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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode IslandCommercial · Coverage · Provider Update · RIHigh impact

COVID-19 Related Policy Updates Regarding the Public Health Emergency Ending

Act
by May 12, 2023
Effective date
May 12, 2023
Identified
Jun 19, 2026

Summary

BCBSRI is ending COVID-19 emergency policies with multiple effective dates starting May 12, 2023. Key changes include reinstating member cost-sharing for telemedicine codes 99211/99212, ending coverage for over-the-counter COVID tests without provider orders, and requiring referrals again for Medicare Advantage starting July 1, 2023.

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What to do

by May 12, 2023 · 3 steps
01Billing team must update system to apply member cost-sharing for CPT 99211 and 99212 telemedicine visits, stop billing U0003, U0004, U0005, G2023, and G2024 codes, and discontinue split preventative visits (99381-99397).
02By July 1, 2023: Ensure all Medicare Advantage referrals are obtained before scheduling as claims will be denied without proper authorization.
03By July 10, 2023: Stop billing CPT 99401CR as a separately reimbursable service.

Codes mentioned

9921199212994019938199382993839938499385993869938799391993929939399394993959939699397U0003U0004U0005G2023G2024

Original notice

COVID-19 Related Policy Updates Regarding the Public Health Emergency Ending
bcbsri.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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Related changes

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Related policy hubs

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island policiesRI policy changesCode 99211Code 99212Code 99401Code 99381Code 99382Code 99383Code 99384Code 99385Code 99386Code 99387Code 99391Code 99392Code 99393Code 99394Code 99395Code 99396Code 99397Code U0003Code U0004Code U0005Code G2023Code G2024

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