Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis and Other Musculoskeletal Conditions

This policy addresses extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for plantar fasciitis and a broad range of other musculoskeletal conditions. It lists investigated indications (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tendinopathies, calcific tendinitis, fracture delayed‑union/nonunion, medial tibial stress syndrome, osteonecrosis, coccydynia, stump neuromas, spasticity) but states many uses — including plantar fasciitis and common tendinopathies — are considered experimental/investigational and not covered; any covered applications are subject to strict diagnostic/time criteria (e.g., nonunion defined as ≥3 months of failed healing and ≤1 cm fracture gap), may require multiple sessions with variable energy settings, and high‑energy protocols can be painful and require anesthesia.

"Plantar fasciitis (extracorporeal shock wave therapy directed at the heel to treat heel pain)"

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