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UnitedHealthcareCommercial · Prior Auth · Prior authorization · Radiology, CardiologyMedium impact

New codes added to outpatient radiology prior authorization program

Act
by Sep 1, 2026
Effective date
Sep 1, 2026
Identified
Jun 3, 2026

Summary

Beginning September 1, 2026, UnitedHealthcare will add two new imaging codes (CPT 70471 and 75577) to their outpatient radiology prior authorization program. These additions affect commercial plans, Community Plans, Individual Exchange Plans, Oxford Plans, and Rocky Mountain Health Plans, but do not apply to Medicare Advantage or Dual Special Needs Plans.

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What to do

by Sep 1, 2026 · 3 steps
01Billing team must update prior authorization workflows to include CPT codes 70471 (CT angiography head/neck) and 75577 (coronary plaque analysis) for UnitedHealthcare commercial, Community, Exchange, Oxford, and Rocky Mountain plans.
02Update billing software to flag these codes for prior auth requirements.
03Note that emergency room, urgent care, observation unit, and inpatient services are exempt from this requirement.

Codes mentioned

7047175577

Original notice

New codes added to outpatient radiology prior authorization program
uhcprovider.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
View original ↗

Related changes

See all UnitedHealthcare changes →
New radiology and cardiology prior authorization codesMediumEffective Apr 1, 2026 · Network NewsNew radiology and cardiology prior authorization codesHighEffective Apr 1, 2026 · Prior authorization updatesBrowse every UnitedHealthcare change in the policy list

Related policy hubs

UnitedHealthcare policiesRadiologyCardiologyCode 70471Code 75577

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