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Anthem BCBSMedicare Advantage · Prior Auth · Provider Bulletin · NY · Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Critical Care +3 moreHigh impact

[New York] Precertification/prior authorization change to the parenteral nutrition codes listed

Act
by Jun 30, 2026
Effective date
Jul 1, 2026
Identified
May 27, 2026

Summary

Effective July 1, 2026, Anthem Medicare Advantage plans in New York will require prior authorization for 20 parenteral nutrition-related HCPCS codes (B4164, B4168, B4172, B4176, B4178, B4180, B4185, B4187, B4189, B4193, B4197, B4199, B4216, B4220, B4222, B4224, B5000, B5100, B5200). Prior authorization must be obtained before dispensing to avoid claim denials. Services must meet CMS LCD L38953 criteria, requiring documentation of a permanently nonfunctioning gastrointestinal tract.

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What to do

by Jun 30, 2026 · 5 steps
01Billing team and clinical staff must implement prior authorization workflow for all 19 parenteral nutrition codes listed.
02Update billing system to flag and hold all B4164, B4168, B4172, B4176, B4178, B4180, B4185, B4187, B4189, B4193, B4197, B4199, B4216, B4220, B4222, B4224, B5000, B5100, and B5200 claims for Anthem Medicare Advantage members until prior auth is obtained.
03Clinical staff must obtain prior authorization from Anthem before dispensing parenteral nutrition by submitting medical records documenting permanently nonfunctioning gastrointestinal tract per CMS LCD L38953 requirements.
04Billing team should reference detailed prior auth requirements on https://anthem.com/provider (Resources tab) or https://Availity.com for contracted providers.
05Train all relevant staff on new requirement and submission process via Availity Essentials or Provider Services contact.
If missed: Failure to obtain prior authorization will result in claim denials and delayed member access to medically necessary services.

Codes mentioned

B4164B4168B4172B4176B4178B4180B4185B4187B4189B4193B4197B4199B4216B4220B4222B4224B5000B5100B5200

Original notice

[New York] Precertification/prior authorization change to the parenteral nutrition codes listed
providernews.anthem.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
View original ↗

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