CurrentEmblemHealthPolicy MG.MMME.59C9

Biomagnetic Therapy

This policy governs coverage for biomagnetic (magnetic) therapy devices and procedures for EmblemHealth members and defines the payer's medical necessity determination for these services.

Policy Summary

PayerEmblemHealth

PolicyBiomagnetic Therapy

Policy CodePolicy MG.MMME.59C9

Change TypeNo material changes

Effective Date

Next Review DateAug 8, 2025

Key ActionTreating provider must submit clinical evidence that the member meets the criteria to enable EmblemHealth review.

SourceLink

POLICY UPDATE CHANGES

No material clinical or coverage changes in this revision.

InvestigationalCoverage stance

1 codeProcedure codes referenced

Multiple citedSupporting references

Template updateRevision history

Coverage Criteria — Biomagnetic (Magnetic) Therapy

Not Medically Necessary / Investigational

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Provider Actions, Prior Authorization & Documentation

Prior Authorization

Prior Authorization Required

Prior authorization required — The treating provider must submit clinical evidence that the member meets the plan's criteria to allow EmblemHealth to review the request. Without submission of supporting documentation, EmblemHealth cannot properly review preauthorization requests or post-payment reviews.

Biomagnetic therapy (including services billed with unlisted or miscellaneous codes such as 97799) is considered investigational and not medically necessary — requests will be evaluated and may be denied if evidence does not meet criteria.

Note

Treating provider action — submit all relevant clinical records, diagnostic testing, prior therapies, and rationale for biomagnetic therapy to support medical necessity review.

Documentation Required

Clinical Evidence Submission

Clinical evidence submission — The treating provider must supply clinical evidence (e.g., relevant history, prior conservative treatments, objective findings, diagnostic studies, and treatment rationale) demonstrating that the member meets the applicable clinical review criteria.

Documentation Required

Documentation required for review — without the requested clinical evidence EmblemHealth cannot properly review the request. Include: member history, prior treatments and outcomes, diagnostic test results, treating provider notes, and any peer-reviewed literature or rationale supporting use for this indication.

If member's benefit plan excludes coverage for services deemed medically necessary by EmblemHealth, the benefits program will govern.
Biomagnetic therapy is considered investigational and not medically necessary and will be evaluated accordingly.

Background

Biomagnetic therapy involves placing magnets on or near the skin (for example, bracelets, necklaces, insoles, sleeves, head bands, mattress pads) to create a static magnetic field directed at areas of musculoskeletal damage or perceived discomfort. Devices are intended to deliver a static magnetic field rather than an electrical or pulsed electromagnetic therapy, and proposed uses include treatment of joint or tendon injury and general pain management.

Definitions

Biomagnetic therapy — definition

TermBiomagnetic therapy (also called magnetic therapy, magnetherapy, magnotherapy, static magnetic field therapy or therapeutic magnets)

DefinitionConsists of placing a magnet on or near the skin using devices such as bracelets, necklaces, insoles, sleeves, head bands, mattress pads, etc., to create an electromagnetic field applied to areas of musculoskeletal damage or perceived discomfort.

Typical devicesBracelets, necklaces, insoles, sleeves, head bands, mattress pads

Proposed usesTreatment of musculoskeletal pain and degenerative joint conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis), joint and tendon injury

SynonymsMagnetic therapy; magnetherapy; magnotherapy; static magnetic field therapy; therapeutic magnets