UnitedHealthcare Removes Procedure from Experimental List, Increasing Access to Chronic Rhinitis Treatment

Strategic Insights -

A significant breakthrough in treatment options for chronic rhinitis has been announced, with UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage policy removing the procedure of posterior nasal nerve ablation using radiofrequency from its Experimental & Investigational (E&I) list. This change, effective immediately, allows over 10 million patients to access the NEUROMARK treatment, a non-surgical solution that addresses persistent nasal congestion and rhinorrhea. This policy update follows closely on the heels of Cigna's recent coverage announcement, further solidifying the growing recognition of the therapeutic value of this procedure. The change is a major victory for patients struggling with chronic rhinitis, who will now have greater access to treatment options that improve their quality of life and reduce reliance on long-term medications.

Key Takeaways:

  • UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage policy has removed CPT 31242 posterior nasal nerve ablation using radiofrequency from its Experimental & Investigational (E&I) list, effective immediately.
  • Over 10 million patients with UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage coverage will now have access to the NEUROMARK treatment, a non-surgical solution for chronic rhinitis.
  • The policy update does not establish clinical indications for coverage but eliminates a significant obstacle to treatment for patients with UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage coverage.
  • The NEUROMARK System delivers impedance-controlled, low-power radiofrequency (RF) energy to disrupt parasympathetic nerve signals, addressing key symptoms of chronic rhinitis.
  • Brian Shields, CEO of Neurent Medical, stated that the policy change is another validation of the clinical need for modern, minimally invasive treatment options for chronic rhinitis.
  • Dr. Marc Dubin, MD, FACS, noted that the policy shift from UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage is an important milestone for the specialty, acknowledging the evidence-based care that helps patients achieve relief from chronic rhinitis symptoms.

Statistics:

  • Over 10 million patients with UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage coverage will now have access to the NEUROMARK treatment.
  • The policy update follows closely on the heels of Cigna's recent coverage announcement (effective September 15).
  • The NEUROMARK System delivers impedance-controlled, low-power radiofrequency (RF) energy to disrupt parasympathetic nerve signals.

Sources:

  • [1] NewsRx, "UnitedHealthcare Removes Procedure from Experimental List, Increasing Access to Chronic Rhinitis Treatment" (November 4, 2025)
  • [2] Cigna, "Coverage Announcement: Posterior Nasal Nerve Ablation Using Radiofrequency (CPT 31242)" (September 15, 2025)