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MA09.004c, Contrast Agents Used in Conjunction with Echocardiography
Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
This is a reissue with no substantive changes to the contrast agents policy for echocardiography. The policy was reviewed and republished on 03/05/2025 as part of Independence Blue Cross's annual review process. Billing teams should verify their systems reflect the current coverage rules: contrast agents are separately reimbursable in office settings but included in facility procedure payments with no separate billing allowed.
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What to do
Action · 7 steps
01No immediate action required.
02This reissue confirms the existing policy position with no changes to coverage, billing, or documentation requirements.
03Billing teams should ensure their systems correctly reflect.
04Contrast agents billed to HCPCS codes A9700, Q9950, Q9955, Q9956, or Q9957 are separately reimbursable ONLY when administered in office settings by professional providers.
05Contrast agents administered in facility settings must NOT be billed separately as they are included in the facility procedure reimbursement.
06Medical necessity documentation from the provider's record must be available upon Company request.
07No system updates or workflow changes are necessary unless current processes deviate from these long-standing rules.
Codes mentioned
A9700Q9950Q9955Q9956Q9957
Original notice
MA09.004c, Contrast Agents Used in Conjunction with Echocardiography
medpolicy.ibx.com · Always check the source before changing claims.