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11.03.02x, Bariatric Surgery

Independence Blue Cross·PA · Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery·Medical Policy
Effective date
Mar 17, 2026
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Days to comply
—

Summary

Independence Blue Cross updated Medical Policy 11.03.02x effective 03/17/2026, reclassifying single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S/SIPS) from Experimental/Investigational to Medically Necessary coverage. Additionally, new bariatric procedures including natural orifice transoral endoscopic surgery were added as Experimental/Investigational, and applicable CPT/HCPCS codes were updated to reflect these coverage changes. CPT code C9784 was deleted due to the 01/01/2026 HCPCS update.

Action Required

Action needed
By 03/17/2026, the billing team must: (1) Update billing software to recognize SADI-S/SIPS procedures (coded with CPT 43773 and related codes) as Medically Necessary rather than Experimental/Investigational, enabling claims to process for coverage instead of denial; (2) Remove CPT code C9784 from all billing templates and system configurations effective 01/01/2026 (already past); (3) Update prior authorization workflows to require clinical documentation demonstrating patient meets all adult criteria (BMI thresholds, comorbidities, failed conservative weight loss, preoperative requirements) for SADI-S/SIPS claims; (4) Flag CPT C9785 (endoscopic outlet reduction) as Experimental/Investigational in billing system to ensure claims are routed for prior authorization review and potential denial; (5) Ensure providers and clinical staff document that patients have completed intensive multicomponent behavioral intervention and preoperative surgical preparation components; (6) Train billing and authorization staff on new procedure coverage status. Failure to update systems by the effective date will result in claim denials for SADI-S/SIPS procedures and incorrect processing of experimental procedures.

Affected Billing Codes

43644
43645
43770
43771
43772
43773
S2083
C9785
C9784