High Intensity Laser Therapy for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions and Bell's Palsy

This policy addresses high‑intensity laser therapy (HILT; Class IV lasers >500 mW) for chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions and Bell's palsy—examples include chronic low back, neck, shoulder pain, knee osteoarthritis, epicondylalgia, myofascial pain, frozen shoulder, and plantar fasciitis. HILT is considered experimental, investigational, and unproven (not covered) due to low‑to‑moderate quality and heterogeneous evidence; coverage is subject to the member’s benefit plan, generally limited to patients who have failed conservative therapy, with a limited Illinois statutory exception for certain pediatric plans.

"High intensity laser therapy considered for chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions (as referenced in title)."

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