc
replacement were limited.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2009) updated its guidance on safety and
efficacy of prosthetic intervertebral disc replacement in the lumbar spine with studies reporting
13-year follow-up, but with most of the evidence from studies with shorter durations of follow-
up.21 The Institute concluded that evidence was adequate to support the use of this
procedure.
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Medicare National Coverage
Effective for services performed on or after August 14, 2007, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS) found that LADR (lumbar artificial disc replacement) is not reasonable and
necessary for the Medicare population older than 60 years of age; therefore, LADR is non-
covered for Medicare beneficiaries older than 60 years of age.22 For Medicare beneficiaries 60
years of age and younger, there is no national coverage determination (NCD), leaving such
determinations to be made by the local contractors.
The national coverage determination (NCD) was revised in September 2007 to reflect a change
from noncoverage for a specific implant (the Charit), to noncoverage for the LADR procedure
for the Medicare population older than 60 years of age.23 CMS provided this explanation:
The original NCD for LADR was focused on a specific lumbar artificial disc implant
(Charit) because it was the only one with FDA approval at that time. In the original
decision memorandum for LADR, CMS stated that when another lumbar artificial disc
received FDA approval CMS would reconsider the policy. Subsequently, another lumbar
artificial disc, ProDisc-L, received FDA approval, which initiated the reconsideration of
the NCD on LADR. After reviewing the evidence, CMS is convinced that indications for
the procedure of LADR exclude the populations older than age 60; therefore, the
revised NCD addresses the procedure of LADR rather than LADR with a specific
manufacturers implant. 24
Regulatory Status
Three artificial lumbar disc devices (activL, Charit, ProDisc-L) have been approved by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through the premarket approval process. Because the
long-term safety and effectiveness of these devices were not known when approved, approval
was contingent on completion of postmarketing studies. The activL (Aesculap Impant Systems)
Charit (DePuy), and ProDisc-L (Synthes Spine) devices are indicated for spinal arthroplasty
in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) at 1 level. DDD is defined as
discogenic back pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by patient history and
radiographs. Production under the name Charit was stopped in 2010.
A number of other artificial lumbar discs are in development or available only outside of the
United States:
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The INMOTION lumbar artificial disc (DePuy Spine) is a modification of the Charit
device with a change in name under the same premarket approval. The INMOTION is not
currently marketed in the United States.
The Maverick artificial disc (Medtronic) is not marketed in the United States due to patent
infringement litigation.
The metal-on-metal FlexiCore artificial disc (Stryker Spine) has completed the
investigational device exemption trial as part of the FDA process of approval and is currently
being used under continued access. (Artificial intervertebral discs for treating the cervical
spine are considered in a separate policy, see Related Policies.)
Kineflex-L (Spinal Motion) is a 3-piece modular metal-on-metal implant. An FDA advisory
committee meeting on the Kineflex-L, scheduled for July 2013, was cancelled without
explanation.
FDA product code: MJO
References
1. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Technology Evaluation Center (TEC). Artificial vertebral disc replacement. TEC
Assessments. 2005;Volume 20:Tab 1.
2. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Technology Evaluation Center (TEC). Artificial lumbar disc replacement. TEC
Assessments. 2007;Volume 22:Tab 2.
3. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Technology Evaluation Center (TEC). Artificial lumbar disc arthroplasty. TEC Assessments.
2013;Volume 28:Tab 7.
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Draft: PRODISC-L Total Disc Replacement package insert. 2005;
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf5/P050010c.pdf. Accessed June 2018.
5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data: PRODISC-L Total Disc Replacement. 2006;
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf5/P050010b.pdf. Accessed June 2018.
