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Coverage position changes for endovenous mechanochemical ablation

January 4, 2018

Independence has reviewed the policy for endovenous mechanochemical ablation (CPT® codes 36473, 36474) as part of the policy maintenance process and procedure code review. Medical Policy #11.02.01p: Treatment of Varicose Veins of the Lower Extremities and Perforator Vein Incompetence is being updated to reflect that mechanochemical ablation will be considered experimental/investigational for commercial members. This policy was posted as a Notification on December 27, 2017, and will go into effect March 27, 2018.

Endovenous mechanochemical ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins, combining mechanical and chemical modalities. The procedure involves the use of a special percutaneous infusion catheter, which contains a rotating wire, providing endovenous mechanical destruction. Simultaneously, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved sclerosing agent (e.g., sodium tetradecyl sulfate) is administered in order to enhance occlusion of the vein.

Based on the available peer-reviewed literature and medical society guidelines, these previously eligible services, identified by the following procedure codes, which went into effect January 1, 2017, have been determined to be experimental/investigational for our commercial HMO, POS, and PPO members because the safety and/or effectiveness of these services cannot be established by review of the available published peer-reviewed literature:

  • CPT® 36473: Endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent vein, extremity, inclusive of all imaging guidance and monitoring, percutaneous, mechanochemical; first vein treated
  • CPT® 36474: Endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent vein, extremity, inclusive of all imaging guidance and monitoring, percutaneous, mechanochemical; subsequent vein(s) treated in a single extremity, each through separate access sites (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
To view the Notification for this policy, visit our Medical Policy Portal and select Accept and Go to Medical Policy Online. Then select Commercial under Active Notifications.

CPT Copyright 2016 American Medical Association. All rights reserved. CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.


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