CommercialCoverageHigh impact
Laser Neurolysis (CPB 0552, reviewed 2026-08-03)
Aetna·Neurology, Neurosurgery, Pain Management +3 more·Medical Policy
Effective date
Aug 3, 2026
We identified it
Aug 18, 2026
Summary
Aetna has classified laser neurolysis (laser peripheral nerve block) as experimental, investigational, or unproven for five specific indications: carpal tunnel syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, facet joint pain, phantom limb pain, and sacroiliac joint pain. This means claims for laser neurolysis procedures targeting these conditions will not be covered by Aetna, effective immediately as of the policy review date of August 3, 2026.
Action Required
Effective immediately (August 3, 2026): Billing team must update the billing system to deny or reject all claims for laser neurolysis procedures (CPT codes 64600, 64610, 64620, 64640, 64702, 64704, 64708, 64714, 64727) when billed with ICD-10 diagnosis codes for carpal tunnel syndrome (G56.00-G56.03), complex regional pain syndrome (G56.40-G56.42, G57.70-G57.73, G90.50-G90.59), facet joint pain (M53.0, M53.82-M53.83), phantom limb pain (G54.6), or sacroiliac joint pain (M53.3). Update billing software to flag these code combinations as non-covered. Providers must be notified that laser neurolysis for these five indications is no longer a covered benefit under Aetna plans. Implement denial messaging in claims processing system and ensure front-end verification processes screen for these combinations. Any claims submitted for these code-diagnosis combinations will be denied as experimental/investigational.