All PlansCoverageMedium impact
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening (CPB 0702, reviewed 2026-10-15)
Aetna·Cardiology, Vascular Surgery, General Surgery +3 more·Medical Policy
We identified it
Oct 23, 2026
Summary
Aetna's Clinical Policy Bulletin 0702 on abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening, reviewed on 2026-10-15, covers one-time ultrasound screening (CPT 76706) as medically necessary only for men 65 years or older. All other screening indications, including experimental technologies (AI, CCR2 PET/CT, m6A methylation, JAK2V617F screening), are classified as experimental/investigational and not covered. Billing teams must ensure claims for AAA screening comply with the strict age and gender criteria to avoid denials.
Action Required
Billing team should verify that all claims submitted for CPT 76706 (AAA ultrasound screening) include documentation confirming the patient is a male aged 65 years or older. Reject or route for prior authorization any claims for CPT 76706 submitted for female patients, males under 65 years of age, or any indication other than one-time screening. Flag claims using CPT 81270 (JAK2 gene analysis), experimental AI-based AAA screening codes, CCR2 PET/CT, or m6A methylation testing as non-covered (experimental/investigational) and deny or refer to patient financial counseling. Update billing system documentation rules to require age and gender verification fields on encounter forms for AAA screening procedures to prevent billing denials.