New radiology and cardiology prior authorization codes
AI Summary
UnitedHealthcare is adding new CPT codes to their radiology and cardiology prior authorization programs effective April 1, 2026. This includes 5 radiology codes for advanced brain imaging and nuclear cardiology, plus 8 cardiology codes for leadless pacemaker procedures.
Action Required
By April 1, 2026: Billing team must update prior authorization systems to require approval for CPT codes 70472, 70473, 0865T, 0866T, 0742T, 0795T, 0796T, 0797T, 0801T, 0802T, 0803T, 33274, 0823T, and 0825T for all UnitedHealthcare commercial, Community, Individual Exchange, and Rocky Mountain Health Plans. Update encounter forms and EMR templates to alert providers. Note: Oxford Health Plans exempt from cardiology codes. Claims will be denied without prior authorization.
Affected Billing Codes
Plan Types
Commercial
Specialties
radiology, cardiology, diagnostic-imaging, nuclear-medicine