CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Deep Brain Stimulation
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi·MS · Neurosurgery, Neurology·Medical Policy
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
BCBS Mississippi has updated their Deep Brain Stimulation policy defining medical necessity criteria for DBS procedures. The policy specifies coverage requirements for unilateral/bilateral DBS of thalamus, globus pallidus, or subthalamic nucleus for specific conditions including Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and primary dystonia, while marking many other uses as investigational.
Action Required
Immediately: Review all pending and future Deep Brain Stimulation cases to ensure they meet the specific medical necessity criteria outlined in policy A.7.01.63. Verify patients meet ALL required criteria including medication response, motor complications, UPDRS scores, or disease duration requirements before submitting claims. Document contraindications screening including surgical risk assessment, MRI requirements, dementia evaluation, and botulinum toxin injection history within 6 months.