CommercialCoverageMedium impact
11.16.08f, Steroid-Eluting Sinus Stents and Implants
Independence Blue Cross·ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)·Medical Policy
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross reissued policy 11.16.08f confirming that steroid-eluting sinus stents and implants (including PROPEL and SINUVA devices) remain classified as experimental/investigational and are NOT COVERED under commercial medical benefits. This is a continuation of the Company's existing position with no coverage change, but billing teams must ensure claims for these devices are consistently denied.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must ensure all claims for steroid-eluting sinus stents and implants (CPT 31299, HCPCS J7402, S1091) submitted to Independence Blue Cross commercial plans are flagged as non-covered and denied. Update billing system edits to automatically deny these codes with denial reason: 'Service is experimental/investigational and excluded from coverage.' Train billing staff to communicate to providers that no prior authorization requests will overturn this exclusion. Monitor for any claim submissions and route to denial queue proactively. This policy applies to all Independence Blue Cross commercial medical plans nationally.