CommercialBilling CodesHigh impact
11.02.17j, Endovascular Stent Graft Repair of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Nonaneurysmal Lesions
Independence Blue Cross·PA · Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Radiology·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross updated policy 11.02.17j effective 01/01/2026 to reflect HCPCS/CPT code changes for endovascular stent graft repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms. Three CPT codes (33880, 33881, 33883) had narratives revised, two codes (33882, 35602) were added, and three codes (33884, 33889, 33891) were terminated. Coverage criteria remain unchanged: endovascular stent graft repair is medically necessary for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm, nonaneurysmal lesions, and rupture when FDA-approved devices are used.
Action Required
By 12/31/2025: Billing team must update billing system and encoder software to reflect CPT code changes effective 01/01/2026. (1) Remove terminated codes 33884, 33889, and 33891 from billing templates and claim submission rules. (2) Add new codes 33882 and 35602 to the system with medically necessary coverage designation. (3) Verify that revised code descriptions for 33880, 33881, and 33883 are accurately loaded in the billing system. (4) Update provider documentation templates and encounter forms to reflect the new code structure. (5) Train billing and coding staff on the new/modified codes to prevent claim denials. Failure to implement these changes will result in claim rejections for procedures billed with terminated codes or incorrect code descriptions.