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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerPolicy UpdatesPulmonologySelectHealth Bronchial Thermoplasty Coverage Updat…
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    OpenPayer is powered by Trek Health's payer performance platform. Trek continuously ingests, validates, and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data alongside payer policies and other commercial payer data to create a structured payer intelligence foundation. OpenPayer uses this foundation to deliver personalized search results, dynamically generated policy pages, and tailored policy monitoring based on each user's payers, specialties, billing codes, and areas of interest. The same intelligence powers broader payer performance workflows, including reimbursement benchmarking, contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and financial decision-making.

    ModifiedSelectHealthPolicy 379

    Bronchial Thermoplasty for Asthma

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    Defines SelectHealth coverage criteria and coding guidance for bronchial thermoplasty (BT) for treatment of severe persistent asthma for commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid lines where applicable.

    Policy Summary
    PayerSelectHealth
    PolicyBronchial Thermoplasty for Asthma
    Policy CodePolicy 379
    Change TypeCriteria and documentation revisionsage and AHI/BMI thresholds updated
    Effective DateAug 16, 2023
    Last ReviewJun 19, 2025
    Next Review Date
    Key ActionObtain prior authorization demonstrating the patient meets all specific coverage criteria, including recent PFTs and required medication adherence evidence.
    SourceLink
    POLICY UPDATE CHANGES

    For the Commercial Plan, lowered age requirement from 22 to 18 years and added coverage criteria for adolescents with Down Syndrome (ages 13 to 18).

    Modified OSA AHI range to 15 to 100 events per hour and increased BMI threshold to <40 kg/m2 in alignment with updated FDA indications.

    Revised documentation requirements for CPAP failure/intolerance including definition and non-compliance duration (at least 6 months).

    For Commercial Plan Policy, added criterion #3 to section I as an additional qualifying factor.

    Minimum age requirement to qualify for home sleep study in Section I, Criterion #A changed from 18 years to 15 years for Commercial Plan Policy.

    Added sleep-certified anesthesiologists (ABA certified) to eligible physicians evaluating studies in Criterion #D.

    3outpatient procedure visits required to complete BT
    80%minimum medication adherence (MPR) for prior 6 months
    15-100Apnea-hypopnea index adult eligibility
    18Minimum age for Inspire UAS commercial coverage
    Not coveredMESOMARK test coverage stance

    Coverage Criteria

    Diaphragmatic/Phrenic Nerve Pacing - Covered Indication

    Covered when ALL of the following are met

    Primary coverage condition: Diaphragmatic/phrenic nerve pacing (e.g., NeuRx DPS) is covered for patients with spinal cord injury when clinical selection criteria in the policy are satisfied.

    Select Health states current literature demonstrates clinical effectiveness in appropriately selected spinal cord injury patients.

    Diaphragmatic/Phrenic Nerve Pacing - Not Covered Indications

    Not covered when ANY of the following are present

    Investigational indications: Use of diaphragmatic/phrenic nerve pacing for any indication other than spinal cord injury (including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is considered experimental/investigational and not covered.

    Select Health explicitly states DPS is not covered for other indications including ALS.

    Policy Summary
    PayerSelectHealth
    PolicyBronchial Thermoplasty for Asthma
    Policy CodePolicy 379
    Change TypeCriteria and documentation revisionsage and AHI/BMI thresholds updated
    Effective DateAug 16, 2023
    Last ReviewJun 19, 2025
    Next Review Date
    Key ActionObtain prior authorization demonstrating the patient meets all specific coverage criteria, including recent PFTs and required medication adherence evidence.
    SourceLink
    On This Page
    Coverage CriteriaCoding and BillingProvider Actions, Authorization & DocumentationDefinitions & BackgroundRevision History

    Bronchoscopic EBV for severe emphysema (Commercial & CHIP)

    Covered when ALL of the following are met:

