What insurance policy changes affect CPT 71271?

There are 13 tracked policy changes affecting CPT 71271, including updates from Health Net, Sentara Health Plans, Ambetter. Each change may modify coverage criteria, reimbursement rates, or prior-authorization requirements.

Which payers have updated policy for CPT 71271?

Payers that have issued tracked updates for CPT 71271 include: Health Net, Sentara Health Plans, Ambetter, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, NY Medicaid.

How do I get notified when CPT 71271 policy changes?

Create a free account at PolicyChanges.app and save a search filtered to CPT 71271. You will receive a daily digest email whenever a new policy change references this code.

Why do payers change policies for CPT 71271?

Payers revise policies for individual billing codes to align with updated clinical guidelines, CMS rule changes, fraud and abuse prevention measures, or network cost-management goals. Changes can affect medical necessity criteria, place-of-service restrictions, bundling rules, or whether a code requires prior authorization.

71271 — A CT scan of your chest designed to screen for lung cancer, performed with contrast dye injected into your vein.: Insurance Policy Changes

71271 Insurance Policy Changes

CPT 71271, in plain terms, covers A CT scan of your chest designed to screen for lung cancer, performed with contrast dye injected into your vein. CPT 71271 is referenced in 13 tracked payer policy changes from Health Net, Sentara Health Plans, and 4 other payers. For billers and coders, staying current on payer-specific coverage criteria, reimbursement rules, and prior-authorization requirements for CPT 71271 is critical to clean claim submission. Each entry below links to the full policy analysis with effective dates and action steps.

Medium impact

Initiative 1: Increase Reimbursement by 20 Percent for Physical Health Services Delivered in Office of Addiction Services and Supports Outpatient Clinics

NY Medicaid·Effective Jul 1, 2026

NYS Medicaid implements a 20% reimbursement rate enhancement effective July 1, 2026 for physical health E&M services (CPT codes that group to Medical Visit APG E&M 491) delivered in OASAS-certified addiction treatment clinics and OTPs. Providers must append P1, P2, or P3 modifiers based on patient health status to qualify for the enhancement; medication management and psychiatric E&Ms must use HE or HF modifiers instead and do not receive the enhancement. The policy also includes updates on denture billing coordination of benefits at FQHCs, HPV testing coverage with specific CPT codes, and removal of prior approval requirements for lung cancer screening (CPT 71271).

71271 Insurance Policy Changes

26-253 Evolent Removes Prior Authorization for Select Radiology and Cardiology Services

Authorization Updates - Effective May 1, 2026

Q1 2026 Provider Newsletter

Lung Imaging: Selected Techniques (CPB 0581, reviewed 2026-02-24)

2026 February Medical Policy Updates

NYRx, the Medicaid Pharmacy Program: Prior Authorization Update

Reminder: Unlicensed Interns, Residents and Foreign Physicians in Training Programs are Authorized Prescribers for New York State Medicaid Members

Federal Community Engagement Requirements for New York State Medicaid Coverage

Project TEACH Announces Fall 2026 Mental Health Trainings, Webinars, and Resources for New York State Providers

Initiative 1: Increase Reimbursement by 20 Percent for Physical Health Services Delivered in Office of Addiction Services and Supports Outpatient Clinics

26-254 Evolent Removes Prior Authorization for Select Radiology and Cardiology Services

26-255 Evolent Removes Prior Authorization for Select Radiology and Cardiology Services

2026 February Medical Policy Updates