QualCare Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty prior authorization requirements (2026)

What QualCare generally requires to approve Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty (CPT 22510, 22511, 22512, 22513, 22514, 22515), for commercial plans. Yes. QualCare generally requires prior authorization for Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty (CPT 22510, 22511, 22512, 22513, 22514, 22515).

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 QualCare before submitting.

Medical-necessity criteria QualCare generally applies

Prior authorization via eviCore (Cigna CMM-607). Osteoporotic/osteolytic/osteonecrotic/steroid-induced VCF or malignant lesion; at most 2 levels T5-L5 per date of service; imaging concordant with symptoms; clinically significant functional impairment; EITHER acute (0-6 weeks) axial pain preventing independent transfers/ambulation OR subacute (over 6 weeks) axial pain after at least 4 weeks analgesics/steroids/NSAIDs AND at least 4 weeks provider-directed exercise; osteoporosis-program enrollment required (malignant/pathologic fractures exempt from non-surgical management).

Diagnoses that commonly support medical necessity

ICD-10-CM diagnoses frequently associated with medical necessity for Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty. Confirm the covered diagnosis list against the current QualCare policy.

M80.08XAAge-related osteoporosis with current pathological fracture, vertebra(e), initial encounterM48.50XACollapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, site unspecified, initial encounter

How to submit

Sources & verification

  • BindingSource — Cigna CMM-607 Primary Vertebral Augmentation and Sacroplasty (CMM-607) · effective 2024-11-01.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 QualCare require prior authorization for Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty?

Yes. QualCare generally requires prior authorization for Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty (CPT 22510, 22511, 22512, 22513, 22514, 22515).

What does QualCare require to approve Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty?

Prior authorization via eviCore (Cigna CMM-607). Osteoporotic/osteolytic/osteonecrotic/steroid-induced VCF or malignant lesion; at most 2 levels T5-L5 per date of service; imaging concordant with symptoms; clinically significant functional impairment; EITHER acute (0-6 weeks) axial pain preventing independent transfers/ambulation OR subacute (over 6 weeks) axial pain after at least 4 weeks analges… Always confirm against the current QualCare policy.

How long does a QualCare prior authorization take?

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

Submitting Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty to QualCare?

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 QualCare 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 ProceduresDorsal Column (Lumbar) Neurostimulators: Trial or ImplantationKnee ArthroscopyKnee MeniscectomyPain Management ProceduresShoulder Arthroscopy Rotator Cuff RepairSpinal Fusion Surgery

Related guides

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