6. Zigler J, Delamarter R, Spivak JM, et al. Results of the prospective, randomized, multicenter Food and Drug Administration
investigational device exemption study of the ProDisc-L total disc replacement versus circumferential fusion for the treatment
of 1-level degenerative disc disease. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). May 15 2007;32(11):1155-1162; discussion 1163. PMID 17495770
7. Zigler JE, Delamarter RB. Five-year results of the prospective, randomized, multicenter, Food and Drug Administration
investigational device exemption study of the ProDisc-L total disc replacement versus circumferential arthrodesis for the
treatment of single-level degenerative disc disease. J Neurosurg Spine. Dec 2012;17(6):493-501. PMID 23082846
8. Zigler JE, Glenn J, Delamarter RB. Five-year adjacent-level degenerative changes in patients with single-level disease treated
using lumbar total disc replacement with ProDisc-L versus circumferential fusion. J Neurosurg Spine. Dec 2012;17(6):504-511.
PMID 23082849
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf5/P050010c.pdfhttps://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf5/P050010b.pdf
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Page | 9 of 12
9. Hellum C, Johnsen LG, Storheim K, et al. Surgery with disc prosthesis versus rehabilitation in patients with low back pain and
degenerative disc: two year follow-up of randomised study. BMJ. May 19 2011;342:d2786. PMID 21596740
10. Hellum C, Berg L, Gjertsen O, et al. Adjacent level degeneration and facet arthropathy after disc prosthesis surgery or
rehabilitation in patients with chronic low back pain and degenerative disc: second report of a randomized study. Spine (Phila
Pa 1976). Dec 1 2012;37(25):2063-2073. PMID 22706091
11. Furunes H, Storheim K, Brox JI, et al. Total disc replacement versus multidisciplinary rehabilitation in patients with chronic low
back pain and degenerative discs: 8-year follow-up of a randomized controlled multicenter trial. Spine J. Oct 2017;17(10):1480-
1488. PMID 28583869
12. Delamarter R, Zigler JE, Balderston RA, et al. Prospective, randomized, multicenter Food and Drug Administration investigational
device exemption study of the ProDisc-L total disc replacement compared with circumferential arthrodesis for the treatment of
two-level lumbar degenerative disc disease: results at twenty-four months. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Apr 20 2011;93(8):705-715.
PMID 21398574
13. Garcia R, Jr., Yue JJ, Blumenthal S, et al. Lumbar total disc replacement for discogenic low back pain: two-year outcomes of the
activL multicenter randomized controlled IDE clinical trial. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). Dec 2015;40(24):1873-1881. PMID 26630435
14. Schoenfeld AJ. Commentary on an article by Rick Delamarter, MD, et al.: "Prospective, randomized, multicenter Food and Drug
Administration investigational device exemption study of the ProDisc-L total disc replacement compared with circumferential
arthrodesis for the treatment of two-level degenerative lumbar disc disease. Results at twenty-four months". J Bone Joint Surg
Am. Apr 20 2011;93(8):e41. PMID 21398573
15. Siepe CJ, Heider F, Wiechert K, et al. Mid- to long-term results of total lumbar disc replacement: a prospective analysis with 5-
to 10-year follow-up. Spine J. Aug 1 2014;14(8):1417-1431. PMID 24448028
16. Laugesen LA, Paulsen RT, Carreon L, et al. Patient-reported Outcomes and Revision Rates at a Mean Follow-up of 10 Years After
Lumbar Total Disc Replacement. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). Nov 1 2017;42(21):1657-1663. PMID 28368983
17. Tropiano P, Huang RC, Girardi FP, et al. Lumbar total disc replacement. Seven to eleven-year follow-up. J Bone Joint Surg Am.
Mar 2005;87(3):490-496. PMID 15741612
18. North American Spine Society (NASS). NASS coverage policy recommendations: Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement. 2014;
https://www.spine.org/PolicyPractice/CoverageRecommendations/AboutCoverageRecommendations.aspx. Accessed
June 2018.
19. Chou R, Loeser JD, Owens DK, et al. Interventional therapies, surgery, and interdisciplinary rehabilitation for low back pain: an
evidence-based clinical practice guideline from the American Pain Society. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). May 1 2009;34(10):1066-1077.
