Electrical Stimulation of the Spine as an Adjunct to Spinal Fusion Procedures

This policy covers invasive and noninvasive electrical bone growth stimulation (implantable generators/electrodes, capacitive coupling, PEMF, combined magnetic field devices) used as an adjunct to spinal fusion to promote bone healing. Coverage is limited to patients at increased risk for fusion failure—examples include prior failed fusion(s), Grade III+ spondylolisthesis, planned multilevel fusion, current tobacco use, diabetes, renal disease, alcoholism, chronic steroid use, or osteoporosis—and requires adherence to device-specific wear-time or implantation (with attendant surgical risks); semi‑invasive stimulators are considered investigational and noninvasive stimulators remain FDA Class III, and stimulation is not covered as a standalone treatment.

"Adjunctive invasive or noninvasive electrical bone growth stimulation for spinal fusion in individuals with one or more previous failed spinal fusion(s)."