CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Image-Guided Minimally Invasive Decompression for Spinal Stenosis
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi·MS · Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Pain Management·Medical Policy
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
BCBS Mississippi has classified image-guided minimally invasive spinal decompression (mild® procedure) as investigational and not covered, except for Federal Employee Program (FEP) subscribers who have coverage for lumbar decompression for central stenosis without nerve root compression. This affects billing for percutaneous spinal decompression procedures using the mild® device kit.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must identify patients with BCBS Mississippi coverage and verify if they are FEP subscribers before scheduling image-guided minimally invasive spinal decompression procedures. For non-FEP BCBS Mississippi members, inform providers that these procedures are considered investigational and will not be covered. Update billing system to flag BCBS Mississippi claims for manual review. Consider alternative covered posterior decompression procedures for affected patients.