    Main eligibility

    • Diagnosis: Emphysema confirmed by CT scan

      CT confirmation required

    • Smoking cessation for at least 4 months>=4 months

      policy requirement

    • BMI: Body mass index (BMI) less than 35 kg/m2<35

      policy requirement

    • Pulmonary function: FEV1 15 to 45% predicted15-45% predicted

      policy requirement

    • Steroid use: Stable COPD on <= 20 mg prednisone (or equivalent) daily<=20 mg

      policy requirement

    • TLC: Total lung capacity >= 100% predicted>=100% predicted

      policy requirement

    • Six-minute walk distance 100 to 500 m (150 to 500 m if homogeneous emphysema)100-500 m (or 150-500 m if homogeneous)

      policy requirement

    • Residual volume >150% predicted (>=200% if homogeneous emphysema)>150% (or >=200% if homogeneous)

      policy requirement

    • Collateral ventilation: Target lobe with little or no collateral ventilation as determined using both StratX quantitative CT analysis and Chartis catheter measurementStratX + Chartis confirmation

      both tests required pre-procedure

    • Device labeling: Device(s) used must be FDA approved and used according to FDA labeling; coverage limited to one lobe only

      policy requirement

    EBV for bronchopleural / persistent air leaks

    Covered when treated for bronchopleural fistulas or prolonged air leaks refractory to standard management:

    Air leak indication

    • Clinical scenario: Treatment of bronchopleural fistulas or persistent/prolonged air leaks refractory to other standard management

      IBV Valve System has HDE approval for this indication; limited-duration use (up to 6 weeks) may apply

    • Supporting data: Evidence consists of small case series and uncontrolled data; documentation that the air leak is refractory to standard treatments is required

      policy notes limited evidence

    Indications and evidence notes

    Evidence-summary and indication-specific guidance summarized in this section (no full criteria tree in these chunks).

    Indications discussed: Document references a range of indications and evidence strength: examples include carbon monoxide poisoning (acute symptomatic, treat if started <24 hours), idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (limited/weak evidence), radiation tissue injury and refractory wounds; evidence strength and recommended use vary by condition.

    Summary drawn from HHS review and cited literature

    Commercial plan — Adult coverage criteria

    Covered when ALL of the following are met

    Adult Inspire coverage: 1) Age ≥ 18 years; 2) Moderate-to-severe OSA with AHI 15–100 events/hour; 3) Polysomnography or home sleep testing within 24 months of consult; 4) Central/mixed apneas <25% of all AHI events; 5) Recommendation for Inspire by both an ENT and a sleep specialist; 6) Documentation of CPAP failure (AHI >15 despite CPAP) or CPAP intolerance (defined as <4 hours/night, 5 nights/week) or non-compliance for ≥6 months; 7) No anatomical findings that would compromise device performance; 8) BMI <40 kg/m2; 9) Dental appliance not appropriate or ineffective; 10) Device must be implanted by an ENT.see node text

    from policy criteria

    Adolescent coverage criteria — Down syndrome

    Covered for adolescents with Down syndrome when ALL of the following are met

    Adolescent (13–18) Down syndrome coverage: 1) Age 13–18 years; 2) Severe OSA with AHI ≥10 and ≤50; 3) No anatomical findings that would compromise device performance, including no complete concentric collapse at the soft palate by drug-induced sleep endoscopy; 4) Consideration of all other standard treatments; 5) Central and mixed sleep apnea <25% of all AHI events; 6) Documentation of CPAP failure or intolerance (as defined for adults) or non-compliance ≥6 months; 7) Recommendation by both an ENT and a sleep specialist; 8) Device must be implanted by an ENT.see node text

    policy criteria for adolescents with Down syndrome

    Inspire UAS - Covered with criteria

    Coverage criteria for Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation (Commercial Plan) revised

    Inspire UAS coverage criteria (revised): Patient meets age criteria (minimum 18 years for general commercial criteria; adolescents with Down Syndrome ages 13–18 have separate criteria); has moderate-to-severe OSA with AHI 15–100 events/hour; polysomnography or home sleep testing within 24 months of consult; BMI <40 kg/m2; documentation of CPAP failure or intolerance or non-compliance as defined in the policy.see thresholds

    summarized from revision history and policy updates

    MI-E - Covered with criteria

    Coverage criteria for Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation (Commercial Plan and CHIP)

    MI-E coverage criteria: Device is medically necessary for patients with neuromuscular disorders (e.g., muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy), spinal cord injuries, myasthenia gravis, or significant impairment of chest wall/diaphragmatic movement resulting in difficulty clearing secretions; selection should consider individual physiologic parameters, disease tempo, caregiver availability, and patient preference.clinical judgment

    summarized from policy description

    MI-E Clinical Evidence Summary

    MI-E / CoughAssist clinical summary (informational):

    MI-E evidence: Published data suggest MI-E can improve peak cough expiratory flow; evidence consists primarily of case series and patients serving as their own controls with some reports of reduced hospitalizations. Clinical utility depends on lung function, disease tempo, caregiver availability, and patient preference.

