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

• Aqueous Shunts and Stents for Glaucoma
• Axillary Reverse Mapping for the Prevention of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema
• Balloon Dilation of the Eustachian Tube      
• Biomarker Testing Mandate
• Circulating Tumor DNA and Circulating Tumor Cells for Cancer Management (Liquid Biopsy)
• Gene Therapies for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
• Genetic Testing for Mitochondrial Disorders
• Injectable Bulking Agents for the Treatment of Urinary and Fecal Incontinence
• Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric Conditions
• Measurement of Exhaled Nitric Oxide and Exhaled Breath Condensate in the Diagnosis and Management of Respiratory Disorders
• Medicare Advantage Plans National and Local Coverage Determinations
• Microwave Tumor Ablation
• Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulator System for Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders (IB-Stim)
• Preimplantation Genetic Testing
• Whole Body Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry to Determine Body Composition

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.