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Independence Blue CrossCommercial · Billing Codes · Medical Policy · Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Internal MedicineHigh impact

11.02.06s, Catheter Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Effective date
Oct 1, 2026
Identified
Oct 2, 2026

Summary

Independence Blue Cross updated ICD-10 diagnosis codes effective 10/01/2026 for catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias (Policy 11.02.06s). The code I49.8 (Other specified cardiac arrhythmias) was terminated and replaced with three more specific codes: I49.81 (Brugada syndrome), I49.82 (Ventricular bigeminy), and I49.89 (Other specified cardiac arrhythmias not elsewhere classified). Billing teams must update coding systems to use the new codes for claims on or after the effective date.

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What to do

Action · 5 steps
01By 10/01/2026: Billing team must update all billing software and encoder systems to discontinue use of ICD-10 code I49.8.
02Replace with the three new specific codes: I49.81 (Brugada syndrome), I49.82 (Ventricular bigeminy), or I49.89 (Other specified cardiac arrhythmias not elsewhere classified) based on documented diagnosis.
03Update encounter templates and billing guidelines in the EMR to reflect the new code options.
04Train coding and billing staff on proper code selection for cardiac arrhythmia cases.
05Audit any claims submitted with I49.8 on or after 10/01/2026 and resubmit with corrected codes, as claims using the terminated code will be denied or subject to rejection.

Codes mentioned

9365093653C1732C1733C2630I49.81I49.82I49.89

Original notice

11.02.06s, Catheter Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmias
medpolicy.ibx.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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Related changes

See all Independence Blue Cross changes →
MA11.060i, Catheter Ablation of Cardiac ArrhythmiasMediumEffective Oct 1, 2026 · Medical PolicyMA11.060h, Catheter Ablation of Cardiac ArrhythmiasLowNo effective date · Medical PolicyMA11.060h, Catheter Ablation of Cardiac ArrhythmiasLowNo effective date · Medical Policy11.02.06r, Catheter Ablation of Cardiac ArrhythmiasMediumEffective Jan 1, 2025 · Medical PolicyBrowse every Independence Blue Cross change in the policy list

Related policy hubs

Independence Blue Cross policiesCardiologyCardiothoracic SurgeryInternal MedicineCode 93650Code 93653Code C1732Code C1733Code C2630Code I49.81Code I49.82Code I49.89

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