Medicare AdvantageCoverageMedium impact
MA11.052e, Ablation of Lung Tumors
Independence Blue Cross·Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pulmonology, Radiation Oncology +2 more·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jul 28, 2025
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross Medicare Advantage policy MA11.052e has been superseded by MA11.052f effective 07/28/2025. The update adds pulsed electric field (irreversible electroporation) ablation as experimental/investigational (not covered) for lung tumors, with three new procedure codes (C8005, 0600T, 0601T) classified as non-covered. Existing coverage for radiofrequency ablation, cryosurgical ablation, and microwave ablation remains unchanged.
Action Required
By 07/28/2025: Billing team must update billing system to deny claims for CPT codes 0600T, 0601T and HCPCS code C8005 (pulsed electric field ablation of lung tumors) with denial reason 'Experimental/Investigational - Not Covered.' Update prior authorization system to ensure no auth is issued for these codes. Notify providers and coding staff that these three codes are non-covered effective 07/28/2025, and educate them that pulsed electric field ablation is no longer a billable service under this plan. Ensure CPT 31641, 32994, and 32998 remain active for covered ablation methods (radiofrequency, cryosurgical, microwave). Claims submitted on or after 07/28/2025 using C8005, 0600T, or 0601T will be denied unless patient has signed advanced beneficiary notice (ABN) acknowledging non-coverage.