CommercialCoverageHigh impact
Subtalar Implant for Foot Deformity (CPB 0669, reviewed 2025-10-07)
Aetna·Orthopedics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine·Surgery
Effective date
Oct 7, 2025
We identified it
Aug 17, 2026
Summary
Aetna has classified subtalar implants as experimental, investigational, or unproven for all indications including flatfoot deformity, clubfoot, foot drop, and subtalar instability. This means claims for subtalar implant procedures and associated CPT codes will not be covered. Billing teams must immediately deny or reject claims for these procedures and communicate non-coverage to providers and patients.
Action Required
Effective immediately (2025-10-07): Billing team must update claims processing system to flag and deny all claims for CPT codes 0335T, 0510T, 0511T, 28735, 29907, and HCPCS code S2117 when billed for any subtalar implant indication (including all ICD-10 codes listed in the policy: E64.3, M21.071-M21.079, M21.371-M21.379, M21.6x1-M21.6x9, M21.40-M21.42, M21.541-M21.549, M21.541-M21.549, M24.871-M24.876, M25.271-M25.279, M25.371-M25.376, Q66.00-Q66.02, Q66.50-Q66.52, Q66.6, Q66.80-Q66.89). Providers must be notified that these procedures are non-covered for all indications listed in CPB 0669. Front desk staff should inform patients that subtalar implant procedures will not be covered by Aetna and are patient responsibility. Update encounter forms and billing software rules to reflect non-coverage status. Claims submitted without pre-notification to patients will result in denials and potential patient financial liability disputes.