| Medical Policy | Revision |
|---|---|
| Remote Electrical Neuromodulation for Migraines | New policy developed. Remote Electrical Neuromodulation for Migraines is considered investigational for all applications. BCBSNC does not provide coverage for investigational services or procedures. Specialty Matched Consultant Review 5/2025. Medical Director Review 5/2025. Notification given 5/14/2025 for effective date 7/16/2025. |
| Renal Denervation as a Treatment of Hypertension | Title changed to Renal Denervation as a Treatment of Hypertension. Policy statement updated and now reads: “Radiofrequency ablation and ultrasound ablation of the renal sympathetic nerves are considered investigational. BCBSNC does not provide coverage for investigational services or procedures.” Description and Policy Guidelines sections updated to include information regarding ultrasound renal denervation. Regulatory and References sections updated. Not Covered section updated and now reads “Radiofrequency ablation and ultrasound ablation of the renal sympathetic nerves are considered investigational for the treatment of uncontrolled hypertension.” Specialty Matched Advisory Panel review 4/2025. Medical Director review 4/2025. Notification given 5/14/25 for effective date 7/16/25. |
| Topical Negative Pressure Therapy for Wounds | Description section updated and statement “The focus of this document is on use of NPWT in the outpatient setting.” updated to read “The focus of this document is on use of NPWT in the outpatient setting. It is recognized that individuals may begin using the device in the inpatient setting as they transition to the outpatient setting.” When covered section updated to indicate Chronic Wounds > 30 days this was previously > 90 days. Additional clarity added for Traumatic/Large wounds to indicate Traumatic or large surgical wounds (eg.laparotomy wounds) where with failure of immediate closure is not practical due to size of wound, contamination and/or location ( ie perineum) or delayed primary closure; AND there is exposed bone, cartilage, tendon, fascia, or foreign material within the wound; AND no contraindications to negative pressure wound therapy. Contraindications moved from policy guidelines to When covered, exposed organ removed as contraindication. When Topical Negative Pressure Therapy for Wounds is not covered section updated to include “Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (iNPWT) devices (e.g., PICO Single Use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy System; Prevena Incision Management System) are considered not medically necessary when used over closed surgical wounds”. Policy guidelines updated to include the evidence on portable single-use NPWT of PICO device and Prevena Incision Management System. References updated. Specialty Matched Consultant Advisory Panel review 4/2025. Medical Director review 4/2025. Notification given 05/14/25 for effective date 07/16/25. |
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