April 22, 2020

Making It Easier for Members to Access CT Chest Scans

With the rapidly evolving COVID-19 public health crisis, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is temporarily making it easier to access chest computed tomography (CT) services. This change gives our members access to the care they need during this public health emergency.

What’s new: As of March 2, 2020, providers who request prior authorization for chest CT scans with a COVID-19 diagnosis will receive an approval for benefits without the need for clinical documentation. To help ensure that the request is approved, providers must use the proper CPT codes and the associated diagnosis codes for COVID-19 when requesting prior authorization.

We are also temporarily waiving the member requirement to notify us when they are scheduled to have a chest CT scan.

Applies to:

This does not apply to BCBSIL members with an HMO benefit plan.

We will evaluate the need to extend the temporary accommodation past April 30, 2020, closer to that date.