Medicare AdvantageBilling CodesMedium impact
MA11.052f, Ablation of Lung Tumors
Independence Blue Cross·Pulmonology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Radiation Oncology +1 more·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross has reissued MA11.052f with minor updates to reflect the January 1, 2026 HCPCS/CPT code changes. CPT code 0600T narrative was revised and HCPCS code C9751 was terminated. The policy's coverage criteria for radiofrequency ablation, cryosurgical ablation, and microwave ablation of lung tumors remain substantively unchanged, but billing teams must update systems to reflect the terminated code and verify current code narratives.
Action Required
By December 15, 2025: Billing team must update billing software to terminate HCPCS code C9751 for lung tumor ablation procedures and ensure it is no longer available for selection. Verify that CPT code 0600T displays the updated narrative in the billing system. Confirm that CPT codes 31641, 32994, and 32998 remain active for radiofrequency, cryosurgical, and microwave ablation procedures. Review all pending and in-process claims using C9751 prior to January 1, 2026 and resubmit with appropriate active codes if needed. Update billing guidelines and provider bulletins to reflect that C9751 is no longer valid. Failure to remove the terminated code may result in claim denials on or after January 1, 2026.