During the first quarter of 2026, payers have bolstered both spine devicemakers and practices.
Here are five moves to know:
Tech coverage
1. UnitedHealthcare will cover Highridge Medical’s vertebral body tethering device, The Tether. The Tether is approved as a Humanitarian Device for idiopathic scoliosis patients with a Cobb angle of 30 to 60 degrees. Patients also should have failed bracing and/or be intolerant to brace wear.
2. Mainstay Medical’s Reactiv8 restorative neurostimulation device for chronic lower back pain earned favorable coverage from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. Under its policy BCBS of North Dakota considers Reactiv8 to be medically necessary under criteria including a diagnosis of lumbar multifidus muscle dysfunction and patient selection criteria consistent with FDA approval guidelines and Mainstay’s clinical trial protocols.
Practice partnerships
1. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana has partnered with Indianapolis-based OrthoIndy and Franciscan Health’s Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics in Carmel to create a narrow orthopedic network that the insurer says can cut costs for joint replacement and other orthopedic procedures by up to 50%.
2. Durham, N.C.-based EmergeOrtho has partnered with the State Health Plan, the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer said March 10. The partnership gives State Plan members access to EmergeOrtho’s services including joint replacement, sports medicine and spine care at no cost through Lantern.
3. Athens (Ga.) Orthopedic Clinic and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia inked an agreement to help expand patient access in the state. Under the partnership, Anthem members will have access to AOC’s services including ASCs, urgent care centers, imaging and outpatient therapy across the practice’s 10 locations.
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 18–20 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
