Discography

Aetna covers lumbar provocative discography (CPT 62290, 72295) only when selection criteria are met and otherwise considers lumbar discography for other indications, cervical/thoracic discography, functional anesthetic discography, and contrast disc analysis/mapping experimental/investigational and not covered. Key requirements: persistent, severe low back pain with abnormal interspaces on MRI, other diagnostics have failed to confirm the suspected disc as the pain source, surgical intervention is being considered (specified ICD‑10 diagnoses apply), and discography should not be used as a stand‑alone test.

"It should not be attempted in individuals with normal lumbar MRI."

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