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AetnaMedicare Advantage · Coverage · Medical Policy · Pulmonology, Pediatrics, Critical Care +3 moreMedium impact

Computerized Wheeze Detectors (CPB 0813, reviewed 2026-10-28)

Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Nov 3, 2026

Previous versions

Summary

Aetna's Clinical Policy Bulletin 0813 (reviewed 2026-10-28) classifies computerized wheeze detectors—including the PulmoTrack, Personal Wheezometer, and VRIxp devices—as experimental, investigational, or unproven for diagnostic evaluation of lung sounds, cough, and all other indications due to insufficient evidence of effectiveness. Claims for these devices will be denied for Aetna members.

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What to do

Action · 5 steps
01Confirm that the practice has stopped billing for computerized wheeze detector services (PulmoTrack, Personal Wheezometer, VRIxp, and similar devices) for Aetna members.
02Update charge entry and claim submission processes to prevent billing these devices for diagnostic evaluation of lung sounds, cough, or other indications.
03Educate providers and front desk staff that these devices are classified as experimental and not covered by Aetna.
04If a patient requests the service despite non-coverage, inform them that Aetna will deny the claim and have the patient sign a waiver or patient responsibility acknowledgment before providing the service.
05Resubmit any previously denied claims with supporting documentation if the practice believes a coverage exception applies; otherwise, appeal denials citing any additional clinical evidence of effectiveness per the payer's appeal process.

Codes mentioned

R05.1R05.2R05.3R05.4R05.9R06.00R06.01R06.02R06.03R06.09R06.1R06.2R06.3R06.4R06.5R06.6R06.7R06.8R06.9

Original notice

Computerized Wheeze Detectors (CPB 0813, reviewed 2026-10-28)
aetna.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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Related policy hubs

Aetna policiesPulmonologyPediatricsCritical CareInternal MedicineFamily MedicineGeneral PracticeCode R05.1Code R05.2Code R05.3Code R05.4Code R05.9Code R06.00Code R06.01Code R06.02Code R06.03Code R06.09Code R06.1Code R06.2Code R06.3Code R06.4Code R06.5Code R06.6Code R06.7Code R06.8Code R06.9

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