    informational evidence summary

    MESOMARK (SMRP) - Not Covered

    MESOMARK test coverage determination:

    MESOMARK coverage stance: Select Health Commercial plan does NOT cover the MESOMARK test for mesothelioma; current evidence is inconclusive regarding clinical utility for diagnosis or monitoring.

    listed as investigational/experimental/unproven

    Initial Therapy

    Covered when ALL of the following are met

    RFA Medical Necessity Criteria: 1) Isolated peripheral non–small-cell lung cancer lesion or malignant nonpulmonary tumor metastatic to the lung; 2) Tumor size ≤ 3 cm; 3) Tumor located ≥ 1 cm from trachea, main bronchi, esophagus, aorta/aortic arch branches, pulmonary artery, and heart; 4) Surgical resection or radiotherapy with curative intent is considered appropriate but medical comorbidity renders the individual unfit for those interventions OR preservation of lung function is necessary because surgery/radiotherapy would substantially worsen pulmonary status; 5) Individual is not a surgical candidate and there is no evidence of extrapulmonary metastases when indicated; 6) No more than 3 tumors per lung to be ablated; 7) Tumors amenable to complete ablation.see node text

    policy criteria

    Coverage statement (partial)

    Excerpted coverage statements and revision note

    Billing header: Covered: For the indications outlined above

    indicates coverage for indications described elsewhere in the policy

    Covered Indications (Commercial Plan & CHIP)

    Covered when ANY of the following pediatric indications are present and the study will alter the treatment plan:

    Covered Indications: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome; evaluation of disturbed sleep patterns/excessive daytime sleepiness/cor pulmonale/failure to thrive/polycythemia when testing will alter treatment; to differentiate primary snoring from pathologic snoring; intensive postoperative monitoring after adenotonsillectomy or other pharyngeal surgery with risk factors (>=10 obstructive events/hr, SaO2 <=70%, neuromuscular disease, craniofacial abnormalities); laryngomalacia with failure to thrive or cor pulmonale; persistent snoring >4 weeks post-op in previously diagnosed OSAS; titration of CPAP/BiPAP after diagnostic PSG; selected indications in bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis (on supplemental O2 with positive nocturnal oximetry and polycythemia or cor pulmonale), neuromuscular disease, and alveolar hypoventilation.see text

    OR logic among listed indications

    Use of services, devices, or procedures outside the specific coverage criteria set forth in this policy is considered experimental/investigational and is not covered. Requests for coverage must demonstrate that the patient meets all applicable policy elements (severity, diagnostic testing, and prior medical therapy) or the request may be denied.

    Diaphragmatic/phrenic nerve pacing (e.g., NeuRx DPS) is covered only for patients with spinal cord injury. Use of diaphragmatic/phrenic nerve pacing for any other indication, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is considered experimental/investigational and is not covered.

    Routine use of endobronchial valves for emphysema is not recommended where the evidence does not demonstrate a clear net clinical benefit. The available randomized and uncontrolled data are limited and associated with adverse events; therefore valve placement outside the specific, evidence‑based eligibility criteria should be considered investigational/unproven and is not covered.

    Select Health does NOT cover high frequency chest wall compression (HFCWO) therapy devices for medical conditions beyond the listed, supported indications (for example, for COPD and other indications where evidence is insufficient). Use for unsupported indications is considered experimental/investigational and will be denied.

    Topical hyperbaric oxygen chamber, disposable (HCPCS A4575), is listed as not covered in this policy.

    Medicare coverage determinations are made by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). If CMS has not adopted a coverage determination for a service and InterQual criteria are not available, the Select Health Commercial policy will apply for determining coverage in Medicare situations unless otherwise specified by CMS.

    Mechanical insufflation–exsufflation (MI‑E) devices are not covered for patients with contraindications listed in the MI‑E policy. Specifically, MI‑E is not covered for patients with a history of bullous emphysema, lung cysts, or presence or susceptibility to pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum, or recent barotrauma.

    Select Health does NOT cover the MESOMARK (soluble mesothelin-related peptide) test for mesothelioma. Current evidence is inconclusive regarding clinical utility for diagnosis or monitoring; the test is designated investigational/experimental/unproven and not covered.

    Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of pulmonary tumors is considered medically necessary only when the specific criteria in this policy are met. Use of RFA for indications not outlined in the policy or when established criteria (tumor size, location relative to critical structures, surgical candidacy) are not satisfied is considered investigational/experimental/unproven and not covered.

