Mass General Brigham Health Plan Lumbar Spinal Fusion prior authorization requirements (2026)

What Mass General Brigham Health Plan generally requires to approve Lumbar Spinal Fusion (CPT 22612), for Commercial; posture may vary for MGB ACO/MassHealth and ASO plans. Yes. Mass General Brigham Health Plan generally requires prior authorization for Lumbar Spinal Fusion (CPT 22612).

General reference compiled from public sources, last verified 2026-06-17. This is not a coverage determination or medical advice. Always confirm current requirements with Mass General Brigham Health Plan before submitting.

Medical-necessity criteria Mass General Brigham Health Plan generally applies

Prior authorization is required for elective surgery, including spinal surgery, per the Mass General Brigham Health Plan Prior Authorization, Notification, and Referral Guidelines. Reviewed for medical necessity under MGBHP medical policy.

Diagnoses that commonly support medical necessity

ICD-10-CM diagnoses frequently associated with medical necessity for Lumbar Spinal Fusion. Confirm the covered diagnosis list against the current Mass General Brigham Health Plan policy.

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

Commonly required documentation

  • Office notes, imaging, and conservative-care documentation supporting medical necessity.

How to submit

Source

Source: MGBHP Prior Authorization, Notification, and Referral Guidelines (resources.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/utilizationmgmt/PAGuide.pdf). Formerly AllWays/Neighborhood Health Plan. Last verified 2026-06-17.

Frequently asked questions

Does Mass General Brigham Health Plan require prior authorization for Lumbar Spinal Fusion?

Yes. Mass General Brigham Health Plan generally requires prior authorization for Lumbar Spinal Fusion (CPT 22612).

What does Mass General Brigham Health Plan require to approve Lumbar Spinal Fusion?

Prior authorization is required for elective surgery, including spinal surgery, per the Mass General Brigham Health Plan Prior Authorization, Notification, and Referral Guidelines. Reviewed for medical necessity under MGBHP medical policy. Always confirm against the current Mass General Brigham Health Plan policy.

How long does a Mass General Brigham Health Plan prior authorization take?

Turnaround varies by plan and submission method. Check the Mass General Brigham Health Plan portal for current timeframes.

Submitting Lumbar Spinal Fusion to Mass General Brigham Health Plan?

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 Mass General Brigham Health Plan prior authorization requirements

MRI Lumbar Spine without contrastOutpatient Physical Therapy

Related guides

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