NY State Workers' Comp Spinal Fusion Surgery prior authorization requirements (2026)

What NY State Workers' Comp 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 workers_comp plans. Yes. NY State Workers' Comp 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 NY State Workers' Comp before submitting.

Medical-necessity criteria NY State Workers' Comp generally applies

Lumbar fusion ALWAYS requires prior authorization (324.3 pre-auth list) even when MTG-consistent — recommended for spinal stenosis with proven spondylolisthesis (not for stenosis without instability); requires imaging plus a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks of failed conservative care. Request pre-authorization via OnBoard.

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 NY State Workers' Comp policy.

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

How to submit

Sources & verification

  • BindingSource — NY WCB Mid and Low Back Injury Medical Treatment Guidelines · effective 2022-05-02.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 NY State Workers' Comp require prior authorization for Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Yes. NY State Workers' Comp 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 NY State Workers' Comp require to approve Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Lumbar fusion ALWAYS requires prior authorization (324.3 pre-auth list) even when MTG-consistent — recommended for spinal stenosis with proven spondylolisthesis (not for stenosis without instability); requires imaging plus a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks of failed conservative care. Request pre-authorization via OnBoard. Always confirm against the current NY State Workers' Comp policy.

How long does a NY State Workers' Comp prior authorization take?

Turnaround varies by plan and submission method. Check the NY State Workers' Comp portal for current timeframes.

Submitting Spinal Fusion Surgery to NY State Workers' Comp?

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 NY State Workers' Comp 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