Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) for Musculoskeletal Conditions and Soft Tissue Indications – Commercial and Individual Exchange Medical Policyopen_in_new

UnitedHealthcare deems extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) — low-, high-, or radial-energy — unproven and not medically necessary for all musculoskeletal and soft-tissue indications (e.g., Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis, calcific rotator cuff tendonitis, chronic wounds, erectile dysfunction), and excludes ESWL for stones from this policy. Coverage must follow the member-specific benefit plan and applicable federal/state laws (no specific frequency/age/prior‑treatment or documentation requirements are specified), and Medicare Advantage plans may use different determinations absent CMS guidance.

""Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), whether low energy, high energy, or radial wave, is unproven and not medically necessary for any musculoskeletal or soft tissue indications due to insuffi..."

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