CommercialCoverageHigh impact
Intradiscal Procedures 7.01.112
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield·Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Pain Management +1 more·Bone & Joints (Orthopedic)
Effective date
Oct 15, 2025
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has updated their policy 7.01.112 effective October 15, 2025, declaring ALL intradiscal procedures as investigational and non-covered. This includes nucleoplasty, thermal annuloplasty, intradiscal injections (PRP, stem cells, steroids), and other minimally invasive disc procedures commonly used for discogenic pain.
Action Required
By October 15, 2025: Billing team must update all Excellus BCBS claims to deny coverage for intradiscal procedures including nucleoplasty, IDET, intradiscal injections, and thermal annuloplasty. Update prior authorization systems to automatically reject these procedures as investigational. Notify providers that all intradiscal procedures will be denied by Excellus and patients must be informed of non-coverage before treatment.