    The policy excerpts provided do not list additional explicit exclusion conditions beyond those described; however, the inclusion or exclusion of procedure, diagnosis, or device codes in this policy is informational. Coverage determinations depend on the member's individual benefit plan and do not guarantee coverage or payment.

    Coverage under Select Health is limited to the clinical conditions and criteria specifically outlined in this policy. The listing of codes or devices is informational; inclusion or exclusion of codes does not by itself guarantee member coverage. Members and providers must verify benefits against the individual's contract to determine coverage.

    The inclusion or exclusion of a procedure, diagnosis, or device code in this policy does not by itself constitute or imply member coverage or guarantee payment. Coverage and reimbursement are determined by the member's contract benefits in effect at the time services are rendered.

    Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is considered investigational/experimental when provided for indications that do not meet the specific coverage criteria detailed in this policy. Requests must meet all required criteria to be considered medically necessary.

    The code G12.21 is listed in the policy as Not covered: Investigational/Experimental/Unproven for the indicated use referenced in the document.

    Endobronchial valve placement is considered investigational/unproven for indications not specifically enumerated in the coverage criteria because available evidence is limited and safety concerns have been reported; such uses are not covered.

    Data are extremely limited for disorders such as COPD and do not support the use of HFCWO vests for that disorder. Consequently, the policy states that evidence does not support routine use of HFCWO vests in COPD.

    An HHS review cited in the policy noted that 13% of beneficiaries showed no improvement after hyperbaric oxygen therapy and that a substantial proportion received treatments that likely did not yield maximum benefit—findings the policy uses to justify careful application of HBOT and continued review of progress.

    Therapies with low‑quality or limited comparative evidence and without randomized trials or consistent long‑term outcome data are described in the policy as unproven for broad clinical endpoints; until higher-quality evidence is available, such uses are considered unproven or investigational.

    Mechanical insufflation–exsufflation (MI‑E) is covered only for patients who meet the neuromuscular or ventilatory insufficiency criteria in the policy. Use of MI‑E for patients who do not meet those specified criteria is not covered.

    The MESOMARK assay is designated investigational/experimental/unproven for the indicated use in this policy and is therefore not covered by Select Health.

    Use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a primary management strategy for lung tumors when the policy's candidacy criteria (tumor size ≤ 3 cm, appropriate distance from critical structures, and patient unfitness for surgery/radiation) are not met — or when long‑term survival benefit is unproven — is considered investigational and not covered.

    The policy excerpts provided do not include an explicit 'not medically necessary' statement for bronchial thermoplasty; coverage language in the document focuses on meeting specific criteria to establish medical necessity.

    Other diagnostic techniques (for example, nocturnal pulse oximetry or daytime nap studies) have high false‑negative rates and cannot replace polysomnography when results will affect management. Polysomnography remains the diagnostic standard when definitive testing is required.

    Coding and Billing

    Covered CPT CodesCPTCovered
    31660Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with bronchial thermoplasty, 1 lobe
    31661Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with bronchial thermoplasty, 2 or more lobes
    Covered CPT Codes for EBV proceduresCPTCovered
    31647Bronchoscopy with balloon occlusion, assessment of air leak, airway sizing, and insertion of bronchial valve(s), initial lobe
    31648Bronchoscopy with removal of bronchial valve(s), initial lobe
    31649Bronchoscopy with removal of bronchial valve(s), each additional lobe
    31651Bronchoscopy with balloon occlusion, assessment of air leak, airway sizing, and insertion of bronchial valve(s), each additional lobe
    Covered CPT Codes (Pacing implantation / Neurostimulator procedures)CPTCovered
    64580Incision for implantation of neurostimulator electrode array; neuromuscular
    64590Insertion or replacement of peripheral or gastric neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver; direct or inductive coupling
    64582Open implantation of hypoglossal nerve neurostimulator array, pulse generator; and distal respiratory sensor electrode or electrode array
    64583Revision or replacement of hypoglossal nerve neurostimulator array and distal respiratory sensor electrode or electrode array, including connection to existing pulse generator
    64568Incision for implantation of cranial nerve neurostimulator electrode array and pulse generator
    64569Revision or replacement of cranial nerve neurostimulator electrode array, including connection to existing pulse generator
    64570Removal of cranial nerve neurostimulator electrode array and pulse generator
    64582Open implantation of hypoglossal nerve neurostimulator array (listed again for completeness)
    64583Revision or replacement of hypoglossal nerve neurostimulator array (listed again for completeness)
    64590Insertion or replacement of peripheral or gastric neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver; direct or inductive coupling (listed)
    Relevant CPT Codes for Sleep and NeurostimulationCPT
    95805Multiple sleep latency or maintenance of wakefulness testing, recording, analysis and interpretation
    95807Sleep study, simultaneous recording of ventilation, respiratory effort; ECG or heart rate, and oxygen saturation, attended by a technologist
    95822Electroencephalogram (EEG); recording in coma or sleep only
    Billing/Coding Information (RFA and Ablation)CPTCovered
    32998Ablation therapy for reduction or eradication of one or more pulmonary tumors; percutaneous, including imaging guidance when performed; radiofrequency
    76940Ultrasound guidance and monitoring of parenchymal tissue ablation
    77013CT guidance for and monitoring of parenchymal tissue ablation
    77022MRI guidance for and monitoring of parenchymal tissue ablation
    Other CPT / Lab / Blood CodesCPT
    86316Immunoassay for tumor antigen; other antigen, quantitative
    86945Irradiation of blood product; each unit
    99183Physician attendance and supervision of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, per session

