CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Update on Audio-Only Care and Reminder on Telemedicine Options
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield·VA, MD, DC·Dental
Effective date
Oct 1, 2023
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is ending coverage for audio-only telemedicine calls for fully insured Virginia members effective October 1, 2023, while maintaining coverage in Maryland and DC. Electronic messaging services using CPT codes 99421-99423 will be denied and cannot be billed to members.
Action Required
By October 1, 2023: Billing team must update system to deny/reject CPT codes 99421, 99422, and 99423 for CareFirst members as these electronic messaging claims will be denied and cannot be billed to patients. Verify member state (VA vs MD/DC) before scheduling audio-only telemedicine visits for fully insured CareFirst members. Update scheduling staff to offer audio-visual telemedicine as alternative.