CommercialBilling CodesMedium impact
11.02.01v, Treatment of Varicose Veins of the Lower Extremities and Perforator Vein Incompetence
Independence Blue Cross·PA · Vascular Surgery, General Surgery, Dermatology·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Jul 9, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross has reissued Policy 11.02.01v effective 01/01/2026 with CPT code updates for varicose vein treatment. CPT code 37500 has been deleted and replaced with NOC code 37799. The policy maintains coverage for saphenous vein treatments (surgery, endovenous ablation, sclerotherapy, cyanoacrylate adhesives) when medical necessity criteria are met, including documented symptoms and duplex ultrasound confirmation of venous incompetence.
Action Required
By 12/31/2025: Billing team must update billing system to remove CPT code 37500 from all varicose vein treatment protocols and replace with NOC code 37799. Verify that billing software and encoder databases reflect this change before the 01/01/2026 effective date. Provider education should clarify that CPT 37500 will be invalid for claims submitted on or after 01/01/2026. Ensure that all other covered CPT codes (36465, 36466, 36468, 36470) and HCPCS code S2202 continue to map to the correct ICD-10 diagnosis codes (I80.00-I80.03, I80.3, I83.001). Verify that prior authorization workflows still require documentation of 3-month conservative medical management trial and duplex ultrasound confirmation per policy criteria. Contact Independence Blue Cross if questions arise regarding NOC code 37799 billing/reimbursement procedures.