Vertebral Body Tethering for Scoliosis – Commercial and Individual Exchange Medical Policyopen_in_new

UnitedHealthcare Commercial and Individual Exchange considers vertebral body tethering (VBT) for scoliosis unproven, not medically necessary, and not covered. Although FDA granted HDEs for certain VBT devices for skeletally immature patients with a major Cobb angle of 30–65° who have failed or are intolerant of bracing and have radiographically adequate bone, UHC denies coverage based on insufficient evidence and safety concerns (final benefit determinations depend on the member-specific plan and applicable mandates; documentation such as Cobb angle, skeletal maturity, and failed bracing is relevant).

"None — Vertebral body tethering for the treatment of scoliosis is unproven and not medically necessary due to insufficient evidence of safety and/or efficacy."

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