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

• Axial Lumbosacral Interbody Fusion
• Autonomic Nervous System Testing Using Portable Automated Devices
• Bronchial Thermoplasty
• Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy
• Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP)
• Envisia for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis and Other Musculoskeletal Conditions
• First-Trimester Detection of Down Syndrome Using Fetal Ultrasound Markers
• Gastric Electrical Stimulation - Insertion
• Gene Expression Profiling and Protein Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer Management
• Gene Expression Profiling for Cutaneous Melanoma
• Genomic Sequence Analysis Panels in the Treatment of Hematolymphoid Diseases
• Genetic Testing for Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy
• Genetic Testing for Epilepsy
• Germline and Somatic Biomarker Testing (Including Liquid Biopsy) for Targeted Treatment and Immunotherapy in Breast Cancer
• Inactive Provider Termination
• Interspinous and Interlaminar Stabilization/Distraction Devices (Spacers)
• Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy
• Medical Supply Wastage
• Multicancer Early Detection Testing
• Ocriplasmin for Symptomatic Vitreomacular Adhesion
• Paraspinal Surface Electromyography (SEMG) to Evaluate and Monitor Back Pain 
• Phrenic Nerve Stimulation for Central Sleep Apnea
• Progenitor Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Damaged Myocardium due to Ischemia
• Prostatic Stent – Temporary
• Proteogenomic Testing for Patients with Cancer
• Ultrasonographic Measurement of Carotid Intima-Medial Thickness as an Assessment of Subclinical Artherosclerosis

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.