CommercialBilling CodesMedium impact
11.02.01v, Treatment of Varicose Veins of the Lower Extremities and Perforator Vein Incompetence
Independence Blue Cross·PA · Vascular Surgery, General Surgery·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross has reissued policy 11.02.01v with minor updates effective 01/01/2026, including deletion of CPT code 37500 and addition of NOC code 37799 as part of annual CPT code maintenance. The policy continues to cover varicose vein treatments (surgery, endovenous ablation, sclerotherapy, cyanoacrylate adhesives) for great/small saphenous veins and accessory saphenous veins when medical necessity criteria are met.
Action Required
By 01/01/2026: Billing team must remove CPT code 37500 from all billing systems, templates, and superbills for varicose vein procedures. Add NOC code 37799 to billing software with appropriate mappings for procedures covered under this policy. Verify that all active claims or encounter forms using 37500 are corrected or reprocessed. Update billing system rules to ensure CPT codes 36465, 36466, 36468, 36470, and HCPCS code S2202 continue to be submitted only when documented medical necessity criteria are met (symptom documentation, duplex ultrasound within 12 months showing reflux >0.5 seconds, and appropriate ICD-10 diagnosis codes). Train billing staff on the code changes and communicate with providers regarding the CPT code deletion to prevent claims denials.