High impact
Salivary Tests (CPB 0608, reviewed 2025-10-01)
Aetna·Effective Oct 1, 2025
Aetna's updated Salivary Tests policy (CPB 0608, effective 2025-10-01) clarifies coverage for salivary cortisol testing, which is NOW medically necessary ONLY for diagnosing Cushing's syndrome using CPT 82530 or 82533. Nearly all other salivary tests—including cortisol for adrenal insufficiency, depression, bipolar disorder, menopause screening, and numerous cancer/biomarker tests—are classified as experimental and NOT covered. Billing teams must immediately reject or deny claims for non-Cushing's syndrome salivary cortisol and all other listed experimental salivary tests.