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.

Thermal shrinkage is a treatment to increase joint stability by using thermal probes to apply heat to lax tissue within the joint.

Coverage decision

L&I does not cover thermal shrinkage for the treatment of shoulder instability or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) laxity.

Published literature has not substantially established the safety or effectiveness of either thermal capsulorrhaphy or thermal shrinkage of the ACL.

Thermal shrinkage procedures use thermal probes to apply heat to lax tissue within a joint. The procedure shrinks the collagen fibers and is intended to reduce joint laxity in order to increase joint stability.

Thermal Shrinkage for the Treatment of Shoulder Instability and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Laxity technology assessment (88 KB PDF)