    Provider Actions, Authorization & Documentation

    Prior Authorization

    Prior Authorization / Coverage Verification

    Prior authorization is required for procedures and device services when indicated by individual policy sections; providers must verify benefits and obtain any required prior authorization prior to scheduling. Coverage and preauthorization are dependent upon the member’s individual benefit plan in effect at the time of service.

    • Prior authorization required where policy sections list it (e.g., bronchial valve procedures, diaphragmatic/phrenic nerve pacing, Inspire implantation, RFA, HBOT).
    • Inclusion of CPT/HCPCS codes in policy is informational and does not guarantee member coverage or provider reimbursement; verify member contract benefits.
    • Providers should contact Select Health Provider Relations (801-442-3692) or Member Customer Service (number on member ID card) for benefit questions.
    Billing Rule

    Non-reimbursable Charges

    Charges for set-up, training, extended warranties, and similar ancillary fees are not separately reimbursable when the plan covers the device or system; such charges will be denied as non-reimbursable.

    • Examples: set-up/training and extended warranty charges for high-frequency chest wall compression systems will be denied as non-reimbursable.
    • When a device rental trial is required by the plan (see device-specific section), follow rental-to-purchase rules in that policy.
    • Only one compressor/device may be paid by the plan over a member’s lifetime where specified.
    Prior Authorization

    Utilization Review for Additional HBOT

    Utilization review is required to request additional courses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy when quantity limits have been reached; cases will be sent for medical necessity review if additional therapy is requested beyond listed limits.

    • Follow the policy quantity limits for HBOT; if additional treatments are clinically requested, submit utilization review documentation demonstrating progress and need.
    • Documentation should show sufficient clinical progress and appropriate diagnostic testing to justify continuation.
    • Billing/coding for HBOT uses CPT 99183 and HCPCS G0277; topical hyperbaric devices (A4575) are not covered.
    Denial Risk

    Denial Triggers & Investigational/Medical Necessity Risks

    Requests may be denied if they fail to meet specific policy criteria, including revised Inspire UAS requirements, contraindications for MI‑E, investigational tests, or medical necessity thresholds identified in each policy.

    • Inspire UAS: failure to meet age, AHI, BMI, CPAP trial/failure or intolerance, documentation windows for polysomnography/HST, or required ENT/sleep specialist recommendations will trigger denial.
    • MI‑E (CoughAssist) devices: requests for patients with contraindications (history of bullous emphysema, lung cysts, pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum, recent barotrauma) will be denied.
    • MESOMARK: listed as Not covered (Investigational/Experimental/Unproven) — claims will be denied if billed for covered plans.
    • RFA and other procedures: requests not meeting tumor size, location, number, timing, or other medical necessity criteria will be denied.
    • Policy revisions (see revision history) may change eligibility and denial triggers; verify current criteria date-stamped in policy.
    Documentation Required

    Required Clinical Documentation

    Providers must include specific clinical documentation with prior authorization or claim submissions. Incomplete documentation increases the risk of denial or retrospective medical necessity review.

