In response to member feedback, the AAO-HNS submitted multiple comment letters to various private payers opposing their coverage policies designating balloon sinus ostial dilation (BSOD) as experimental/investigational. The letters highlight the Academy’s Position Statement and recently released Clinical Consensus Statement on Balloon Dilation of the Sinuses, as well as provide extensive literature support to demonstrate the procedure is consistent with the standard of care. Below is a list of the local plans contacted and the corresponding comment letters:
- AmeriHealth – Balloon Catheter Dilation of Sinus Ostial Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
- BCBS of Alabama – Balloon Ostial Dilation for Treatment of Sinusitis
- BCBS of Arizona – Balloon Ostial Dilation for Treatment of Chronic Sinusitis
- BCBS Federal – Balloon Sinus Ostial Dilation for Treatment of Chronic Sinusitis
- BCBS of Rhode Island – Balloon Ostial Dilation for Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
- BCBS of Vermont – Balloon Sinus Ostial Dilation in the Treatment of Sinusitis
- BCBS of Wyoming – Balloon Ostial Dilation for Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
- Capital BLUE – Balloon Sinus Ostial Dilation for Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
- Independence Blue Cross (IBX) – Balloon Catheter Dilation of Sinus Ostia for Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Should you have questions regarding a payer’s BSOD policy not included on the above list, please contact [email protected].
