NCDActive
Vertebral Axial Decompression (VAX-D)
NCD124
Effective: April 15, 1997
Updated: December 31, 2025
Policy Summary
Medicare does not cover vertebral axial decompression (VAX-D) because available scientific data are insufficient to support its benefit. VAX-D, a traction-based treatment used for symptomatic lumbar disk problems (using pelvic and/or cervical traction on a special table), is therefore non-covered for all indications under this policy.
Coverage Criteria Preview
Key requirements from the full policy
"Vertebral axial decompression (VAX-D) is not covered by Medicare because there is insufficient scientific evidence demonstrating benefit."
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