PMID 19363457
20. Chou R, Baisden J, Carragee EJ, et al. Surgery for low back pain: a review of the evidence for an American Pain Society Clinical
Practice Guideline. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). May 1 2009;34(10):1094-1109. PMID 19363455
21. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Prosthetic intervertebral disc replacement in the lumbar spine [IPG306].
2009; https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/IPG306. Accessed June 2018.
22. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). National Coverage Determination (NCD) for LUMBAR ARTIFICIAL DISC
Replacement (LADR) (150.10). 2007; https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/ncd-
details.aspx?NCDId=313&ncdver=2&CoverageSelection=National&KeyWord=lumbar+artificial+disc&KeyWordLookU
p=Title&KeyWordSearchType=And&id=170&bc=gAAAABAAAAAA&. Accessed June 2018.
23. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CMS Manual System: Change request 5727. 2007 September 11
https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Transmittals/downloads/R75NCD.pdf. Accessed March 13, 2018.
24. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare Learning Network Matters. 2007;
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM5727.pdf. Accessed June 2018.
https://www.spine.org/PolicyPractice/CoverageRecommendations/AboutCoverageRecommendations.aspxhttps://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/IPG306https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/ncd-details.aspx?NCDId=313&ncdver=2&CoverageSelection=National&KeyWord=lumbar+artificial+disc&KeyWordLookUp=Title&KeyWordSearchType=And&id=170&bc=gAAAABAAAAAA&https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/ncd-details.aspx?NCDId=313&ncdver=2&CoverageSelection=National&KeyWord=lumbar+artificial+disc&KeyWordLookUp=Title&KeyWordSearchType=And&id=170&bc=gAAAABAAAAAA&https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/ncd-details.aspx?NCDId=313&ncdver=2&CoverageSelection=National&KeyWord=lumbar+artificial+disc&KeyWordLookUp=Title&KeyWordSearchType=And&id=170&bc=gAAAABAAAAAA&http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM5727.pdf
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History
Date Comments 08/12/03 Add to Surgery Section - New policy. Hold for notification, effective date December 15,
2003.
01/01/04 Replace policy - CPT code updates only.
05/10/05 Replace policy - Policy updated with February 2005 TEC Assessment; references added;
policy statement unchanged.
04/21/06 Codes Updated - No other changes
07/11/06 Replace policy - Policy updated with Medicare noncoverage decision; policy statement
unchanged; reference added.
09/12/06 Replace policy - Updated Description and Benefit Application sections to include
information on FDA approval of ProDisk L. No other changes.
01/26/07 Codes Updated - No other changes.
02/26/07 Update Codes - No other changes.
03/13/07 Replace policy - Title expanded for clarification with the addition of Lumbar Spine;
cross reference added.
04/10/07 Cross Reference Update - No other changes.
08/14/07 Replace policy - Policy updated with 2007 TEC Assessment; new reference added.
Policy statement unchanged.
02/12/08 Replace policy - Policy updated with literature review; no change in policy statement.
References added.
01/13/09 Replace policy - Policy updated with literature search; no change to the policy
statement. Rationale section extensively revised references and codes added.
12/08/09 Replace policy - Policy updated with literature search; no change to the policy
statement. References added.
09/14/10 Cross Reference Update - No other changes.
12/14/10 Replace policy - Policy updated with literature search through August 2010. References
have been added and reordered; the policy statement remains unchanged.
12/16/11 Replace policy Policy updated with literature search through August 2011; Rationale
section revised; references 11 and 14 added and references reordered; policy
statement unchanged.
11/27/12 Replace policy - Rationale section revised based on literature review through June
2012. References 12, 14,19,20,23 29 added; others renumbered. Policy statement
unchanged.
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Date Comments 01/10/13 Coding update. CPT code 22586, effective 1/1/13, added to policy.
