E0830 Insurance Policy Changes

Cervical Traction Devices (CPB 0453, reviewed 2026-07-23)

Aetna updated its cervical traction device coverage policy (CPB 0453) effective 2026-07-23. The policy establishes clear medical necessity criteria for over-the-door and pneumatic cervical traction devices as DME, while explicitly excluding inflatable air bladder collars and certain frame-based traction equipment. Billing teams must verify that claims meet specific criteria including documented musculoskeletal/neurologic impairment, device tolerance demonstration, and (for pneumatic devices) additional qualifying conditions such as physician medical necessity documentation, TMJ dysfunction treatment history, or anatomical limitations.