CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Adjunctive Techniques for Screening, Surveillance, and Risk Classification of Barrett Esophagus and Esophageal Dysplasia
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi·Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jan 22, 2025
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Blue Cross Blue Shield updated their policy on Barrett esophagus screening tests, maintaining all adjunctive techniques (WATS3D, EsoCheck/EsoGuard, TissueCypher, and newly added Esopredict) as investigational and not covered. The policy added new billing codes and clarified that these tests are not considered standard of care.
Action Required
Immediately: Update billing system to mark CPT codes 81479, 0108U, 0114U, 0398U, and 88104 as investigational/non-covered for Barrett esophagus screening when billed to Blue Cross Blue Shield. Train billing staff that claims for WATS3D, EsoCheck/EsoGuard, TissueCypher, and Esopredict will be denied as investigational. Update encounter forms to alert providers these tests are not covered.