UnitedHealthcareHigh ImpactPrior Auth
Updated prior authorization codes for VBT services
Published June 3, 2026Effective April 1, 2026
AI Summary
UnitedHealthcare has added six new vertebral body tethering (VBT) codes to their prior authorization requirements effective April 1, 2026. All VBT procedures using these codes now require prior authorization approval before services are rendered.
Action Required
By April 1, 2026: Billing team must update billing system to require prior authorization for VBT codes 0656T, 0657T, 0790T, 22836, 22837, and 22838. Update encounter forms and EMR templates to alert providers that prior auth is mandatory. Submit prior authorization requests through UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal before scheduling VBT procedures. Claims will be denied without prior authorization.
Affected Billing Codes
228362283722838
Plan Types
Commercial, Exchange
Specialties
ortho, neurosurgery