Summary
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and BlueChoice HealthPlan released their July 2025 medical policy updates, which include mostly routine annual reviews with no changes to policy intent. However, three policies have actionable coding updates: CAM 701136 adds code C1735 (effective 01/01/2025), CAM 701149 adds 12 new amniotic membrane codes (effective immediately), and CAM 20219 updates code 93656 verbiage (effective 07/01/2025). Additionally, CAM 089 updates ICD-10 code Z1331 for anxiety/depression screening. Most other policies reflect evidence and reference updates only.
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What to do
Action · 10 steps
01REQUIREMENTS:
By 01/01/2025 (retroactive - URGENT):
- Billing team must add code C1735 to system for CAM 701136 (Radiofrequency Ablation of Renal Sympathetic Nerves).
02Update billing software claims validation and any templates referencing this procedure.
03Immediately (effective 07/29/2025):
- Billing team must add codes Q4368, Q4369, Q4370, Q4371, Q4372, Q4373, Q4375, Q4376, Q4377, Q4378, Q4379, Q4380, and Q4382 to billing system for CAM 701149 (Amniotic Membrane and Amniotic Fluid Injections).
04Update charge master and procedure lookup tables.
05- Medical coding staff must review CAM 20219 (Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation) and update internal documentation regarding code 93656 verbiage changes effective 07/01/2025 (NOTE: This date has already passed; ensure system reflects current 93656 requirements immediately).
06- Billing team must update screening encounter forms and claim submission processes to use ICD-10 code Z1331 for anxiety and depression screenings per CAM 089 updates.
07Other actions:
- Providers and clinical staff should review updated evidence summaries and rationale sections for affected procedures, particularly CAM 80161 (Focal Treatments for Prostate Cancer) and CAM 701118 (Surgical Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement) which have policy guideline clarifications.
08- Compliance team should verify that all policies are downloadable and accessible from www.SouthCarolinaBlues.com and www.BlueChoiceSC.com for provider reference.
09Consequences of inaction: Claims using new amniotic membrane codes or renal sympathetic nerve ablation without proper code updates will be denied or delayed.
10Incorrect screening codes will result in claim rejections and rework.
Codes mentioned
C1735Q4368Q4369Q4370Q4371Q4372Q4373Q4375Q4376Q4377Q4378Q4379Q4380Q438293656Z1331
Original notice
2025 July Medical Policy Updates
southcarolinablues.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
Related changes
See all BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina changes →2026 July Medical Policy UpdatesHighEffective Jul 1, 2026 · Medical Policy2025 March Medical Policy UpdatesMediumEffective Apr 1, 2025 · Medical Policy2025 September Medical Policy UpdatesMediumNo effective date · Medical Policy2025 October Medical Policy UpdatesMediumEffective Oct 1, 2025 · Medical PolicyBrowse every BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina change in the policy list
Related policy hubs
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina policiesSC policy changesCardiologyPain ManagementUrologyOrthopedicsGastroenterologyPhysical TherapySpeech TherapyOncologyNeurologyPulmonologyDermatologyPsychiatryCode C1735Code Q4368Code Q4369Code Q4370Code Q4371Code Q4372Code Q4373Code Q4375Code Q4376Code Q4377Code Q4378Code Q4379Code Q4380Code Q4382Code 93656Code Z1331