CommercialBilling CodesHigh impact
Medical Policy Update for September 13, 2022
Blue Cross NC·NC · Oncology, Hematology, Gastroenterology +3 more·Medical Policy
Effective date
Sep 13, 2022
We identified it
Jun 16, 2026
Summary
Blue Cross NC updated 24 medical policies on September 13, 2022, with significant changes to genetic testing coverage criteria, billing code additions/removals, and new coverage for chromosomal microarray testing for CNS tumors. Key billing code changes include removal of CPT 81401, 81404, 81479, and 84540, plus addition of codes 82705 and S3708.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must update system to remove CPT codes 81401, 81404, 81479, 84540, and 87623 from covered services. Add new codes 82705 and S3708 to billing system. Update flow cytometry billing rules for CPT 88187-88189 to limit to 2 specimens per date of service and one unit per specimen, with no combination billing allowed. Review genetic testing authorization requirements for updated coverage criteria, especially chromosomal microarray testing which now covers CNS tumors but excludes co-testing with low-pass WGS.