Coverage of Conditions and Treatments (Coverage Decisions)

Use this lookup tool to determine coverage decisions, or if prior authorization is needed for the treatment or condition. Note: For Self-insured employer claims, you must contact the employer or their claims administrator.

List also available in PDF format.

Archived Coverage Decisions.

See Treatment Guidelines and Resources for additional information.

Occupational Health Best Practices and L&I header

L&I does not cover intradiscal heating techniques. We have found no substantial scientific evidence documenting the long-term safety and efficacy of intradiscal heating, particularly in the injured worker population.

IDET or intradiscal heating, consists of inserting a needle or catheter into an intervertebral disc space to deliver controlled heat for treatment of discogenic pain. There are 2 methods currently employed to deliver heat to a herniated disc:

  1. Radiofrequency generated heat and,
  2. Heat generated by a resistive coil at the tip of a catheter.

IDET technology assessment update (127 KB PDF)
IDET technology assessment (181 KB PDF)