Clover Health Artificial Intervertebral Disc Surgery (Cervical Spine) prior authorization requirements (2026)

What Clover Health generally requires to approve Artificial Intervertebral Disc Surgery (Cervical Spine) (CPT 22856, 22858, 22861), for medicare_advantage plans. Yes. Clover Health generally requires prior authorization for Artificial Intervertebral Disc Surgery (Cervical Spine) (CPT 22856, 22858, 22861).

General reference compiled from public sources, last verified 2026-06-26. This is not a coverage determination or medical advice. Always confirm current requirements with Clover Health before submitting.

Medical-necessity criteria Clover Health generally applies

Prior authorization required via eviCore (cervical TDR criteria mirror CMM-602). There is no CMS NCD for cervical artificial disc, so eviCore / MA local coverage governs (single or two contiguous levels C3-C7, FDA-approved disc, failed conservative care).

Diagnoses that commonly support medical necessity

ICD-10-CM diagnoses frequently associated with medical necessity for Artificial Intervertebral Disc Surgery (Cervical Spine). Confirm the covered diagnosis list against the current Clover Health policy.

M50.120Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, unspecified cervical regionM50.020Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy, unspecified cervical region

How to submit

Sources & verification

  • BindingSource — eviCore CMM-602 Cervical Total Disc Arthroplasty (no NCD for cervical disc) (CMM-602) · effective 2025-07-01.View

Binding = the payer's own policy. Proxy = a public, evidence-based clinical guideline the payer mirrors. Portal-only = the binding criteria are confirmed in the administrator's portal. Always confirm against the payer for the member's specific plan. Last verified 2026-06-26.

Frequently asked questions

Does Clover Health require prior authorization for Artificial Intervertebral Disc Surgery (Cervical Spine)?

Yes. Clover Health generally requires prior authorization for Artificial Intervertebral Disc Surgery (Cervical Spine) (CPT 22856, 22858, 22861).

What does Clover Health require to approve Artificial Intervertebral Disc Surgery (Cervical Spine)?

Prior authorization required via eviCore (cervical TDR criteria mirror CMM-602). There is no CMS NCD for cervical artificial disc, so eviCore / MA local coverage governs (single or two contiguous levels C3-C7, FDA-approved disc, failed conservative care). Always confirm against the current Clover Health policy.

How long does a Clover Health prior authorization take?

Turnaround varies by plan and submission method. Check the Clover Health portal for current timeframes.

Submitting Artificial Intervertebral Disc Surgery (Cervical Spine) to Clover Health?

Praxigen checks your clinical note against these criteria before you submit and drafts a policy-cited appeal if it is denied. You review and submit; nothing is sent automatically.

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Other Clover Health prior authorization requirements

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and FusionArthroplasty (Joint Replacement)Arthroscopic Hip Surgery for Impingement Syndrome Including Labral RepairArtificial Intervertebral Disc Surgery (Lumbar Spine)Cervical, Lumbar and Thoracic Laminectomy and/or Laminotomy ProceduresCT Cervical Spine without contrastCT Lumbar Spine without contrastDorsal Column (Lumbar) Neurostimulators: Trial or ImplantationKnee ArthroscopyKnee MeniscectomyMRI Cervical Spine with contrastMRI Cervical Spine without and with contrast

Related guides

Why was my prior authorization denied? Top reasons and how to fix eachHow to write a prior authorization appeal that cites policy