Previously, both insurers had labeled XLIF as “unproven” or “experimental and investigational” in the treatment of spine disorders, according to the releases.
UnitedHealthcare has removed XLIF from the list of unproven spinal fusion techniques and adds coding clarification in line with the North American Spine Society recommendation letter dated Jan. 5, 2010, according to the release.
Aetna indicates lateral interbody fusion is considered an acceptable method of performing a medically necessary anterior interbody fusion, in accordance with the same NASS recommendation letter, according to the release.
Read the NuVasive release about United Healthcare’s policy reversal.
Read the NuVasive release about Aetna’s policy reversal.
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