Major Payer Announces Change in Payment Policies for Interoperative Monitoring

ISASS was informed in early September that Cigna Health has revised their policies on paying for the interoperative monitoring referred to as neurophysiological monitoring. Cigna had previously not allowed reimbursement when billed as performed with cervical spine surgeries.

In August 2023, ISASS Coding and Reimbursement Task Force Chair Morgan Lorio, MD, participated in meetings with Cigna medical directors to address the policy, along with leaders from other surgical societies.

After the meeting, Cigna announced that they would update their coverage policies to clarify that coverage and payment of these services when performed with other cervical spine surgeries will be reimbursed going forward.