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Prior Authorization Changes: One Code Added and Nine Removed

Highmark·PA, NY, DE, WV · Vascular Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Radiology·Coding
Effective date
Sep 1, 2026
We identified it
Aug 28, 2026
Days to comply

Summary

Effective September 1, 2026, nine surgery codes (five vascular and four cardiac) will be removed from Highmark's prior authorization requirement list. Separately, effective November 1, 2026, imaging code 70471 (CT angiography of head and neck) will be added to the prior authorization requirement list across all lines of business.

Action Required

Action needed
DEADLINE: By August 15, 2026 – Billing team must update prior authorization workflows to REMOVE requirements for CPT codes 35301, 37215, 37216, 37217, 37218, 92937, 92943, 92920, and 92928. These vascular and cardiac surgery codes no longer require prior auth effective September 1, 2026. Update billing system rules, EMR templates, and provider alerts. DEADLINE: By October 15, 2026 – Billing team must update prior authorization workflows to ADD CPT code 70471 (CT angiography, head and neck with contrast) to the prior authorization requirement list, effective November 1, 2026. Update billing system, payer verification tools, and front desk check-in procedures. Ensure all claims for removed codes after Sept 1 are billed without auth requests to avoid payment delays. Ensure all claims for code 70471 on or after Nov 1 include prior authorization or will face denial.

Affected Billing Codes

70471
35301
37215
37216
37217
37218
92937
92943
92920
92928