Orthopedic Joint Procedures of the Shoulder for Managed Medicaid (MMC), Health and Recovery Plan (HARP), Child Health Plus (CHP), and Essential Plan (EP) Members - (Effective Date - 2027-01-01) 7.01.125
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield medical policy 7.01.125 sets the medical necessity criteria for shoulder joint procedures for Managed Medicaid, Health and Recovery Plan, Child Health Plus and Essential Plan members, with a current effective date of January 1, 2027. It covers total and reverse shoulder arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, revision arthroplasty, shoulder arthroscopy and related procedures, and states the criteria for each, including imaging, conservative management, nicotine or tobacco use within 6 weeks of surgery, and HbA1c limits for members with diabetes. The policy history also lists an off-cycle update dated 10/22/26 that removed site of service criteria.