The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has
formally requested that Health Care Services Corporation (HCSC) update its Bariatric Surgery Medical Policy to include Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) as a covered benefit for eligible patients. ESG, now recognized with a permanent Category I CPT® code (43889, effective January 1, 2026), is an FDA-authorized, guideline-endorsed procedure with robust evidence demonstrating safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness. ASGE highlights ESG’s ability to bridge the treatment gap between lifestyle/pharmacologic therapy and bariatric surgery, improve obesity-related comorbidities, and reduce downstream healthcare costs. The request aligns HCSC’s policy with current standards of care and national payer practices.