Posted in #unitedhealthcare, Training, Updates

UHC Commercial Plan: new prenatal ultrasound policy -2022

As of 06/01/2022- UHC announced a new prenatal ultrasound policy for the year 2022. The reimbursement for this policy will be determined post-service, with pre-pay based on the following:

  1. The first 3 prenatal ultrasounds are going to be covered and medical necessary: CPT® codes 76801, 76802, 76805, 76810, 76811, 76812, 76815, 76816 and 76817
  2. 4 or more ultrasounds will be considered proven and medically necessary for high-risk pregnancies, as described in the policy, when the treating provider will make therapeutic determinations based upon the results.

This policy applies towards professional services billed on HCFA1500 form and performed in POS 11 and 22.


This policy doesn’t apply to:

  • Prenatal ultrasounds rendered in an emergency room
  • Outpatient observation care
  • Inpatient hospital setting

Charging patients for NON-COVERED services:

Please note, you’ll need to get written consent prior to the service if you bill patients for services denied for lack of medical necessity. Patient consent will need an estimate of the charges and a statement of the reason you believe the service may not be covered. See the “Charging members for non-covered services” protocol in the UnitedHealthcare care provider administrative guide.”


Please click here to review the new  obstetrical ultrasound medical policy


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Posted in MVP (NY/VT) Insurance Payer, Training, Updates

MVP-Vermont Providers: Audio-only (telehealth) code reimbursement changes 2022

This blog applies to providers that accept MVP members and practice in Vermont.

This blog post addresses AUDIO ONLY CODES!

Effective 01/01/2022- Providers can continue to bill audio only codes, using telephone-only evaluation and management codes: 99441, 99442, 99443. These codes do not require a modifier.

However, the audio only codes that are EQUIVALENT to IN-Person visit, using audio-only must be billed with:

1.Modifier V3 – in-person services AND

2. Place of Service has to be 99 (OTHER)


Reimbursement Changes effective 03/01/2022:

1.Claims for in-person covered services performed via audio-only will be allowed at 75% of the medical provider contracted rate.

2.Behavioral Health Providers billing codes for in person covered services performed via audio[1]only will be reimbursed as outlined in their contract.


PLEASE NOTE: Other telehealth services should be provided in accordance with and billed following the guidelines outlined in the MVP Telehealth Payment Policy.


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Posted in #Medicareadvantage, #unitedhealthcare, Training, Updates

UHC Commercial and Exchange Plans: update to Radiology Prior Auth List

As of December 1,2021 the following codes will be added to the radiology prior authorization list. These codes will require an authorization for DOS 12/01/2021 and thereafter.

The prior authorization for these codes WILL NOT APPLY TO The following situations: if the advanced imaging is done in-

  • Emergency room
  • Urgent care center
  • Observation unit
  • Inpatient stay

In case you missed it:

In June 2021, UHC also added more Radiology and Cardiology codes on the Prior Authorization List. These codes apply to UnitedHealthCare Community Plan, Medicare Advantage, commercial and exchange Plans


For complete details on the radiology protocol, refer to the current UnitedHealthcare Administrative Guide


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