CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Bronchial Thermoplasty (CPB 0744, reviewed 2025-11-26)
Aetna·Pulmonology, Critical Care, Internal Medicine·Medical Policy
Effective date
Nov 26, 2025
We identified it
Aug 14, 2026
Summary
Aetna has classified Bronchial Thermoplasty (CPT codes 31660, 31661) as experimental, investigational, or unproven for asthma and other indications, making these procedures non-covered. Billing teams must deny claims for bronchial thermoplasty procedures and associated ICD-10 codes (J41.0-J47.9, J67.0-J67.9) submitted under this Aetna policy effective immediately.
Action Required
Effective immediately (2025-11-26): Billing team must configure billing system to deny all claims for CPT codes 31660 and 31661 when submitted with ICD-10 codes J41.0-J47.9 or J67.0-J67.9 under Aetna coverage. Update claim scrubbing rules to automatically reject these code combinations with denial reason 'Experimental/Investigational Service - Not Covered.' Notify all providers in pulmonology and respiratory specialties that bronchial thermoplasty procedures are not reimbursable by Aetna. Update patient financial counseling templates to inform patients that this procedure is not covered and may require out-of-pocket payment or alternative treatment options. Implement tracking to monitor any appeals attempts, as this is a coverage determination rather than a medical necessity issue.