CurrentUnitedHealthcarePolicy 2026T0542AA

Bronchial Thermoplasty for Asthma

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This policy governs UnitedHealthcare Commercial and Individual Exchange benefit-plan coverage of bronchial thermoplasty for treating asthma. Bronchial thermoplasty is considered unproven and not medically necessary because available evidence is insufficient to establish efficacy.

Policy Summary

PayerUnitedHealthcare

PolicyBronchial Thermoplasty for Asthma

Policy CodePolicy 2026T0542AA

Change TypeRoutine revision

Effective DateOctober 1, 2026

Next Review DateN/A

Key ActionDo not consider bronchial thermoplasty medically necessary for treating asthma.

SourceLink

POLICY UPDATE CHANGES

No material clinical or coverage changes in this revision.

2CPT codes

3 visitsTypical treatment course

LowEvidence certainty

11.2%Procedural complications

20.4%30-day safety issues

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CurrentUnitedHealthcarePolicy 2026T0542AA

Bronchial Thermoplasty for Asthma

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Sign up for UnitedHealthcare Policy 2026T0542AA alerts

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Policy Summary

PayerUnitedHealthcare

PolicyBronchial Thermoplasty for Asthma

Policy CodePolicy 2026T0542AA

Change TypeRoutine revision

Effective DateOctober 1, 2026

Next Review DateN/A

Key ActionDo not consider bronchial thermoplasty medically necessary for treating asthma.

SourceLink

POLICY UPDATE CHANGES

No material clinical or coverage changes in this revision.

2CPT codes

3 visitsTypical treatment course

LowEvidence certainty

11.2%Procedural complications

20.4%30-day safety issues

Bronchial Thermoplasty Coverage Criteria

Bronchial Thermoplasty for Asthma

Bronchial thermoplasty for treating asthma is not medically necessary because it is unproven due to insufficient evidence of efficacy.

Not medically necessary: Bronchial thermoplasty is unproven and not medically necessary for treating asthma due to insufficient evidence of efficacy.

The policy does not provide affirmative coverage criteria.

Bronchial thermoplasty is not medically necessary for treating asthma because it is unproven and supported by insufficient evidence of efficacy. The policy does not provide affirmative coverage criteria for this procedure.

CPT Codes

CPT CodesCPT

31660	Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with bronchial thermoplasty, 1 lobe
31661	Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with bronchial thermoplasty, 2 or more lobes

Provider Action

Denial Risk

Coverage denial risk: bronchial thermoplasty

Bronchial thermoplasty is considered unproven and not medically necessary for treating asthma because of insufficient evidence of efficacy. Claims for this procedure may be denied under the policy.

Asthma Background

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease generally characterized by chronic airway inflammation. Symptoms may include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough. Bronchial thermoplasty is intended for adults with severe, persistent asthma that is not well controlled with medication and is typically delivered during three outpatient visits approximately three weeks apart. Available evidence is limited by inconsistent findings, lack of direct comparisons with biologics, study bias, and increased procedural adverse-event risk.

Bronchial Thermoplasty Definition

Bronchial Thermoplasty

Procedure typeMinimally invasive procedure

Delivery methodA standard flexible bronchoscope is introduced through the nose or mouth and into the lungs; a specialized catheter is advanced through the bronchoscope to the targeted airway wall.

Energy usedControlled thermal radiofrequency energy

Treatment targetAirway smooth muscle, with the surrounding tissue left undamaged

Intended effectReduce airway smooth muscle mass and responsiveness, which may reduce airway constriction and the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms.