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Independence Blue CrossCommercial · Administrative · Medical Policy · Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Critical Care +1 moreLow 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 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) as medically necessary when specific stroke and bleeding risk criteria are met. No changes to billing codes, coverage criteria, or documentation requirements have been made in this reissue.

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What to do

Action · 5 steps
01No immediate action required.
02This is a routine annual reissue with no changes to coverage criteria, billing codes, or documentation requirements.
03Billing teams should verify their systems continue to correctly process CPT 33340 claims for qualifying LAA closure procedures with appropriate prior authorization documentation (CHADS2/CHA2DS2-VASc stroke risk score and HAS-BLED bleeding risk score ≥3).
04Maintain current workflows and documentation requirements.
05File this reissue for compliance records and reference.

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.
View original ↗

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 policiesCardiologyCardiothoracic SurgeryCritical CareInternal MedicineCode 33340Code I48.0Code I48.11Code I48.19Code I48.20Code I48.21Code I48.91

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