04/17/13 Update Related Policies Add 7.01.542.
09/30/13 Update Related Policies. Change title to 7.01.120.
12/09/13 Replace policy. Rationale section updated. Added references 8,9,11,12,13,23,31,32. No
change to policy statement. CPT codes 63030 and 63035 removed from policy; these
do not apply.
03/25/14 Replace policy. Policy updated with literature search through October, 2013.
References 12, 16, 17 and 24 added; others renumbered/removed. Policy statement
unchanged. ICD-9 diagnosis and ICD-10-CM codes removed from the policy; these are
not utilized in adjudication.
08/12/14 Update Related Policies. Change title to 7.01.542.
01/08/15 Update Related Policies. Add 7.01.551.
06/09/15 Coding update. ICD-10-PCS codes added to support remediation efforts.
08/11/15 Annual Review. Policy updated with literature review through November 25, 2014;
references 15, 27-28, and 37 added; policy statement unchanged.
07/01/16 Annual Review, approved June 14, 2016. Policy updated with literature review through
February 9, 2016; references 16, 22, 27, 32, and 39-40 added. Removed CPT code
22586. Policy statement unchanged.
10/28/16 Coding update. Removed ICD-10 codes from coding section.
07/01/17 Annual Review, approved June 6, 2017. Policy moved into new format. Policy updated
with literature review through February 23, 2017; reference 4 added. Discussion of
artificial discs not available in the United States was removed. Policy statement
unchanged.
07/01/18 Annual Review, approved June 22, 2018. Policy updated with literature review through
February 2018; references 9-11 and 16 added. Policy statement unchanged.
Disclaimer: This medical policy is a guide in evaluating the medical necessity of a particular service or treatment. The
Company adopts policies after careful review of published peer-reviewed scientific literature, national guidelines and
local standards of practice. Since medical technology is constantly changing, the Company reserves the right to review
and update policies as appropriate. Member contracts differ in their benefits. Always consult the member benefit
booklet or contact a member service representative to determine coverage for a specific medical service or supply.
CPT codes, descriptions and materials are copyrighted by the American Medical Association (AMA). 2018 Premera
All Rights Reserved.
Scope: Medical policies are systematically developed guidelines that serve as a resource for Company staff when
determining coverage for specific medical procedures, drugs or devices. Coverage for medical services is subject to
the limits and conditions of the member benefit plan. Members and their providers should consult the member
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benefit booklet or contact a customer service representative to determine whether there are any benefit limitations
applicable to this service or supply. This medical policy does not apply to Medicare Advantage.
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037338 (07-2016)
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(Chinese): Premera Blue Cross
800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357)
