CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Remote Ischemic Conditioning (CPB 0814, reviewed 2025-11-20)
Aetna·Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Critical Care +10 more·Medical Policy
Effective date
Nov 20, 2025
We identified it
Aug 15, 2026
Summary
Aetna has classified Remote Ischemic Conditioning (RIC) as experimental, investigational, or unproven across 47+ clinical indications, effective immediately. This is a coverage denial policy that applies to Aetna commercial plans. Billing teams must deny or reject all RIC claims and educate providers that this procedure is not covered under Aetna policies regardless of clinical presentation.
Action Required
Immediately (effective 2025-11-20): Billing team must configure denial rules in billing system to automatically deny or reject all claims for Remote Ischemic Conditioning procedures (CPT 37184, 37187, 92920-92944 when billed for RIC) when submitted to Aetna plans. Add denial reason: 'Experimental, investigational, or unproven procedure - not covered under Aetna policy CPB 0814.' Clinical staff must be notified that RIC is not a covered benefit for any of the 47+ listed indications (acute coronary syndromes, cardiac protection during surgery, stroke treatment, cognitive impairment, sepsis management, COVID-19 treatment, orthopedic surgery, spinal surgery, and others). Update pre-authorization protocols to deny RIC authorization requests. Inform patients and providers in writing of non-coverage status to prevent billing disputes. Claims submitted without this denial configuration will be rejected by Aetna as non-covered services.