Coblation (CPB 0475, reviewed 2026-07-02)
Summary
Aetna considers coblation tonsillectomy medically necessary for peri-tonsillar abscess, recurrent middle ear infection where tonsillar hypertrophy is believed to be an exacerbating factor, recurrent or chronic tonsillar infection, and tonsillar hypertrophy leading to respiratory symptoms or airway obstruction. Aetna considers many other coblation uses experimental, investigational or unproven because their effectiveness has not been established, including coblation adenoidectomy, coblation nasal septal swell body reduction, coblation with or without gastrocnemius release for plantar fasciitis, coblation devices such as the Topaz Microdebrider for insertional Achilles tendinopathy and lateral epicondylitis, and radiofrequency to the nasal valve (Vivaer Nasal Airway Remodeling) for nasal airway obstruction. The policy lists cervical coblation nucleoplasty, coblation non-thermal volumetric tissue reduction, and several other coblation procedures as CPT codes not covered for the indications listed in the policy.
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