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AetnaAll Plans · Coverage · Medical Policy · Orthopedics, NeurosurgeryMedium impact

Axial Lumbar Interbody Fusion (AxiaLIF) (CPB 0772, reviewed 2025-12-02)

Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Aug 14, 2026

Summary

Aetna considers axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLIF) experimental, investigational, or unproven because the effectiveness of this approach has not been established. AxiaLIF is a percutaneous pre-sacral access route to the L5-S1 vertebral bodies for spinal fusion. CPT 22586 is listed as not covered for the indications in this policy, and there are no randomized controlled trials comparing the pre-sacral technique with standard approach techniques.

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What to do

Action · 1 steps
01Billing team: Do not bill CPT 22586 as a covered service for axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLIF), because the policy lists 22586 as not covered for the indications in the policy and considers the pre-sacral AxiaLIF approach experimental, investigational, or unproven.

Codes mentioned

22586

Original notice

Axial Lumbar Interbody Fusion (AxiaLIF) (CPB 0772, reviewed 2025-12-02)
aetna.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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Related changes

See all Aetna changes →
Axial Lumbar Interbody Fusion (AxiaLIF) (CPB 0772, reviewed 2026-10-27)MediumNo effective date · Medical PolicyBrowse every Aetna change in the policy list

Related policy hubs

Aetna policiesOrthopedicsNeurosurgeryCode 22586

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