All PlansCoverageMedium impact
Histotripsy for Tumor Treatment
Regence BlueShield·Oncology, General Surgery, Radiology +2 more·Coding
Effective date
Jul 1, 2026
We identified it
Jul 7, 2026
Summary
Effective July 1, 2026, histotripsy for tumor treatment is classified as investigational for any indication and is NOT covered. Providers must obtain prior authorization and inform patients they will be financially responsible for this procedure. Claims for histotripsy will be denied for all patients.
Action Required
By June 30, 2026: Billing team and providers must update systems and patient communication protocols. (1) Add histotripsy to the non-covered/investigational procedures list in billing software to trigger automatic claim denials. (2) Providers must inform patients IN WRITING before rendering histotripsy that the procedure is investigational and not covered—patients will be financially responsible for all costs. (3) Update encounter forms and clinical decision support systems to flag histotripsy as investigational. (4) Do not bill insurance for histotripsy; instead, have patients sign financial responsibility forms before procedure. (5) Train front desk and clinical staff on the non-coverage determination. Failure to obtain patient financial responsibility acknowledgment may result in disputes and collection issues.