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Transurethral Water Vapor Thermal Therapy and Transurethral Water Jet Ablation (Aquablation) for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi·MS · Urology·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
BCBS updated their policy on transurethral water vapor thermal therapy and aquablation for benign prostatic hyperplasia, confirming both treatments remain investigational (not covered). A new CPT code 52597 was added effective January 1, 2026, and CPT code 0421T will be deleted December 31, 2025.
Action Required
By December 31, 2025: Billing team must stop using CPT code 0421T for transurethral waterjet ablation as it will be deleted. Starting January 1, 2026: Begin using new CPT code 52597 for transurethral robotic-assisted waterjet resection of prostate. Update billing software and encounter forms to reflect these code changes. Note that all listed procedures remain investigational and will likely be denied without prior authorization or may not be covered.