The original coverage change would have considered spine cages only medically necessary when used with autogenous bone graft in patients meeting criteria for lumbar spinal fusion and thoracic fusion, but not cervical fusion. However, the revised coverage decision indicates it will consider cage use in cervical fusion also medically necessary for members who meet specific criteria.
Aetna continues to consider spine cages not medically necessary for cervical fusion beyond their specific requirements. Christopher Bono, MD, Christopher Kauffman, MD, and Joseph S. Cheng, MD, MS, were recognized as leaders in advocating for this coverage and promoting evidence-based medicine.
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