Radiofrequency Tumor Ablation

Aetna covers radiofrequency tumor ablation (RFA) for select indications: adrenocortical carcinoma not amenable to complete resection; continually growing benign thyroid nodules >2 cm that are cytologically benign in adults who are high‑risk surgical candidates; refractory cancer-related bone pain; gastrointestinal stromal tumors with limited progression; and malignant lung masses in patients who are not surgical candidates, but considers RFA experimental/investigational (and not covered) for combined RFA+TACE for intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma and for most other indications (including many primary/metastatic tumors in patients who can tolerate surgery), biliary strictures, Brunner’s gland hyperplasia, and large renal angiomyolipomas. Key requirements: thyroid nodules must be >2 cm and FNA‑benign with the patient at high surgical risk; adrenocortical carcinoma and lung lesions must be unresectable or the patient ineligible for surgery; GIST must show limited progression; and bone pain must be refractory.