Payer PolicyActive
Ultra Rapid Detoxification (UROD)
AETNA-CPB-0317
Aetna
Effective: April 28, 2023
Updated: December 6, 2025
created · Dec 2, 2025
Policy Summary
Aetna considers ultra‑rapid opioid detoxification (UROD) experimental/investigational and does not cover it for clinical detoxification or any other indications. Coverage is denied because effectiveness is unproven and UROD carries reported serious adverse events including death (particularly with general anesthesia/heavy sedation), is advised against by NICE, and anesthesia‑based approaches are not recommended due to safety, cost, and intensive care resource concerns.
Coverage Criteria Preview
Key requirements from the full policy
"Ultra-rapid detoxification under general anaesthesia or heavy sedation (where the airway needs to be supported) must not be offered (NICE guidance cited)."
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