Clover Health Knee Meniscectomy prior authorization requirements (2026)

What Clover Health generally requires to approve Knee Meniscectomy (CPT 29880, 29881, 29882, 29883), for medicare_advantage plans. Yes. Clover Health generally requires prior authorization for Knee Meniscectomy (CPT 29880, 29881, 29882, 29883).

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 (same CMM-312 knee criteria). As a Medicare Advantage plan, CMS NCD 150.9 also binds: arthroscopic lavage alone and arthroscopic debridement for OA knee pain (Outerbridge III-IV) are non-covered; there is no NCD governing meniscectomy itself, so eviCore CMM-312 controls.

Diagnoses that commonly support medical necessity

ICD-10-CM diagnoses frequently associated with medical necessity for Knee Meniscectomy. Confirm the covered diagnosis list against the current Clover Health policy.

M23.209Derangement of unspecified meniscus due to old tear or injury, unspecified knee

How to submit

Sources & verification

  • BindingSource — eviCore CMM-312 Knee Surgery (CMS NCD 150.9 floor for OA debridement) (CMM-312) · 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 Knee Meniscectomy?

Yes. Clover Health generally requires prior authorization for Knee Meniscectomy (CPT 29880, 29881, 29882, 29883).

What does Clover Health require to approve Knee Meniscectomy?

Prior authorization required via eviCore (same CMM-312 knee criteria). As a Medicare Advantage plan, CMS NCD 150.9 also binds: arthroscopic lavage alone and arthroscopic debridement for OA knee pain (Outerbridge III-IV) are non-covered; there is no NCD governing meniscectomy itself, so eviCore CMM-312 controls. 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 Knee Meniscectomy 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 (Cervical Spine)Artificial 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 ArthroscopyMRI 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