Clover Health Spinal Fusion Surgery prior authorization requirements (2026)

What Clover Health generally requires to approve Spinal Fusion Surgery (CPT C1821, 22102, 22103, 22210, 22212, 22214, 22216, 22220, 22222, 22224, 22226, 22532, 22533, 22534, 22548, 22551, 22552, 22554, 22556, 22558, 22585, 22590, 22595, 22600, 22610, 22612, 22614, 22630, 22632, 22633, 22634, 22830, 22840, 22841, 22842, 22843, 22844, 22845, 22846, 22847, 22848, 22849, 22853, 22854, 22859, 27278, 27279, 27280), for medicare_advantage plans. Yes. Clover Health generally requires prior authorization for Spinal Fusion Surgery (CPT C1821, 22102, 22103, 22210, 22212, 22214, 22216, 22220, 22222, 22224, 22226, 22532, 22533, 22534, 22548, 22551, 22552, 22554, 22556, 22558, 22585, 22590, 22595, 22600, 22610, 22612, 22614, 22630, 22632, 22633, 22634, 22830, 22840, 22841, 22842, 22843, 22844, 22845, 22846, 22847, 22848, 22849, 22853, 22854, 22859, 27278, 27279, 27280).

General reference compiled from public sources, last verified 2026-06-25. 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 for spinal fusion via eviCore (Spine Surgery program; no Medicare NCD/LCD for lumbar fusion, so eviCore spine guidelines govern).

Diagnoses that commonly support medical necessity

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

M43.16Spondylolisthesis, lumbar regionM48.061Spinal stenosis, lumbar region without neurogenic claudicationM51.36Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region

How to submit

Sources & verification

  • BindingSource — Clover Health — Interventional Pain, Spine and Joint Surgeries (eviCore).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 2026-06-25.

Frequently asked questions

Does Clover Health require prior authorization for Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Yes. Clover Health generally requires prior authorization for Spinal Fusion Surgery (CPT C1821, 22102, 22103, 22210, 22212, 22214, 22216, 22220, 22222, 22224, 22226, 22532, 22533, 22534, 22548, 22551, 22552, 22554, 22556, 22558, 22585, 22590, 22595, 22600, 22610, 22612, 22614, 22630, 22632, 22633, 22634, 22830, 22840, 22841, 22842, 22843, 22844, 22845, 22846, 22847, 22848, 22849, 22853, 22854, 22859, 27278, 27279, 27280).

What does Clover Health require to approve Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Prior authorization required for spinal fusion via eviCore (Spine Surgery program; no Medicare NCD/LCD for lumbar fusion, so eviCore spine guidelines govern). 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 Spinal Fusion Surgery 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.

How Praxigen worksBook a demo

Other Clover Health prior authorization requirements

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and FusionArthroplasty (Joint Replacement)Dorsal Column (Lumbar) Neurostimulators: Trial or ImplantationKnee ArthroscopyPain Management ProceduresShoulder Arthroscopy Rotator Cuff Repair

Related guides

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