Discogenic Pain Treatment – Commercial and Individual Exchange Medical Policyopen_in_new

UnitedHealthcare deems annular closure devices (ACDs), percutaneous injection of allogeneic cellular/tissue‑based products, and thermal intradiscal procedures (TIPs) unproven and not medically necessary — therefore not covered for treating discogenic pain. Although the Barricaid ACD has an FDA PMA for a narrow post‑discectomy indication (single level L4–S1 large annular defects confirmed by MRI), UHC does not adopt it as a covered service and coverage depends on the member‑specific benefit plan and required documentation (see the member plan and the "Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Procedures" policy).

"None — this Medical Policy states the following procedures are unproven and not medically necessary due to insufficient evidence of efficacy: Annular closure devices (ACDs); Percutaneous injection ..."

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