CommercialCoverageMedium impact
MAZE Procedures for Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter 7.01.27
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield·Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiology·Heart & Blood Vessels (Cardiovascular)
Effective date
Jun 26, 2025
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield updated their policy for MAZE procedures treating atrial fibrillation and flutter. Traditional MAZE procedures on non-beating hearts during bypass are covered for medically refractory cases, while minimally invasive off-pump procedures and hybrid ablation approaches remain investigational.
Action Required
By June 26, 2025: Billing team must verify that MAZE procedure claims distinguish between traditional on-pump procedures (covered for medically refractory atrial fibrillation/flutter) versus minimally invasive off-pump or hybrid procedures (considered investigational and likely denied). Update prior authorization processes to include documentation of medical refractoriness for covered MAZE procedures.