← Back to list
09.00.11e, Contrast Agents Used in Conjunction with Echocardiography
Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross reissued Policy 09.00.11e with no substantive changes to contrast agent coverage for echocardiography. The policy confirms that contrast agents are covered in office settings with separate reimbursement eligibility, but are bundled into facility-setting procedure reimbursement with no separate billing allowed. This is a routine annual review reissue with the same coverage intent as the original 2021 policy.
Get alerts when payers change rules like this one
We check Independence Blue Cross and other payers every day and email you when a change matches your specialty and state.
Get Independence Blue Cross alertsPolicy Monitoring is free. No card required.
What to do
Action · 7 steps
01No immediate action required.
02This is a reissue with no changes to policy content or coverage rules.
03Billing team should verify that current billing practices align with existing policy.
04For office-based echocardiography with contrast, bill contrast agent codes (A9700, Q9950, Q9955, Q9956, Q9957) separately for reimbursement consideration.
05For facility-based echocardiography with contrast, do NOT bill contrast agents separately—these are included in the facility procedure reimbursement.
06Confirm that billing system rules and provider training materials reflect this distinction.
07No system updates or workflow changes are necessary unless current processes deviate from these established guidelines.
Codes mentioned
A9700Q9950Q9955Q9956Q9957
Original notice
09.00.11e, Contrast Agents Used in Conjunction with Echocardiography
medpolicy.ibx.com · Always check the source before changing claims.