Making It Easier to Access Chest CT Scans

April 29, 2020
Updated Oct. 2, 2020

This accommodation will end on Dec. 31, 2020. Starting Jan. 1, 2021, our standard process will resume.


With the rapidly evolving COVID-19 public health crisis, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico 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 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.

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 Medicaid 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)
  • Z03.818 (possible exposure to COVID-19)
  • Z20.828 (actual exposure to COVID-19)