Knee Osteoarthritis × aetna
Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment Coverage with aetna
Compare aetna coverage for 13 treatments commonly used for knee osteoarthritis. Find out what's covered, requirements, and estimated costs.
8 Covered
5 Not Covered
Treatment Options & Coverage
Bracing and Orthotics
Typically Covered $50-$200 (OTC); $400-$1,500 (custom/unloader)
Cortisone Injections
Typically Covered $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
Requirements: Medical necessity
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Typically Covered
Prior Auth Required
$300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
Requirements: Knee OA diagnosis with imaging • Failed conservative care for 3 months +1 more
Joint Supplements
Not Covered $15-$60 per month
Massage Therapy
Not Covered $60-$120 per session
Nerve Blocks & Radiofrequency Ablation
Typically Covered $2,000-$5,000 per procedure (before insurance)
Oral Medications
Typically Covered $5-$50 per month (OTC); $30-$200 (prescription)
Physical Therapy
Typically Covered $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
Requirements: In-network recommended
Prolotherapy
Not Covered $150-$600 per session (out of pocket)
PRP Injections
Not Covered $500-$2,500 per injection
Stem Cell Therapy
Not Covered $3,000-$25,000
TENS / Electrotherapy
Typically Covered $30-$100 for home units; $50-$150 per clinical session
Topical Treatments
Typically Covered $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription)
Coverage Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of aetna coverage for knee osteoarthritis treatments.
| Treatment | Covered? | Prior Auth | Est. Cost | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bracing and Orthotics | No | $50-$200 (OTC); $400-$1,500 (custom/unloader) | moderate | |
| Cortisone Injections | No | $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) | strong | |
| Hyaluronic Acid Injections | Required | $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) | moderate | |
| Joint Supplements | No | $15-$60 per month | limited | |
| Massage Therapy | No | $60-$120 per session | limited | |
| Nerve Blocks & Radiofrequency Ablation | No | $2,000-$5,000 per procedure (before insurance) | moderate | |
| Oral Medications | No | $5-$50 per month (OTC); $30-$200 (prescription) | strong | |
| Physical Therapy | No | $75-$150 per session (before insurance) | strong | |
| Prolotherapy | No | $150-$600 per session (out of pocket) | limited | |
| PRP Injections | No | $500-$2,500 per injection | emerging | |
| Stem Cell Therapy | No | $3,000-$25,000 | insufficient | |
| TENS / Electrotherapy | No | $30-$100 for home units; $50-$150 per clinical session | moderate | |
| Topical Treatments | No | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | moderate |
Recommended Approach
Based on aetna coverage for knee osteoarthritis, we recommend:
- 1 Start with covered conservative options (physical therapy, oral medications)
- 2 If insufficient relief, progress to injection therapies
- 3 Document treatment history for any prior authorization requirements
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