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Endovascular Repair of Aortic Diseases (CPB 0651, reviewed 2026-09-25)
Aetna·Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Radiology·Medical Policy
We identified it
Oct 1, 2026
Summary
Aetna has reissued its clinical policy on endovascular repair of aortic diseases (CPB 0651), effective immediately. The policy confirms coverage for FDA-approved endovascular stent grafts for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms, descending thoracic aortic aneurysms, aortic coarctation, and pulmonary artery stenosis/hypoplasia in specific patient populations. Several experimental procedures remain non-covered, including bifurcated-bifurcated aneurysm repair, Nellix device, ascending aortic disease repair, and total endovascular aortic arch repair.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must verify that all endovascular aortic repair claims using CPT codes 33880-33904, 34701-34844 are processed with FDA-approved devices only. Do NOT bill for non-covered experimental procedures including Nellix device (34 codes), bifurcated-bifurcated repairs, ascending aortic disease repairs, fabric/mesh wrapping, or total endovascular aortic arch repairs—these will be denied. Ensure prior authorization requirements are met per EviCore Peripheral Vascular Disease Imaging Guidelines for post-operative surveillance. Update billing system rules to flag claims with experimental device codes for denial. Verify patient eligibility criteria are documented: for aortic coarctation (CPT 33900-33904), confirm body weight ≥1.5 kg, documented systemic hypertension, and resting arm-leg pressure gradient >20 mmHg. For pulmonary artery procedures, verify pediatric patient status. Train billing and coding staff to identify experimental procedures and deny them proactively. Claims submitted without proper device FDA approval documentation or missing eligibility criteria will be denied.