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Genetic Testing Update Effective July 1, 2026
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska·NE · Oncology, Cardiology, Pediatrics +3 more·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jul 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska is implementing new genetic testing policies effective July 1, 2026, requiring preauthorization for oncology testing and specialty genetic testing. The update establishes specific medical necessity criteria for MRD testing via ctDNA for bladder and colorectal cancers, NTRK fusion analysis, and various cardiovascular and genetic condition tests.
Action Required
By July 1, 2026: Billing team must update systems to require preauthorization for all oncology molecular diagnostics (Policy V.60), multisystem genetic conditions testing (Policy V.62), and cardiovascular specialty testing (Policy V.66). Update encounter forms and EMR templates to include specific medical necessity criteria for MRD testing in bladder and colorectal cancers, NTRK fusion analysis, PIK3CA variant analysis, chromosomal microarray analysis, and cardiac troponin tests. Train providers on new documentation requirements. Claims without proper preauthorization will be denied.