Blue Cross & Blue Shield of MississippiAll Plans · Coverage · Medical Policy · Orthopedics, Sports MedicineMedium impact
Radiofrequency Coblation Tenotomy for Musculoskeletal Conditions
Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Radiofrequency coblation tenotomy is considered investigational as a treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, including plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis, shoulder or rotator cuff tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy and wrist tendinopathy. Bipolar radiofrequency energy is directed into the tendon during tenotomy, and the policy states that investigational treatments are not considered medically necessary under its definition. The investigational codes listed in the policy are unlisted procedure codes for the shoulder, humerus or elbow, forearm or wrist, leg or ankle, and foot or toes.
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01Billing team: Do not bill the investigational unlisted procedure codes listed in the policy (CPT 23929, 24999, 25999, 27899 and 28899) for radiofrequency coblation tenotomy for the musculoskeletal conditions named in the policy.
02Billing team: BCBSMS makes no payment for services that are not documented to be Medically Necessary, and a physician's prescription or recommendation does not in itself make a service Medically Necessary.
03Billing team: For Federal Employee Program (FEP) members, the policy notes that FDA-approved devices may not be considered investigational and may be assessed only on the basis of medical necessity.
Codes mentioned
2392924999259992789928899
Original notice
Radiofrequency Coblation Tenotomy for Musculoskeletal Conditions
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