CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Percutaneous Intradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty, Radiofrequency Annuloplasty, Biacuplasty and Intraosseous Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi·MS · Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Pain Management·Medical Policy
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
This policy confirms that several spinal procedures for chronic back pain - including intradiscal electrothermal annuloplasty, radiofrequency annuloplasty, biacuplasty, and basivertebral nerve ablation - are considered investigational and not covered by BCBS Mississippi. The policy provides detailed descriptions of these procedures but maintains they lack sufficient evidence for coverage.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team should verify that claims for percutaneous annuloplasty procedures (intradiscal electrothermal annuloplasty, radiofrequency annuloplasty, biacuplasty) and basivertebral nerve ablation are not being submitted to BCBS Mississippi as these are considered investigational and will be denied. Update billing system notes to flag these procedures as non-covered for this payer.