CommercialPrior AuthHigh impact
Updated prior authorization codes for VBT services
UnitedHealthcare·Orthopedics, Neurosurgery·Prior authorization
Effective date
Apr 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 3, 2026
Summary
UnitedHealthcare has added six new vertebral body tethering (VBT) codes to their prior authorization requirements effective April 1, 2026. All VBT procedures using these codes now require prior authorization approval before services are rendered.
Action Required
By April 1, 2026: Billing team must update billing system to require prior authorization for VBT codes 0656T, 0657T, 0790T, 22836, 22837, and 22838. Update encounter forms and EMR templates to alert providers that prior auth is mandatory. Submit prior authorization requests through UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal before scheduling VBT procedures. Claims will be denied without prior authorization.