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Independence Blue CrossCommercial · Coverage · Medical Policy · PA · Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Nephrology +1 moreMedium impact

11.02.29a, Renal Denervation for Uncontrolled Hypertension

Act
by Apr 1, 2026
Effective date
Apr 1, 2026
Identified
Jun 19, 2026

Summary

Independence Blue Cross added CPT code 0935T to policy 11.02.29a, which covers renal denervation for uncontrolled hypertension. However, the policy explicitly states that renal denervation remains experimental/investigational and is NOT covered under commercial medical benefits, regardless of FDA approval of the underlying devices. Billing teams must deny all claims for renal denervation procedures and educate providers that this service is a benefit exclusion.

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What to do

by Apr 1, 2026 · 4 steps
01Billing team must update billing system edits to automatically deny all claims containing CPT codes 0935T, 0338T, 0339T and HCPCS codes C1735, C1736 for renal denervation procedures.
02Add block in claims processing software with denial reason: 'Service is experimental/investigational and excluded from medical benefits per policy 11.02.29a.' Providers must be notified via bulletin that these codes remain non-covered despite FDA approval.
03Update pre-authorization workflows to deny requests for these codes before authorization is issued.
04Any claims submitted will be denied; inform providers and patients that this procedure is a benefit exclusion under all Independence Blue Cross commercial products.

Codes mentioned

C1735C1736

Original notice

11.02.29a, Renal Denervation for Uncontrolled Hypertension
medpolicy.ibx.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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Related changes

See all Independence Blue Cross changes →
MA11.120, Renal Denervation for Uncontrolled HypertensionMediumEffective Oct 28, 2025 · Medical PolicyMA11.120a, Renal Denervation for Uncontrolled HypertensionMediumEffective Apr 1, 2026 · Medical Policy11.02.29, Renal Denervation for Uncontrolled HypertensionMediumEffective Jan 1, 2026 · Medical PolicyBrowse every Independence Blue Cross change in the policy list

Related policy hubs

Independence Blue Cross policiesPA policy changesCardiologyInternal MedicineNephrologyVascular SurgeryCode C1735Code C1736

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