Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Medicare Pricing
Work RVU
2.01
Facility
$153.31
Non-Facility
$317.31
Documentation Required
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) where applicable: SRS-22, SF-36, and other quality-of-life scores (many comparative studies collected SRS-22 and SF-36 scores; Pehlivanoglu et al 2021b; Rushton et al 2021).
Pulmonary function tests where relevant (some cohorts lacked complete PFT results and this limited analyses; Qiu et al 2021 noted incomplete PFTs in fusion cohort).
Documentation of indications for MCGR/MAGEC including rationale that instrumented fusion would result in unacceptable reduction in final height or respiratory function and confirmation of age/bone age criteria when used (NHS guidance).
There are no explicit documentation requirements stated in this document. (No section titled "Documentation Requirements" is present in the provided text.)
Key Coverage Criteria
Aetna considers the following types of braces and casts medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME) for the treatment of scoliosis: Standard thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO).
22548 (listed in the table — appears under covered codes)
Aetna considers surgery (e.g., spinal fusion with instrumentation and bone grafting) for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis medically necessary for any of the following conditions: Idiopathic scoliosis with curve greater than or equal to 40 degrees in an adolescent younger than age 18;
Aetna considers surgery (e.g., spinal fusion with instrumentation and bone grafting) for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis medically necessary for any of the following conditions: Idiopathic scoliosis with curve greater than or equal to 50 degrees in a young adult age 18 to 25.
Aetna considers growing rods technique medically necessary in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis for persons who meet criteria for surgery above (includes the MAGEC System).
An orthosis (orthopedic brace) and/or prosthesis is medically necessary when: Care is prescribed by a physician, nurse practitioner, podiatrist or other health professional who is qualified to prescribe orthotics and/or prosthetics according to state law;
Ask Verity about documentation requirements, denial risks, or coverage in your state.
For orthosis/prosthesis coverage: Care must be prescribed by a physician, nurse practitioner, podiatrist or other health professional who is qualified to prescribe orthotics and/or prosthetics according to state law.
For orthosis/prosthesis coverage: Documentation that the orthosis or prosthesis will significantly improve or restore physical functions required for mobility related activities of daily living (MRADL's).