VA to Eliminate Spinal Decompression from Standardized Episodes of Care

Update from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VA to Eliminate Spinal Decompression from Standardized Episodes of Care

VA has reviewed its policy relating to chiropractic care and will no longer reimburse spinal decompression Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code S9090 on VA standardized episodes of care (SEOC) with dates of service effective Jan. 1, 2021, and later.

We understand that community providers have been paid for this code in the past.  As part of our efforts to continually review the services provided to our Veterans, it was determined that there was insufficient evidence regarding unique benefits of this service to justify continued reimbursement for this code.  Other types of lumbar traction can be used for care provided to Veterans and will be reimbursed by VA.  As with any non-emergent Veteran community care, the services must be authorized in advance.

*This update was originally published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Click here to read the original article.