Updated protocols for lumbar and cervical disc replacements

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We’ve refreshed our protocols for funding lumbar and cervical disc replacements to better reflect the latest available medical prosthesis and to open a pathway to fund new products.

We worked with the New Zealand Orthopaedic Spine Society, Orthopaedic Association, and the New Zealand branch of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia on these documents which replace our respective 2009 positions.

The biggest change is a new process for suppliers to put forward new devices and relevant evidence to have them considered for ACC funding.

From 11 July 2022, Clinical Services and Elective Surgery Services contract holders need to complete, sign and return the relevant protocol form to request funding, along with the normal ARTP.

This is on top of the standard requirement that the surgery request is for an ACC-covered condition.

The protocols are now available on our website.

Cervical disk replacement protocol

Lumbar disk replacement protocol