CMM-613: Thoracic Decompression and Discectomy

Covered for urgent/emergent neurocompressive conditions and for non‑urgent thoracic radiculopathy or myelopathy only when detailed symptom, objective exam, concordant MRI/CT imaging, documentation, conservative‑treatment (≥2 modalities/6‑week trials for radiculopathy unless contraindicated), timing, and behavioral‑health criteria are met; thoracic corpectomy is allowed only when indicated (infection/trauma/tumor/compression) and must include fusion. Not covered/investigational: procedures performed for sole indications (annular tears, concordant discography, MR spectroscopy, degenerative disc disease), laser decompression, and percutaneous/minimally invasive thoracic decompression/discectomy without direct visualization; repeat procedures require >12 weeks since the index surgery.

"The performance of thoracic decompression or discectomy with laser technique is considered not medically necessary."