CommercialCoverageMedium impact
07.08.01f, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy
Independence Blue Cross·Pain Management, Physical Therapy, PM&R (Physical Medicine & Rehab) +3 more·Medical Policy
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross reissued policy 07.08.01f confirming that non-surgical spinal decompression therapy remains experimental/investigational and is NOT covered under commercial medical benefits. Billing teams must use HCPCS code S9090 exclusively and avoid CPT codes 97012, 97039, and 97799 to represent this service. All claims for this therapy will be denied.
Action Required
Effective immediately: Billing team must ensure that non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is billed ONLY using HCPCS code S9090. DO NOT use CPT codes 97012 (traction, mechanical), 97039 (unlisted modality), or 97799 (unlisted PM&R service) to represent this service. Update billing software edits and claim submission rules to prevent use of these CPT codes for spinal decompression. All claims for non-surgical spinal decompression therapy (code S9090) will be denied as experimental/investigational. Providers should be informed that this service is not a covered benefit under Independence Blue Cross commercial plans. Route any appeals or exceptions requests to medical management for review, though coverage is unlikely given the stated policy position.