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Interstitial Laser Therapy (CPB 0781, reviewed 2026-10-30)
Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Nov 4, 2026
Previous versions
- Interstitial Laser Therapy (CPB 0781, reviewed 2025-08-05) · published Aug 5, 2025
Summary
Aetna re-reviewed its Interstitial Laser Therapy policy (CPB 0781) on October 30, 2026, but the page does not say what changed or give a new effective date. As written, the policy covers laser ablation (LITT) only for certain intractable epilepsy cases and for recurrent brain tumors, radiation necrosis or metastases in poor surgical candidates, and treats it as experimental for most other sites, including breast, thyroid, lung, liver, prostate and spine.
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What to do
Action · 4 steps
01No future deadline is stated in the source, and the source does not say what changed in this review.
02Billing team, in charge entry and the prior auth tracker: for CPT 61736 and 61737, check that each claim's diagnosis is one the policy covers (refractory epilepsy under CPB 0394 criteria, or recurrent brain metastases, recurrent glioblastoma or radiation necrosis in poor surgical candidates) and keep the chart note that explains why open surgery was not suitable, so claims go out with supporting documentation.
03Providers and front desk staff: for CPT 0673T, 0970T and 0971T (percutaneous laser ablation of thyroid nodules and breast tumors) and the other indications the policy calls experimental, confirm the case fits a covered indication before scheduling.
04Billing team: compare the current Aetna CPB 0781 page with your own charge and documentation notes, and watch for Aetna's next notice, since the page lists a next review date of 09/09/2027.
Codes mentioned
6173661737C71.0C71.1C71.2C71.3C71.9C79.31
Original notice
Interstitial Laser Therapy (CPB 0781, reviewed 2026-10-30)
aetna.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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