CommercialBilling CodesMedium impact
Medical Policy Update for September 29, 2023
Blue Cross NC·NC · Neurology, Pain Management, Orthopedics +5 more·Medical Policy
Effective date
Oct 1, 2023
We identified it
Jun 16, 2026
Summary
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina updated multiple medical policies effective October 1, 2023, primarily adding new CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10 codes across various specialties. The most significant change is the relaxation of tobacco cessation requirements for lumbar spine fusion procedures.
Action Required
By October 1, 2023: Billing team must update billing software to include 30 new CPT/HCPCS/ICD-10 codes across multiple specialties including genetic testing, pain management, orthotics, and wound care. Update encounter forms to include new migraine codes G43.E01, G43.E09, G43.E11, G43.E19 for headache injection therapy. For lumbar spine procedures, remove tobacco cessation requirements from pre-surgical protocols - providers no longer need to obtain 6-week smoking cessation attestation but should still recommend cessation.