CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Vagus Nerve Blocking Therapy 7.01.05
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield·Neurology, Neurosurgery·Nervous Systems (Neurology)
Effective date
Aug 21, 2025
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has updated their policy on Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Vagus Nerve Blocking Therapy, effective August 21, 2025. The policy covers coverage criteria for implantable VNS devices for refractory seizures (medically appropriate) versus investigational uses for depression and other non-epileptic conditions (not covered).
Action Required
By August 21, 2025: Billing team must review all VNS device claims to ensure medical necessity documentation clearly indicates treatment for medically refractory seizures only. Update prior authorization processes to flag VNS claims for depression, heart failure, fibromyalgia, or other non-epileptic conditions as investigational/non-covered. Train providers that AspireSR model VNS devices are investigational for ALL indications and will not be covered.