CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Implantable Shock Absorbers for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
BCBS Arizona·AZ · Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy·Medical Policy
Effective date
Oct 1, 2026
We identified it
Jul 31, 2026
Summary
Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona has issued a new policy (effective 10/01/26) establishing that implantable shock absorbers for knee osteoarthritis treatment are considered experimental or investigational. The MISHA Knee System is the only FDA-authorized device in this category. Billing teams must ensure claims for this procedure are denied or require prior authorization based on the experimental classification unless members have specific benefit coverage.
Action Required
By September 15, 2026: Billing team must update claims processing systems to flag any claims for implantable shock absorbers for knee osteoarthritis as experimental/investigational. Contact BCBSAZ to confirm coverage status for your plan type before submitting claims. Implement a denial protocol or prior authorization requirement based on member benefit plan specifics. Train billing staff and providers that the MISHA Knee System and any similar devices will be subject to experimental/investigational review. Update encounter forms and pre-service authorization templates to alert providers that this procedure requires medical necessity review. Note: No specific CPT or HCPCS codes were identified in the policy; use your internal coding assignment for implantable shock absorber procedures and cross-reference against this policy criteria. Failure to properly classify these claims may result in payment denials or member disputes.