Coverage of Conditions and Treatments (Coverage Decisions)
Autologous blood injections (ABI) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are treatments utilized for a variety of healing applications, including osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, and injuries of refractory acute or chronic ligament, muscle strain, and cartilage. Despite the hypothesis that ABI and PRP injections may promote tissue healing due to increased concentration of growth-factors around the injured area, the efficacy and safety for ABI and PRP injection treatments are not well established.
Coverage decision: Not Covered (Effective date: 08/31/2016; last updated: 03/01/2024)
Autologous blood/platelet-rich plasma injections are not a covered benefit. The decision is based on a Health Technology Clinical Committee (HTCC) coverage determination that was finalized on July 8, 2016. The committee's determination was based on a systematic review of the evidence for safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Recently, the HTCC reviewed the most current evidence of platelet-rich plasma for treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis and determined that platelet-rich plasma is not a covered benefit. The coverage determination was finalized in November 2023. Complete information on this HTCC determination is available here: Health technology reviews | Washington State Health Care Authority.
In adopting this HTCC coverage determination, the Department has concluded that the determination does not conflict with any state statute. Any coverage for investigational treatment would be considered per WAC 296-20-02850. Any coverage for health technologies that have a FDA Humanitarian Device Exemption status would be considered per RCW 70.14.120 (1) (b).