All PlansCoverageMedium impact
Upcoming Policies effective April 6, 2026
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota·Cardiology, Vascular Surgery, Nephrology +1 more·Medical Policy
Effective date
Apr 6, 2026
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Four medical policies are being updated effective April 6, 2026. New restrictions classify renal sympathetic denervation and several peripheral artery procedures as experimental/investigative, while expanding coverage criteria for wearable cardioverter defibrillators and maintaining experimental status for hand/face transplants.
Action Required
Before April 6, 2026: Billing team must update system to flag renal sympathetic denervation procedures as experimental/investigative (claims likely to be denied). Review peripheral artery disease cases to ensure they meet new strict criteria including 6-week smoking cessation requirement and 3-month optimal medical therapy. Update wearable cardioverter defibrillator prior authorization requests to include new required documentation: duration of use, patient compliance confirmation, ICD uncertainty rationale, and current provider order period.