Making it Easier to Access Chest CT Scans

April 20, 2020

Updated April 27, 2020
Updated Oct. 7, 2020
Updated Jan. 8, 2021

The following accommodation for the COVID-19 pandemic has ended. Our standard process has resumed effective Jan. 1, 2021.

Updated to reflect new end date of Dec. 31, 2020

With the rapidly evolving COVID-19 public health crisis, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is temporarily simplifying access to chest computed tomography (CT). 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-19 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.

This applies to chest CT scans rendered from March 2 through Dec. 31, 2020.

Impacted Members

This is for all our members with prior authorization delegated to eviCore. This includes all fully-insured, self-funded group, retail and Medicare Advantage 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)