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Blue Cross & Blue Shield of MississippiAll Plans · Billing Codes · Medical Policy · Radiology, Neurology, ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)Medium impact

Computed Tomography (CAT Scan) and Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA) of the Head and Neck

Effective date
Oct 1, 2026
Identified
Jun 20, 2026

Summary

CT of the head or brain is considered medically necessary for listed indications such as stroke, transient ischemia attack, suspected subarachnoid hemorrhage, headache, seizure and trauma. CTA of the head and neck is considered medically necessary for listed indications including arterial and venous aneurysm, subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic injuries to arteries and veins, and pre-treatment planning of acute stroke intervention, and CT or CTA of the head and neck is not medically necessary for screening of asymptomatic patients. The code reference update dated 10/01/2026 added ICD-10 codes J34.830, J34.831, J34.832, J34.833, J34.839, M86.8X80, M86.8X81, M86.8X89 and QA1.792, and CPT 70471 for CTA of the head and neck was added on 01/01/2026.

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What to do

Action · 5 steps
01Already effective 2026-10-01: Billing team: Check that CT and CTA of the head and neck claims use the codes in the policy's code reference, including the newer codes J34.830, J34.831, J34.832, J34.833, J34.839, M86.8X80, M86.8X81, M86.8X89, QA1.792 and CPT 70471.
02Bill these services only for the indications listed in the policy, since the codes are medically necessary only when performed according to the Policy section.
03Confirm that every network provider billing the technical component of the CT is accredited in CT by the IAC, ACR or RadSite.
04Do not bill head and neck CT or CTA performed for screening in asymptomatic patients, which the policy considers not medically necessary.
05Check current applicability before relying on this version.

Codes mentioned

70471J34.830J34.831J34.832J34.833J34.839M86.8X80M86.8X81M86.8X89

Original notice

Computed Tomography (CAT Scan) and Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA) of the Head and Neck
bcbsms.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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Related changes

See all Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi changes →
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Orbit, Face, Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and NeckMediumEffective Oct 1, 2026 · Medical PolicyMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the SpineMediumEffective Oct 1, 2026 · Medical PolicyComputed Tomography (CAT Scan) of the Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar SpineMediumNo effective date · Medical PolicyComputed Tomography (CAT Scan) and Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA) of the Chest and ThoraxMediumNo effective date · Medical PolicyBrowse every Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi change in the policy list

Related policy hubs

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi policiesRadiologyNeurologyENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)Code 70471Code J34.830Code J34.831Code J34.832Code J34.833Code J34.839Code M86.8X80Code M86.8X81Code M86.8X89

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