Peripheral Nerve Blocks and Procedures for Chronic Pain

Peripheral nerve blocks and related procedures are covered selectively: radiofrequency neurolysis is covered for trigeminal neuralgia only after ≥6 months of symptoms, failure/intolerance of appropriate medical therapy, patient declines/is not a surgical candidate, and ≥75% diagnostic block response (max 2 RFTs per rolling 12 months). Corticosteroid injections are allowed for carpal tunnel syndrome (max 3 lifetime injections per side) and Morton's neuroma (max 2 lifetime injections per side); many other PNB targets, use of biologic injectates, dry needling, treatment of widespread or systemic neuropathic pain, and certain denervation procedures are investigational or non‑covered. Documentation of prior treatments, diagnostic block response, injectate type, device manufacturer instructions (if applicable), and justification for sedation or multiple same‑day procedures is required.

"Radiofrequency neurolysis (RFN) is medically reasonable and necessary for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) only when all are met: symptoms ≥6 months, non-responsive or intolerant to medical therapy (e."