CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Contact Dissolution for Gallstones (CPB 0509, reviewed 2026-08-06)
Aetna·General Surgery, Gastroenterology·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jun 12, 2001
We identified it
Aug 15, 2026
Summary
Aetna confirms that contact dissolution for gallstones (using ethyl propionate, isopropyl acetate, or methyl tertiary butyl ether) remains classified as experimental, investigational, or unproven and is NOT covered. There are no specific CPT codes for this procedure. Billing teams must deny all claims for contact dissolution of gallstones and redirect patients to covered alternatives such as cholecystectomy or ursodiol therapy.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must ensure all claims for contact dissolution of gallstones are flagged as non-covered services. Update denial templates to reference Aetna CPB 0509 and indicate the procedure is experimental/investigational. When providers or patients inquire about this procedure, direct them to covered alternatives: open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy or Actigall (ursodiol) therapy. No prior authorization requests should be processed for contact dissolution—deny with standard non-coverage language. Update internal policy documentation and provider bulletins to reflect that this procedure has no billable codes under Aetna plans.