CommercialCoverageHigh impact
Vertebral Axial Decompression (CPB 0180, reviewed 2026-03-24)
Aetna·Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Pain Management +2 more·Medical Policy
Effective date
Mar 24, 2026
We identified it
Aug 19, 2026
Summary
Aetna has reaffirmed that Vertebral Axial Decompression (VAX-D) and related spinal decompression systems remain non-covered as experimental and unproven therapies. Billing teams must ensure claims for these devices and procedures are denied or rejected before submission. HCPCS code S9090 and related CPT codes should not be billed to Aetna for any ICD-10 dorsopathy diagnosis codes (M40.00-M54.9).
Action Required
By March 24, 2026: Billing team must update all systems to deny/reject claims billed to Aetna (Commercial plans) for HCPCS code S9090 and associated CPT codes 64722 and 97012 when linked to ICD-10 dorsopathy codes M40.00-M54.9. Verify that billing software includes automated blocking rules for these code combinations. Notify providers that VAX-D, DRS System, Axiom systems, Lordex, Saunders 3D ActiveTrac, Spinerx, and all other listed decompression devices are non-covered. Do not submit claims for these services; instead, communicate non-coverage to patients in advance (get signed Advance Beneficiary Notice if applicable) to avoid claim denials and patient liability disputes.