Medicare AdvantageCoverageMedium impact
Balloon Dilation of the Eustachian Tube
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI · ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)·Physician / Facility
Effective date
Mar 1, 2021
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Effective March 1, 2021, BCBSRI will cover balloon dilation of the eustachian tube as medically necessary when specific criteria are met. This applies to both BlueCHiP for Medicare and Commercial products, requiring providers to review the updated medical policy for coverage requirements.
Action Required
Before March 1, 2021: Review BCBSRI medical policy criteria for balloon dilation of eustachian tube procedures. Update billing protocols to ensure medical necessity documentation meets BCBSRI requirements for both Medicare and Commercial BlueCHiP products. ENT providers must verify coverage criteria compliance before performing procedures.