Medical policy prior updates | Blue Shield of CA Provider

Read about the medical policy changes for 2023. You can also see the latest medical policy changes for 2024.

	Policy Title – December 1, 2023	Policy#	Status
1	Genetic testing: Eye disorders	BSC_CON_2.20	New
2	Genetic testing: General approach to genetic and molecular testing	BSC_CON_2.27	New
3	Genetic testing: Immune, autoimmune, and rheumatoid disorders	BSC_CON_2.21	New
4	Genetic testing: Lung disorders	BSC_CON_2.23	New
5	Genetic testing: Skeletal dysplasia and rare bone disorders	BSC_CON_2.26	New
6	Oncology: Cytogenetic testing	BSC_CON_2.11	New
7	Suture button suspensionplasty fixation system for thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis	7.01.176	New
8	Home non-Invasive positive airway pressure devices for the treatment of respiratory insufficiency and failure	8.01.64	Major update
9	Microwave tumor ablation	7.01.133	Major update
10	Transcranial magnetic stimulation as a treatment of depression and other psychiatric/neurologic disorders	2.01.50	Major update
11	Treatment of varicose veins/venous insufficiency	7.01.124	Major update
12	Absorbable nasal implant for treatment of nasal valve collapse	7.01.163	Minor update
13	Bioengineered skin and soft tissue substitutes	7.01.113	Admin update
14	Biventricular pacemakers (cardiac resynchronization therapy) for the treatment of heart failure	2.02.10	Admin update
15	Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome	2.01.18	Admin update
16	Digital health therapies for substance use disorders	5.01.35	Archived
17	Endovascular stent grafts for disorders of the thoracic aorta	7.01.86	Minor update
18	Evaluation of biomarkers for Alzheimer disease	2.04.14	Minor update
19	General approach to evaluating the utility of genetic panels	2.04.92	Archived
20	General approach to genetic testing	2.04.91	Archived
21	Genetic cancer susceptibility panels using next-generation sequencing	2.04.93	Minor update
22	Genetic testing for Alzheimer disease	2.04.13	Minor update
23	Genetic testing for developmental delay/intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and congenital anomalies	2.04.59	Minor update
24	Genetic testing for Lynch syndrome and other inherited colon cancer syndromes	2.04.08	Minor update
25	Injectable bulking agents for the treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence	7.01.19	Minor update
26	Knee arthroplasty for adults	BSC7.10	Minor update
27	Knee arthroscopy in knee osteoarthritis	BSC7.16	Minor update
28	Laboratory tests post transplant and for heart failure	2.01.68	Minor update
29	Magnetic resonance spectroscopy	6.01.24	Minor update
30	Medical management of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome	8.01.67	Admin update
31	Miscellaneous (noncardiac, nononcologic) applications of fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography	6.01.06	Minor update
32	Multibiomarker disease activity blood test for rheumatoid arthritis	2.04.119	Archived
33	Quantitative electroencephalography as a diagnostic aid for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder	3.01.03	Minor update
34	Radiofrequency ablation of the renal sympathetic nerves as a treatment for uncontrolled hypertension	7.01.136	Minor update
35	Remote electrical neuromodulation for migraines	7.01.171	Minor update
36	Selected positron emission tomography technologies for evaluation of Alzheimer disease	6.01.55	Minor update
37	Surgical treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome	7.01.101	Admin update

Please Note:

California Senate Bill 535 (“SB 535”) mandates that health plans are not to require prior authorization for either of the following services:

Biomarker testing for an enrollee or insured with advanced metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer, or
Biomarker testing for cancer progression or recurrence in the enrollee or insured with advanced or metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer.

Blue Shield of California has removed prior authorization for biomarker testing services. Compliance with SB 535 is required for Blue Shield’s delegated provider organizations, in cases where the organization is financially responsible for those services.

For more coverage information, we encourage you to review our applicable medical or medication policies and benefits online at blueshieldca.com/provider.

