CommercialBilling CodesHigh impact
11.02.17j, Endovascular Stent Graft Repair of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Nonaneurysmal Lesions
Independence Blue Cross·Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Radiology·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross has reissued policy 11.02.17j with CPT code updates effective 01/01/2026. Three CPT codes (33880, 33881, 33883) have revised narratives, two codes (33882, 35602) have been added as medically necessary, and three codes (33884, 33889, 33891) have been terminated. The policy maintains coverage for endovascular stent graft repair of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms, nonaneurysmal lesions, and ruptures when using FDA-approved devices.
Action Required
By 12/15/2025: Billing team must update billing software and system rules to reflect CPT code changes effective 01/01/2026. (1) Add CPT 33882 and 35602 to the medically necessary coverage list for endovascular thoracic aortic repair. (2) Remove CPT 33884, 33889, and 33891 from all billing workflows and encounter forms—these codes are terminated and will be denied if submitted. (3) Review and update the clinical narratives for CPT 33880, 33881, and 33883 in system documentation. (4) Providers and coding staff must verify all thoracic endovascular aortic repair claims use only active codes (33880, 33881, 33882, 33883, 35602). (5) Audit any pending or in-process claims using terminated codes and resubmit with correct codes. Failure to implement these changes will result in claim denials for services billed with terminated codes and potential compliance issues.