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Independence Blue CrossCommercial · Administrative · Medical Policy · PA · Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Internal MedicineLow impact

11.02.26c, Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation

Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Jun 19, 2026

Summary

This is a reissue with no substantive changes to Independence Blue Cross policy 11.02.26c regarding percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure devices for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. The policy continues to cover FDA-approved devices (Watchman and Amplatzer Amulet) when specific stroke risk, bleeding risk, and clinical criteria are met. No new billing codes, coverage modifications, or documentation requirements have been introduced in this reissue.

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What to do

Action · 5 steps
01No immediate action required.
02This is a routine annual policy reissue with no changes to medical necessity criteria, billing codes, or documentation requirements.
03Billing teams should verify that current claim submission practices align with the continued criteria: documented CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc stroke risk score of ≥1-2, HAS-BLED bleeding risk score ≥3, suitability for short-term warfarin, and clinical judgment that anticoagulation risks outweigh device implantation risks.
04Maintain existing prior authorization processes for CPT 33340 if currently in place.
05No software, form, or workflow updates are necessary at this time.

Codes mentioned

33340I48.0I48.11I48.19I48.20I48.21I48.91

Original notice

11.02.26c, Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation
medpolicy.ibx.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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Related changes

See all Independence Blue Cross changes →
MA11.013c, Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Closure for Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation (NVAF)LowNo effective date · Medical PolicyMA11.013c, Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Closure for Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation (NVAF)LowEffective Jan 1, 2024 · Medical Policy11.02.26c, Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices for Stroke Prevention in Atrial FibrillationLowNo effective date · Medical PolicyMA11.060h, Catheter Ablation of Cardiac ArrhythmiasLowNo effective date · Medical PolicyBrowse every Independence Blue Cross change in the policy list

Related policy hubs

Independence Blue Cross policiesPA policy changesCardiologyCardiothoracic SurgeryInternal MedicineCode 33340Code I48.0Code I48.11Code I48.19Code I48.20Code I48.21Code I48.91

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