The following policies were recently reviewed for annual update. The full texts of these policies are available in the Provider section of bcbsri.com:

• Bronchial Thermoplasty
• Cochlear Implants
• Cryosurgical Ablation of Miscellaneous Solid Tumors other than Renal, Liver and Prostate
• Electronic Brachytherapy for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
• Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis and Other Musculoskeletal Conditions
• Genetic Testing for Diagnosis and Management of Mental Health Conditions
• Identification of Microorganisms Using Nucleic Acid Probes
• Laboratory Testing Investigational Services
• Proteogenomic Testing for Patients with Cancer
• Surgical Treatment of Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
• Synthetic Cartilage Implants for Joint Pain
• Total Joint Arthroplasty - Hip & Knee

We also post monthly drafts of medical policies being created or reassessed for your review. As a reminder, you can provide comments on draft policies for up to 30 days. Draft policies are located on the Provider homepage, under the Medical Policies section, under the “Draft Medical Policies” drop-down.