Spinal Fusion (Back Surgery)

Threshold

There is currently insufficient evidence of clinical/cost-effectiveness of surgical stabilisation over intensive rehabilitation in relieving patients of symptoms of chronic low back pain.
Fusion surgery may be considered in selected patients.

This procedure will be funded if the following criteria can be met:

• Patient is suffering from degenerative spondylolisthesis;

OR

• Degenerative scoliosis.

Cases for Individual Funding Consideration (Patients who do not meet the policy criteria)

On a case to case basis, patients might be eligible for this intervention, in consideration of their exceptionality. The requesting clinician must provide information to support the case for being considered an exception, by submitting an individual funding request.