CommercialAdministrativeLow impact
11.02.16u, Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs)
Independence Blue Cross·Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Critical Care +1 more·Medical Policy
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross reissued VAD policy 11.02.16u on 04/01/2026 with no substantive changes to coverage criteria or billing. The policy communicates the company's continuing position on ventricular assist devices for bridge-to-transplant, destination therapy, and bridge-to-recover indications. Prior substantive updates (05/29/2023) addressed Impella® RP System FDA labeling and post-approval study results, but the current reissue appears to be routine annual review with no new billing or coverage modifications.
Action Required
No immediate action required. This is a routine reissue with no changes to coverage, billing codes, prior authorization requirements, or medical necessity criteria. Billing team should verify current system templates align with existing VAD coverage policy: implantable VADs require facility certification (Joint Commission, Medicare heart transplant, or UNOS-approved program). Continue current billing practices for CPT codes 33975-33982 and HCPCS codes Q0477-Q0481. File any claims currently pending under prior version without modification.