CommercialBilling CodesHigh impact
2026 February Medical Policy Updates
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina·SC · Radiology, Oncology, Dermatology +8 more·Medical Policy
Effective date
Feb 1, 2026
We identified it
Aug 20, 2026
Summary
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and BlueChoice HealthPlan released February 2026 medical policy updates affecting 50+ policies. Most are annual reviews with no coverage intent changes but updated clinical evidence. Key changes include: Remote Electrical Neuromodulation for Migraines upgraded from investigational to medically necessary with criteria; CPT code corrections (0662T/0663T for chemotherapy-induced alopecia); new CPT code 87626 for cervical cancer screening; new virtual colonoscopy screening policy (CAM 402); and multiple imaging policies updated for clarity.
Action Required
REQUIREMENTS:
1. IMMEDIATE - Billing Team: Update billing system to reflect CPT code corrections:
- Replace deprecated codes 0062T and 0063T with corrected codes 0662T and 0663T for hypothermia to prevent/reduce hair loss during chemotherapy (CAM 152). Claims submitted with old codes will be denied.
- Remove CPT 0500T from all cervical cancer screening claims (effective 01/01/2025 retroactive); replace with new CPT 87626 per CAM 094 and CAM 089.
- Add new CPT 87494 for STI diagnostic testing per CAM 209 (effective 01/01/2026).
2. IMMEDIATE - Billing Team: Update imaging billing rules in system:
- Remove CPT 71271 (lung cancer screening chest CT) from coverage rules per CAM 750 update; verify lung cancer screening is now billed under CAM 391 only.
- For cerebral perfusion analysis CT (CAM 760): Delete CPT 0042T, add CPT 70473 to billing system.
3. BY MARCH 15, 2026 - Providers & Billing Team: Document medical necessity criteria for Remote Electrical Neuromodulation for Migraines (CAM 701171):
- This procedure changed from investigational to medically necessary with specific criteria.
- Update encounter templates and prior authorization workflows to capture required clinical documentation.
- Implement prior auth requirement in billing system for this service; claims without documented criteria will be denied.
4. BY MARCH 15, 2026 - Billing Team: Activate new virtual colonoscopy screening policy (CAM 402):
- Update billing software to recognize new screening colonoscopy code/indication separate from diagnostic colonoscopy (CAM 723).
- Per CAM 723 update: diagnostic colonoscopy follow-up for 1-2 polyps 6-9mm now covered (previously not specified); update imaging indication rules.
5. ONGOING - Providers: Review updated imaging policies (CAM 700, 705, 713, 715, 749, 750, 754) for clarity changes that may affect documentation and prior auth submissions:
- Multiple CT and CTA policies restructured for consistency; ensure clinical notes match updated indication categories.
- Failure to align documentation with new policy categories may result in claim denials or rework.
6. Reference: Visit www.SouthCarolinaBlues.com and www.BlueChoiceSC.com for complete policy text before billing; incomplete implementation of these changes will result in claim processing delays and denials.