Medicare AdvantagePrior AuthMedium impact
Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI · Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery·Physician / Facility
Effective date
Feb 1, 2019
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Effective February 1, 2019, percutaneous left atrial appendage closure devices (CPT 33340) no longer require prior authorization for BlueCHiP for Medicare when performed as part of a CMS-approved clinical trial. Commercial products continue to require prior authorization with no changes.
Action Required
Billing team must update system settings to remove prior authorization requirements for CPT 33340 when billing BlueCHiP for Medicare plans, but only when the procedure is performed as part of a CMS-approved clinical trial. Ensure prior authorization continues to be obtained for all Commercial plan claims using CPT 33340.