Prior Authorization Code Updates for Some Commercial Members, Effective April 1, 2022
Posted January 11, 2022
What’s Changing: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is changing prior authorization requirements that may apply to some commercial non-HMO members.
A summary of changes is as follows.
- April 1, 2022 – Addition of Musculoskeletal Current Procedural Terminology® (CPT) codes to be reviewed by AIM Specialty Health® (AIM)
- April 1, 2022 – Addition of Molecular Genetic Lab Testing codes to be reviewed by AIM
- April 1, 2022 – Removal of one Musculoskeletal code previously reviewed by AIM
- April 1, 2022 – Removal of Radiation Therapy/Radiation Oncology codes previously reviewed by AIM
- April 1, 2022 – Addition of Advanced Imaging /Radiology codes to be reviewed by AIM
More Information: Refer to the Utilization Management section for the updated procedure code lists. These are posted on the Prior Authorization Support Materials (Commercial) page.
Important Reminders
Always check eligibility and benefits first through the Availity® Provider Portal 
or your preferred vendor portal, prior to rendering services. This step will confirm prior authorization requirements and utilization management vendors, if applicable.
Even if prior authorization isn’t required for a commercial non-HMO member, you may still want to submit a voluntary predetermination request. This step can help avoid post-service medical necessity review. Checking eligibility and benefits can’t tell you when to request predetermination, since it’s optional. But there’s a Medical Policy Reference List 
on our Predetermination page to help you decide.
Services performed without required prior authorization or that do not meet medical necessity criteria may be denied for payment and the rendering provider may not seek reimbursement from the member.
CPT copyright 2021 American Medical Association (AMA). All rights reserved. CPT is a registered trademark of the AMA.
Checking eligibility and/or benefit information and/or obtaining prior authorization is not a guarantee of payment. Benefits will be determined once a claim is received and will be based upon, among other things, the member’s eligibility and the terms of the member’s certificate of coverage, including, but not limited to, exclusions and limitations applicable on the date services were rendered. If you have any questions, call the number on the member's ID card.
AIM Specialty Health (AIM) is an independent company that has contracted with BCBSIL to provide utilization management services for members with coverage through BCBSIL. Availity is a trademark of Availity, LLC, a separate company that operates a health information network to provide electronic information exchange services to medical professionals. Availity provides administrative services to BCBSIL. BCBSIL makes no endorsement, representations or warranties regarding any products or services provided by third party vendors.