Oromoo (Cushite): Beeksisni kun odeeffannoo barbaachisaa qaba. Beeksisti kun sagantaa yookan karaa Premera Blue Cross tiin tajaajila keessan ilaalchisee odeeffannoo barbaachisaa qabaachuu dandaa. Guyyaawwan murteessaa taan beeksisa kana keessatti ilaalaa. Tarii kaffaltiidhaan deeggaramuuf yookan tajaajila fayyaa keessaniif guyyaa dhumaa irratti wanti raawwattan jiraachuu dandaa. Kaffaltii irraa bilisa haala taeen afaan keessaniin odeeffannoo argachuu fi deeggarsa argachuuf mirga ni qabaattu. Lakkoofsa bilbilaa 800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357) tii bilbilaa. Franais (French): Cet avis a d'importantes informations. Cet avis peut avoir d'importantes informations sur votre demande ou la couverture par l'intermdiaire de Premera Blue Cross. Le prsent avis peut contenir des dates cls. Vous devrez peut-tre prendre des mesures par certains dlais pour maintenir votre couverture de sant ou d'aide avec les cots. Vous avez le droit d'obtenir cette information et de laide dans votre langue aucun cot. Appelez le 800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357). Kreyl ayisyen (Creole): Avi sila a gen Enfmasyon Enptan ladann. Avi sila a kapab genyen enfmasyon enptan konsnan aplikasyon w lan oswa konsnan kouvti asirans lan atrav Premera Blue Cross. Kapab genyen dat ki enptan nan avi sila a. Ou ka gen pou pran kk aksyon avan sten dat limit pou ka kenbe kouvti asirans sante w la oswa pou yo ka ede w avk depans yo. Se dwa w pou resevwa enfmasyon sa a ak asistans nan lang ou pale a, san ou pa gen pou peye pou sa. Rele nan 800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357). Deutsche (German): Diese Benachrichtigung enthlt wichtige Informationen. Diese Benachrichtigung enthlt unter Umstnden wichtige Informationen bezglich Ihres Antrags auf Krankenversicherungsschutz durch Premera Blue Cross. Suchen Sie nach eventuellen wichtigen Terminen in dieser Benachrichtigung. Sie knnten bis zu bestimmten Stichtagen handeln mssen, um Ihren Krankenversicherungsschutz oder Hilfe mit den Kosten zu behalten. Sie haben das Recht, kostenlose Hilfe und Informationen in Ihrer Sprache zu erhalten. Rufen Sie an unter 800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357). Hmoob (Hmong): Tsab ntawv tshaj xo no muaj cov ntshiab lus tseem ceeb. Tej zaum tsab ntawv tshaj xo no muaj cov ntsiab lus tseem ceeb txog koj daim ntawv thov kev pab los yog koj qhov kev pab cuam los ntawm Premera Blue Cross. Tej zaum muaj cov hnub tseem ceeb uas sau rau hauv daim ntawv no. Tej zaum koj kuj yuav tau ua qee yam uas peb kom koj ua tsis pub dhau cov caij nyoog uas teev tseg rau hauv daim ntawv no mas koj thiaj yuav tau txais kev pab cuam kho mob los yog kev pab them tej nqi kho mob ntawd. Koj muaj cai kom lawv muab cov ntshiab lus no uas tau muab sau ua koj hom lus pub dawb rau koj. Hu rau 800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357). Iloko (Ilocano): Daytoy a Pakdaar ket naglaon iti Napateg nga Impormasion. Daytoy a pakdaar mabalin nga adda ket naglaon iti napateg nga impormasion maipanggep iti apliksayonyo wenno coverage babaen iti Premera Blue Cross. Daytoy ket mabalin dagiti importante a petsa iti daytoy a pakdaar. Mabalin nga adda rumbeng nga aramidenyo nga addang sakbay dagiti partikular a naituding nga aldaw tapno mapagtalinaedyo ti coverage ti salun-atyo wenno tulong kadagiti gastos. Adda karbenganyo a mangala iti daytoy nga impormasion ken tulong iti bukodyo a pagsasao nga awan ti bayadanyo. Tumawag iti numero nga 800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357). Italiano (Italian): Questo avviso contiene informazioni importanti. Questo avviso pu contenere informazioni importanti sulla tua domanda o copertura attraverso Premera Blue Cross. Potrebbero esserci date chiave in questo avviso. Potrebbe essere necessario un tuo intervento entro una scadenza determinata per consentirti di mantenere la tua copertura o sovvenzione. Hai il diritto di ottenere queste informazioni e assistenza nella tua lingua gratuitamente. Chiama 800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357).
