Medicare AdvantageBilling CodesHigh impact
MA11.062d, Endovascular Stent Graft Repair of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Nonaneurysmal Lesions
Independence Blue Cross·Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Radiology·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross reissued MA11.062d with CPT code updates effective 01/01/2026: three codes (33880, 33881, 33883) were revised, two codes (33882, 35602) were added as covered, and three codes (33884, 33889, 33891) were terminated. Coverage criteria remain unchanged—endovascular stent graft repair for thoracic aortic aneurysms and nonaneurysmal lesions of the descending thoracic aorta using FDA-approved devices continues to be covered when medically necessary.
Action Required
By 12/31/2025: Billing team must update billing software to reflect CPT code changes for Independence Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plans. Actions: (1) Add CPT 33882 and 35602 as covered/medically necessary codes for endovascular thoracic aorta repair; (2) Update code descriptions for CPT 33880, 33881, and 33883 in billing system; (3) Remove or inactivate CPT 33884, 33889, and 33891 from active billing codes to prevent claim denials; (4) Update internal fee schedules and reimbursement lookup tables; (5) Communicate code changes to providers and coding staff via alert or training. Notify cardiothoracic and vascular surgery departments of terminated codes. Failure to implement these changes will result in claim denials for services billed with terminated codes and potential payment delays for newly added codes.