Medicare AdvantageCoverageMedium impact
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Neurological Conditions
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI · Neurosurgery, Neurology·Physician / Facility
Effective date
May 1, 2022
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Effective May 1, 2022, Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) is no longer covered for Medicare Advantage plans and is considered not medically necessary for commercial products for all neurological indications. This means claims for LITT procedures for neurological conditions will be denied for these plan types.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must stop submitting claims for Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) procedures for neurological conditions to Medicare Advantage and commercial plans. Update billing system to flag these procedures as non-covered. Providers should inform patients that these procedures will not be covered and discuss alternative treatments. Claims submitted will be denied.