Joint Resurfacing (CPB 0661, reviewed 2025-12-19)
Aetna considers metal-on-metal hip resurfacing with an FDA-approved device a medically necessary alternative to total hip arthroplasty for physically active non-elderly adult members under 65 who meet the listed criteria, and experimental, investigational, or unproven for all other indications. The policy also lists shoulder resurfacing, knee, partial knee and patellar resurfacing, wrist capitate resurfacing, metatarsophalangeal joint resurfacing, facet joint resurfacing, talar inlay resurfacing and navigation during hip resurfacing as experimental, investigational, or unproven. The policy history shows an original effective date of 05/02/2003 and a last review date of 10/07/2026.