TRICARE “Backs” New Surgeries

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – TRICARE beneficiaries with pain from fractured vertebrae may rest assured that TRICARE “has your back.” Percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, two minimally invasive back surgeries, are now covered under TRICARE. Either may replace spinal fusion, an invasive surgical procedure, for treatment of fractured vertebrae. The policy change is retroactive to March 1, 2007.
 
“Our major concern in approving any procedure for coverage under TRICARE is the safety of our beneficiaries” said Army Major General Elder Granger, deputy director, TRICARE Management Activity. “Both of these surgeries are accepted by the medical community and TRICARE.”
 
Usually occurring in patients with osteoporosis, many vertebral fractures heal on their own with bed rest and anti-inflammatory medication in approximately three months. It is only when pain persists beyond three months that surgery is recommended. The traditional treatment was spinal fusion surgery which requires up to 12 hours in the operating room with days of hospitalization afterward. Percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are outpatient surgeries which have patients back to relative normality in 24 hours. Although minimally invasive, all surgeries come with risk and decisions need to be consulted with a doctor.
 
Approval must be obtained from a provider for either surgery. Beneficiaries with questions about this procedure and its coverage under TRICARE should contact their primary care manager. Check www.tricare.mil for this and other healthcare benefit information.