Summary
Select Health is implementing four new policies and revising ten existing medical policies effective March 2026, with a critical new non-coverage policy for Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis taking effect April 2, 2026. A new coding editing system launching in Q2 2026 will enforce stricter CMS-aligned coding standards, and updated guidelines for Vitamin D and Free T3 laboratory testing require immediate billing practice adjustments to prevent claim denials.
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What to do
Action · 8 steps
01REQUIREMENTS: Immediate (by March 15, 2026): Billing team must review and implement updated Vitamin D 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and Free T3 laboratory testing guidelines in the Laboratory Utilization Policies booklet to ensure correct code selection for all laboratory service claims.
02Update billing software coding rules to enforce CPT 81479 (Unlisted molecular pathology procedure) for multianalyte tests performed via single wet-lab procedure when no specific panel code exists.
03By April 2, 2026: All staff must apply the new non-coverage policy for Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis (Policy #700)—stop billing this service for commercial plans and prepare denial protocols.
04Before Q2 2026 launch: Billing team must audit current coding practices to ensure compliance with CMS requirements and established coding guidelines, specifically verifying correct modifiers, unit reporting, and diagnosis-to-procedure code mapping.
05WHO: Billing team and coding staff must implement all changes; providers must be notified of non-coverage.
06WHERE: Update billing software, encounter forms, and laboratory service coding rules.
07Reference Coding/Reimbursement Policy CR-100 for detailed guidance.
08CONSEQUENCES: Failure to comply with correct coding standards will result in claim denials and rework; non-covered services billed after April 2, 2026 will be denied.
Codes mentioned
81479
Original notice
Policy Update Bulletin (March 2026)
selecthealth.org · Always check the source before changing claims.