Premera Blue Cross · Identified Jun 18, 2026Medium impact
Medical Policy and Coding Updates - February 2018
Effective February 1, 2018, several services now require prior authorization after medical necessity review: breast cancer gene expression assays (81520, 81521), CYP450 genotyping (81230, 81231), prostate gene expression profiling (81551, 81541), the HBA1/HBA2 and peripheral neuropathy genetic tests (81258, 81259, 81269, 81448), sinus endoscopy surgery (31253, 31257, 31259, 31298), transcatheter mitral valve replacement (0483T, 0484T) and varicose vein treatment (36465, 36466, 36482, 36483). Effective February 1, 2018, the ventricular assist device codes (33990, 33991, 33993) are reviewed for investigative use instead of medical necessity, caregiver health risk assessment (96161) is a non-covered service where contract exclusions may apply, and occupational, physical and speech therapy in the home or hospice setting (G0151, G0152, G0153, S9128, S9129, S9131) is no longer reviewed for medical necessity. Pharmacy policies added medical necessity criteria for Besponsa, Mylotarg, Hemlibra, Fasenra and Aliqopa, and updated Nerlynx criteria to follow current NCCN guidelines, and Exondys 51 (eteplirsen) became subject to site of service administration effective June 1, 2018.