April 27, 2020
With the rapidly evolving COVID-19 public health crisis, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana has extended temporarily simplifying access to chest computed tomography (CT) (original deadline was April 30, 2020). This will allow our members to get access to the care they need for the duration of the public health emergency.
What’s new
As of March 2, 2020, providers that request prior authorization through eviCore for chest CT scans with a COVID diagnosis will receive an approval without the need for clinical documentation.
We are also temporarily waiving the need for members to notify us when they are scheduled to have a chest CT scan.
We have extended the temporary accommodation end date (originally April 30, 2020) and will continue to monitor and re-evaluate the need.
Impacted Members
This is for all our members with prior authorization delegated to eviCore. This includes all fully-insured, self-funded group, retail, Medicare Advantage and Healthy Montana Kids members.
Requirements
The prior authorization requests with CPT Codes 71250, 71260 or 71270 and the associated diagnosis codes for COVID-19 will be approved without clinical documentation.
CPT codes for chest CT scan
- 71250
- 71260
- 71270
Associated diagnosis codes
- U07.1 (COVID-19 acute respiratory disease)
- 19Z03.818 (possible exposure to COVID-19)
- Z20.828 (actual exposure to COVID-19)