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In the Medicare National Coverage Determinations Manual (Pub. 100-03), Chapter 1, §160.16, it states, "Vertebral axial decompression is performed for symptomatic relief of pain associated with lumbar disk problems. The treatment combines pelvic and/or cervical traction connected to a special table that permits the traction application. There is insufficient scientific data to support the benefits of this technique. Therefore, VAX-D is not covered by Medicare."
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has indicated that these services are being billed to Medicare utilizing procedure codes 97530 (Therapeutic activities), 97112 (Neuromuscular re-education followed by 97110 (Therapeutic exercises)), or 97140 (Manual therapy techniques). If this technique is identified during a claim review at the Upstate Medicare Division (UMD), using the same or similar device with a different name or label, this claim will also be denied as a noncovered service.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has indicated that these services are being billed to Medicare utilizing procedure codes 97530 (Therapeutic activities), 97112 (Neuromuscular re-education followed by 97110 (Therapeutic exercises)), or 97140 (Manual therapy techniques). If this technique is identified during a claim review at the Upstate Medicare Division (UMD), using the same or similar device with a different name or label, this claim will also be denied as a noncovered service.
