Tricare now covers less invasive back surgery - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times

Tricare now covers less invasive back surgery

Two minimally invasive back surgeries that can replace spinal fusion are now covered by Tricare in a policy change retroactive to March 1, 2007.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are outpatient surgeries for fractured vertebrae that can have patients back to relative normality within 24 hours. The traditional treatment has been spinal fusion surgery, which requires up to 12 hours in the operating room and days of hospitalization afterward.

The alternative surgeries involve placing a special bone cement into the fractured vertebra through small incisions in the skin.

“Our major concern in approving any procedure for coverage under Tricare is the safety of beneficiaries,” said Army Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, deputy director of the Tricare Management Activity. “Both of these surgeries are accepted by the medical community and Tricare.”

Vertebral fractures usually occur in patients with osteoporosis, and many heal in about three months with bed rest and anti-inflammatory medication. It is only when pain persists beyond three months that surgery is recommended, Tricare officials said.

Patients must get approval for either surgery from their Tricare provider.

Those with questions about the procedures and their coverage under Tricare should contact their primary care manager, officials said.