Image-Guided Minimally Invasive Decompression for Spinal Stenosis

This policy addresses percutaneous, image-guided minimally invasive decompression (e.g., mild®) for central spinal canal stenosis to relieve symptomatic spinal stenosis—most commonly lumbar cases with ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and neurogenic claudication. Major limitations are that the procedure is considered experimental/investigational and not covered, is appropriate only for central (not lateral recess or foraminal) stenosis and not for disc herniation or nerve‑root compression, and evidence/coverage is limited (including CMS Coverage with Evidence Development trial populations).

"Percutaneous image-guided minimally invasive decompression for decompression of the central spinal canal in patients with symptomatic spinal stenosis."

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