CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Electrical Bone Growth Stimulation of the Appendicular Skeleton
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi·MS · Orthopedics, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine·Medical Policy
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
BCBS Mississippi updated their policy for electrical bone growth stimulation devices, specifying that only noninvasive devices are medically necessary for treating fracture nonunions and congenital pseudarthrosis in arm/leg bones, while implantable and semi-invasive devices remain investigational. The policy reduces the required timeframe from 9 months to 3 months for diagnosing nonunion fractures.
Action Required
Immediately: Review all pending and future claims for electrical bone growth stimulators to ensure they meet the updated criteria - nonunion fractures must show at least 3 months without healing progression (reduced from previous 9-month requirement), fracture gap must be 1cm or less, and patient must be adequately immobilized. Only approve noninvasive devices; flag implantable and semi-invasive stimulators as investigational/non-covered. Update prior authorization protocols to reflect new 3-month minimum timeframe.