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Noninvasive Imaging Techniques for Evaluation and Monitoring of Chronic Liver Diseases
BCBS Tennessee·Gastroenterology, Radiology, Internal Medicine +1 more·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jul 31, 2026
We identified it
Jun 17, 2026
Summary
New policy establishes coverage criteria for noninvasive liver imaging techniques. FibroScan (transient elastography) is medically necessary for chronic liver disease evaluation. MRE (magnetic resonance elastography) is medically necessary only for specific chronic liver disease cases when strict criteria are met. All other noninvasive liver imaging techniques are considered investigational.
Action Required
Before July 31, 2026: Billing team must update prior authorization requirements for liver elastography procedures. Ensure FibroScan claims for chronic liver disease are processed as medically necessary. For MRE claims, verify medical appropriateness criteria are met: chronic liver disease with either MASLD with suspected fibrosis/cirrhosis, OR other chronic liver disease with BMI ≥30 or when FibroScan unavailable/contraindicated. Flag all other elastography techniques (ARFI, real-time elastography, multiparametric MRI) as investigational and likely to be denied.