CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Transendoscopic Therapies for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 7.01.45
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield·Gastroenterology, General Surgery·Digestive System (Gastroenterology)
Effective date
Mar 19, 2026
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has classified all transendoscopic therapies for GERD (including Stretta procedure, endoscopic gastroplasty, transoral incisionless fundoplication, and bulking agent injections) as investigational and not covered. This policy takes effect March 19, 2026.
Action Required
Before March 19, 2026: Billing team must update system to flag all transendoscopic GERD procedures as non-covered for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield plans. Review current GERD procedure codes to identify which qualify as transendoscopic therapies (Stretta, TIF, endoscopic gastroplasty, gastroplication, bulking agents). Update encounter forms to alert providers these procedures are considered investigational. Claims for these procedures will be denied as not medically necessary.