HCSC, one of the largest commercial health insurers in the U.S., covers Intracept for eligible patients with chronic vertebrogenic low back pain. The policy went into effect on Dec. 1, 2025, delivering coverage for more than 26 million people nationwide.
Boston Scientific’s Intracept procedure uses an intraosseous nerve ablation system to treat chronic pain. The minimally invasive, FDA-cleared, same-day, outpatient procedure treats chronic vertebrogenic low back pain. It came over to the Marlborough, Massachusetts-based company through its $850 million acquisition of Relievant Medsystems in 2023.
The procedure utilizes targeted radiofrequency energy to ablate the basivertebral nerve (BVN). This stops the nerve from transmitting pain signals to the brain. The procedure takes approximately one hour to perform. Boston Scientific says the Intracept system adds to its chronic pain portfolio.
Boston Scientific said the coverage milestone reflects the growing recognition of the Intracept procedure’s clinical value. It also arrives amid excitement for Intracept as Boston Scientific aims for category leadership with its Neuromod business, leading with spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Analysts project a full launch of the next-generation Intracept early next year, as it’s currently in a limited launch. The company also plans to launch a new SCS platform by the end of 2026, featuring new hardware, a new waveform and software enhancements.
“This positive policy decision reflects the continued coverage momentum for Intracept that we’re seeing across commercial plans in the United States,” said Mary Hailey, VP of health economics and reimbursement, Neuromodulation, Boston Scientific. “We remain committed to working with payers on the growing body of Intracept clinical evidence, with the goal of expanding access to a therapy that is proven to deliver significant and durable relief.”
