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Independence Blue CrossMedicare Advantage · Billing Codes · Medical Policy · Cardiology, Internal Medicine, NephrologyMedium impact

MA11.120a, Renal Denervation for Uncontrolled Hypertension

Act
by Apr 1, 2026
Effective date
Apr 1, 2026
Identified
Jun 19, 2026

Summary

Independence Blue Cross added CPT code 0935T to MA11.120a policy for renal denervation procedures. This procedure remains experimental/investigational and is only covered under Medicare's Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) program when performed as part of a CMS-approved clinical trial. Billing teams must append Modifier Q0 to CPT codes 0338T, 0339T, 0935T and HCPCS codes C1735, C1736 when submitting claims for CED-enrolled patients.

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What to do

by Apr 1, 2026 · 5 steps
01Billing team must update billing software to recognize CPT code 0935T for renal denervation procedures and configure the system to require Modifier Q0 when billing CPT codes 0338T, 0339T, 0935T and HCPCS codes C1735, C1736.
02Providers must verify patient enrollment in a CMS-approved CED clinical trial before submitting claims.
03Claims submitted without Modifier Q0 or for patients not enrolled in an approved clinical trial will be denied.
04Update internal documentation and provider communication materials to clarify that renal denervation remains experimental and is not covered outside of CED clinical trials.
05Verify the list of approved CEDs on the CMS website at https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coverage/Coverage-with-Evidence-Development/ before processing claims.

Codes mentioned

C1735C1736

Original notice

MA11.120a, Renal Denervation for Uncontrolled Hypertension
medpolicy.ibx.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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Related changes

See all Independence Blue Cross changes →
MA11.120, Renal Denervation for Uncontrolled HypertensionMediumEffective Oct 28, 2025 · Medical Policy11.02.29, Renal Denervation for Uncontrolled HypertensionMediumEffective Jan 1, 2026 · Medical Policy11.02.29a, Renal Denervation for Uncontrolled HypertensionMediumEffective Apr 1, 2026 · Medical PolicyBrowse every Independence Blue Cross change in the policy list

Related policy hubs

Independence Blue Cross policiesCardiologyInternal MedicineNephrologyCode C1735Code C1736

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