CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization to Treat Primary or Metastatic Liver Malignancies
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi·MS · Oncology, Gastroenterology, Radiology +1 more·Medical Policy
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
This policy establishes coverage criteria for Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for liver cancers. TACE is now considered medically necessary for specific types of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, as a bridge to liver transplant, and for certain liver metastases, but remains investigational for many other liver cancer scenarios.
Action Required
Immediately: Review all TACE procedure requests to ensure they meet the specific medical necessity criteria outlined in the policy. Billing team must verify patient conditions match covered indications (unresectable hepatocellular cancer confined to liver without portal vein thrombosis, bridge to transplant cases, symptomatic neuroendocrine tumor metastases, or uveal melanoma metastases) before submitting claims. Update prior authorization processes to flag investigational uses.