CommercialCoverageMedium 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
Policy 11.02.17j regarding Endovascular Stent Graft Repair of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Nonaneurysmal Lesions became effective January 1, 2026. The billing team must review this policy to identify any changes to coverage criteria, prior authorization requirements, or billing code guidance for thoracic aortic stent graft procedures. Without access to the full policy text comparing old vs. new requirements, specific billing impacts cannot be determined.
Action Required
By January 15, 2026: Billing team must obtain and review the complete policy text from https://medpolicy.ibx.com/ibc/Commercial/Pages/Site-Activity-View.aspx?FilterField1=MPSiteActivityLogMonth&FilterValue1=01&FilterField2=MPSiteActivityLogYear&FilterValue2=2026#commercial-11-02-17j to identify specific billing code changes, prior authorization requirements, and coverage updates. Cross-reference against the previous version of policy 11.02.17j to identify what changed. Update billing system rules, encounter forms, and prior authorization workflows accordingly. Document all changes for provider and front desk staff training. Claims for thoracic endovascular stent graft repairs submitted without compliance to updated requirements may be denied.