    • Asthma/Bronchial Thermoplasty: abnormal pulmonary function tests within 6 months showing PEF variability ≥ 30% and FEV1 or PEF ≤ 60% of predicted; evidence of controller therapy and medication adherence (MPR ≥ 80%).
    • Inspire UAS: age, AHI from PSG or HST within 24 months, proportion of central/mixed apneas (<25% unless specified), ENT and sleep specialist recommendations, and documentation of CPAP failure (AHI >15 despite use) or CPAP intolerance (<4 hrs/night, ≥5 nights/week) or non-compliance for ≥6 months.
    • Endobronchial valve procedures: CT confirmation of emphysema, StratX quantitative CT analysis, Chartis collateral ventilation assessment, and documentation of failed optimal medical management including pulmonary rehabilitation.
    • RFA and pulmonary tumor procedures: tumor size(s), number per lung, distance from critical structures, prior consideration of surgery, and eligibility for complete ablation.
    • Polysomnography (pediatric): documentation of monitoring modalities used (EEG, EOG, EMG, respiratory airflow/effort, oxygen saturation, time, position) and that the study will alter the treatment plan.
    Note

    Verify Benefits & Contact Information

    Verify benefits and eligibility for each member prior to service. Provider contacts are available for coverage questions and preauthorization assistance.

    • Benefits and eligibility are determined by the member's individual benefit plan at time of service.
    • Providers should verify benefits and obtain required authorizations prior to scheduling procedures.
    • Contact Select Health Provider Relations at (801) 442-3692 for provider questions; members may call Customer Service using the number on their ID card.
    Step Therapy

    Conservative Therapy Prerequisites & Device Rental/Trial

    Conservative therapy prerequisites and device trial/rental requirements must be documented when required by policy; failure to document prior medical management or required trials may result in denial.

    • Document trials of optimal medical management (e.g., pulmonary rehabilitation, inhaled controllers, LABA, inhaled corticosteroids) and medication adherence prior to valve placement or bronchial thermoplasty.
    • Inspire UAS requires documented CPAP trial and failure/intolerance per criteria before approval.
    • When policy specifies a rental trial prior to purchase (e.g., certain HFCWO devices), document the rental trial as required by the plan.
    • Where device rental/purchase rules apply, follow the device-specific section for lifetime device payment limits and duplicate service denials (e.g., chest physiotherapy duplicate denials).

    Definitions & Background

    Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and airway smooth muscle hypertrophy. Bronchial thermoplasty is a minimally invasive bronchoscopic radiofrequency procedure performed in three outpatient treatments approximately three weeks apart that applies controlled radiofrequency energy to reduce airway smooth muscle mass; it is intended for select patients with severe persistent asthma who meet the policy's coverage criteria.

    Revision History

    2025-03-06criteria_revision

    Modified overall Commercial Plan coverage criteria to align with current clinical guidelines and added requirements limiting RFA to no more than 3 tumors per lung, requiring tumors be amenable to complete ablation, and specifying a 12-month interval related requirement.

    2024-07-07age_threshold_change

    Lowered minimum commercial age for general Inspire UAS criteria from 22 to 18 years and added coverage criteria for adolescents with Down syndrome (ages 13–18).

    2024-06-14criteria_update

    Modified Commercial Plan A2 to specify moderate-to-severe OSA with AHI 15–100 events/hour and required polysomnography or home sleep testing within 24 months of consult.

    2025-06-23documentation_revisionLatest

    Revised documentation requirements for CPAP failure/intolerance to define CPAP failure as AHI >15 despite CPAP use and CPAP intolerance as <4 hours/night on 5 nights/week, and allowed documentation of non-compliance for at least 6 months.

    2024-01-05criterion_added

    Added an additional qualifying criterion (#3) to section II of the Commercial Plan policy.

    2024-05-07home_sleep_study_age_change

    Changed minimum age to qualify for home sleep study in Section I, Criterion A from 18 years to 15 years for the Commercial Plan.

    2025-10-06pediatric_indicator_clarification

    Modified requirements in criterion Za-1 to clarify when polysomnography is indicated in children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (only if clinical suspicion for sleep-related breathing disorder).

    2023-07-07Inspire_age_lowering

    For Commercial Plan policy, lowered age requirement for general Inspire criteria from 22 to 18 years and added adolescent Down syndrome coverage language (ages 13–18).

    2025-03-06coverage_alignment

    Modified overall coverage criteria to align with current clinical guidelines and added requirements for tumor ablation candidacy (limits on number of tumors, amenability to complete ablation, and timing).