Insurance Policy Update: Blue Cross Blue Shield Oklahoma Now Covers SBRT for Prostate Cancer

Blue Cross Blue Shield Oklahoma recently announced it has updated its position on stereotactic body radiation therapy for prostate cancer. A recent policy update now covers the treatment for early and intermediate stage prostate cancer.

The BCBS policy change follows similar updates from insurance providers and research organizations across the country that have announced support for SBRT as an appropriate treatment option for prostate cancer.

The American Society for Radiation Oncology’s 2013 Model Policy is among the growing number of sources that provided rationale for BCBS’s policy update. ASTRO’s expert opinion states, “Data supporting the use of SBRT for prostate cancer have matured to a point where SBRT could be considered an appropriate alternative for select patients with low to intermediate risk disease.”

At Oklahoma CyberKnife, prostate cancer patients are treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy using CyberKnife^® technology, a powerful, noninvasive treatment system that precisely focuses radiation to match the size and shape of a patient’s prostate cancer, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.

Results of numerous clinical trials and research studies from renowned experts supporting the safety and effectiveness of SBRT in treating prostate cancer led BCBS to update its medical policy.

For more information on BCBS’s SRS/SBRT policy change and medically necessary criteria for SBRT treatment of prostate cancer, click here. For more information on the benefits of CyberKnife treatment, click here.

This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.