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(Japanese): Premera Blue Cross
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Premera Blue Cross
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Polskie (Polish): To ogoszenie moe zawiera wane informacje. To ogoszenie moe zawiera wane informacje odnonie Pastwa wniosku lub zakresu wiadcze poprzez Premera Blue Cross. Prosimy zwrcic uwag na kluczowe daty, ktre mog by zawarte w tym ogoszeniu aby nie przekroczy terminw w przypadku utrzymania polisy ubezpieczeniowej lub pomocy zwizanej z kosztami. Macie Pastwo prawo do bezpatnej informacji we wasnym jzyku. Zadzwocie pod 800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357). Portugus (Portuguese): Este aviso contm informaes importantes. Este aviso poder conter informaes importantes a respeito de sua aplicao ou cobertura por meio do Premera Blue Cross. Podero existir datas importantes neste aviso. Talvez seja necessrio que voc tome providncias dentro de determinados prazos para manter sua cobertura de sade ou ajuda de custos. Voc tem o direito de obter esta informao e ajuda em seu idioma e sem custos. Ligue para 800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357).
Romn (Romanian): Prezenta notificare conine informaii importante. Aceast notificare poate conine informaii importante privind cererea sau acoperirea asigurrii dumneavoastre de sntate prin Premera Blue Cross. Pot exista date cheie n aceast notificare. Este posibil s fie nevoie s acionai pn la anumite termene limit pentru a v menine acoperirea asigurrii de sntate sau asistena privitoare la costuri. Avei dreptul de a obine gratuit aceste informaii i ajutor n limba dumneavoastr. Sunai la 800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357). P (Russian): . Premera Blue Cross. . , , . . 800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357). Faasamoa (Samoan): Atonu ua iai i lenei faasilasilaga ni faamatalaga e sili ona taua e tatau ona e malamalama i ai. O lenei faasilasilaga o se fesoasoani e faamatala atili i ai i le tulaga o le polokalame, Premera Blue Cross, ua e tau fia maua atu i ai. Faamolemole, ia e iloilo faalelei i aso faapitoa oloo iai i lenei faasilasilaga taua. Masalo o lea iai ni feau e tatau ona e faia ao lei aulia le aso ua taua i lenei faasilasilaga ina ia e iai pea ma maua fesoasoani mai ai i le polokalame a le Malo oloo e iai i ai. Oloo iai iate oe le aia tatau e maua atu i lenei faasilasilaga ma lenei famatalaga i legagana e te malamalama i ai aunoa ma se togiga tupe. Vili atu i le telefoni 800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357). Espaol (Spanish): Este Aviso contiene informacin importante. Es posible que este aviso contenga informacin importante acerca de su solicitud o cobertura a travs de Premera Blue Cross. Es posible que haya fechas clave en este aviso. Es posible que deba tomar alguna medida antes de determinadas fechas para mantener su cobertura mdica o ayuda con los costos. Usted tiene derecho a recibir esta informacin y ayuda en su idioma sin costo alguno. Llame al 800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357). Tagalog (Tagalog): Ang Paunawa na ito ay naglalaman ng mahalagang impormasyon. Ang paunawa na ito ay maaaring naglalaman ng mahalagang impormasyon tungkol sa iyong aplikasyon o pagsakop sa pamamagitan ng Premera Blue Cross. Maaaring may mga mahalagang petsa dito sa paunawa. Maaring mangailangan ka na magsagawa ng hakbang sa ilang mga itinakdang panahon upang mapanatili ang iyong pagsakop sa kalusugan o tulong na walang gastos. May karapatan ka na makakuha ng ganitong impormasyon at tulong sa iyong wika ng walang gastos. Tumawag sa 800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357). (Thai): Premera Blue Cross 800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357) (Ukrainian): . Premera Blue Cross. , . , , . . 800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357). Ting Vit (Vietnamese): Thng bo ny cung cp thng tin quan trng. Thng bo ny c thng tin quan trng v n xin tham gia hoc hp ng bo him ca qu v qua chng trnh Premera Blue Cross. Xin xem ngy quan trng trong thng bo ny. Qu v c th phi thc hin theo thng bo ng trong thi hn duy tr bo him sc khe hoc c tr gip thm v chi ph. Qu v c quyn c bit thng tin ny v c tr gip bng ngn ng ca mnh min ph. Xin gi s 800-722-1471 (TTY: 800-842-5357).