CMM-601: Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

ACDF is covered when urgent/emergent neurocompressive/instability/neoplasm indications exist, or for initial radiculopathy/myelopathy, repeat procedures (implant failure, pseudoarthrosis), adjacent-segment disease, or after failed cervical disc arthroplasty that meet the policy’s specific clinical, exam, and imaging criteria, and is not covered for chronic non‑specific neck/arm pain or degenerative disc disease without radiculopathy/myelopathy. Coverage requires recent (≤6 months) concordant imaging (plain X‑rays including flexion/extension and MRI/CT as indicated), required conservative management for non‑urgent radiculopathy (typically ≥6 weeks and at least two therapies), nicotine abstinence documented by cotinine ≤10 ng/mL (or never‑smoker), absence of unmanaged significant behavioral/mental health disorders, and for revisions/pseudoarthrosis >6 months since prior surgery with confirmatory imaging (urgent/emergent cases may waive some preconditions).