	Policy Title – November 1, 2023	Policy#	Status
1	Endobronchial ultrasound for diagnosis and staging of lung cancer	6.01.58	New
2	Ovarian and internal iliac vein endovascular occlusion as a treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome	4.01.18	New
3	Percutaneous and subcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation	7.01.106	New
4	Radioactive seed localization of nonpalpable breast lesions	6.01.57	New
5	Thermography	6.01.12	New
6	Whole body dual X-ray absorptiometry to determine body composition	6.01.40	New
7	Ablation of peripheral nerves to treat pain	7.01.154	Minor update
8	Amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid	7.01.149	Admin coding
9	Aqueous shunts and stents for glaucoma	9.03.21	Minor update
10	Balloon dilation of the eustachian tube	7.01.158	Minor update
11	Bone mineral density studies	6.01.01	Minor update
12	Cardiac applications of positron emission tomography scanning	6.01.20	Minor update
13	Cardiovascular risk panels	2.04.100	Admin coding
14	Computed tomography perfusion imaging of the brain	6.01.49	Minor update
15	Cryosurgical ablation of primary or metastatic liver tumors	7.01.75	Minor update
16	Dynamic spinal visualization and vertebral motion analysis	6.01.46	Minor update
17	Evaluation of biomarkers for Alzheimer disease	2.04.14	Admin coding
18	Focal treatments for prostate cancer	8.01.61	Minor update
19	Functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain	6.01.47	Minor update
20	Genetic testing for diagnosis and management of mental health conditions	2.04.110	Admin coding
21	Genetic testing for mitochondrial disorders	2.04.117	Minor update
22	Germline and somatic biomarker testing (including liquid biopsy) for targeted treatment in ovarian cancer (BRCA1, BRCA2, homologous recombination deficiency)	2.04.156	Minor update
23	Germline genetic testing for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer syndrome and other high-risk cancers (BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2)	2.04.02	Minor update
24	Identification of microorganisms using nucleic acid probes	2.04.10	Admin coding
25	Interim positron emission tomography scanning in oncology to detect early response during treatment	6.01.51	Minor update
26	Islet transplantation for chronic pancreatitis and donislecel-jujn for type 1 diabetes	7.03.12	Minor update
27	Lower limb prostheses	BSC1.01	Admin coding
28	Magnetic resonance imaging for detection and diagnosis of breast cancer	6.01.29	Minor update
29	Myocardial sympathetic innervation imaging in patients with heart failure	6.01.56	Minor update
30	Oncologic applications of positron emission tomography scanning	6.01.26	Minor update
31	Oncology: Algorithmic (genetic expression) testing	BSC_CON_2.05	Admin coding
32	Oncology: Circulating Ttmor DNA and circulating tumor cells (liquid biopsy)	BSC_CON_2.10	Admin coding
33	Oncology: Molecular analysis of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies	BSC_CON_2.04	Admin coding
34	Positional magnetic resonance imaging	6.01.48	Minor update
35	Radiofrequency ablation of miscellaneous solid tumors excluding liver tumors	7.01.95	Minor update
36	Scintimammography and gamma imaging of the breast and axilla	6.01.18	Minor update
37	Stationary ultrasonic diathermy devices	7.01.174	Admin coding
38	Synthetic cartilage implants for joint pain	7.01.160	Minor update
39	Vertebral fracture assessment with densitometry	6.01.44	Minor update
40	Virtual colonoscopy/computed tomography colonography	6.01.32	Minor update

Please Note:

California Senate Bill 535 (“SB 535”) mandates that health plans are not to require prior authorization for either of the following services:

Biomarker testing for an enrollee or insured with advanced metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer, or
Biomarker testing for cancer progression or recurrence in the enrollee or insured with advanced or metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer.

Blue Shield of California has removed prior authorization for biomarker testing services. Compliance with SB 535 is required for Blue Shield’s delegated provider organizations, in cases where the organization is financially responsible for those services.

For more coverage information, we encourage you to review our applicable medical or medication policies and benefits online at blueshieldca.com/provider.

	Policy Title – October 1, 2023	Policy#	Status
1	Bariatric surgery	7.01.47	Major update
2	Composite tissue allotransplantation of the hand and face	7.03.13	New
3	Magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy of the prostate	7.01.152	New
4	Periureteral bulking agents as a treatment of vesicoureteral reflux	7.01.102	New
5	Prostatic urethral lift	7.01.151	New
6	Allogeneic pancreas transplant	7.03.02	Minor update
7	Biofeedback as a treatment of urinary incontinence in adults	2.01.27	Minor update
8	Digital health technologies for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder	3.03.03	Minor update
9	Digital health technologies: Diagnostic applications	3.03.01	Minor update
10	Facet joint denervation	7.01.116	Archived
11	Gender affirmation surgery	BSC7.02	Admin coding
12	Gene expression profile testing and circulating tumor DNA testing for predicting recurrence in colon cancer	2.04.61	Minor update
13	Gene expression profiling for cutaneous melanoma	2.04.146	Archived
14	Genetic testing for macular degeneration	2.04.103	Archived
15	Germline genetic testing for gene variants associated with breast cancer in individuals at high breast cancer risk (CHEK2, ATM, and BARD1)	2.04.126	Minor update
16	Germline genetic testing for hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (CDH1, CTNNA1)	2.04.154	Minor update
17	Germline genetic testing for ovarian cancer risk (BRIP1, RAD51C, RAD51D, NBN)	2.04.149	Minor update
18	Heart transplant	7.03.09	Minor update
19	Heart/lung transplant	7.03.08	Minor update
20	Hip arthroplasty for adults	BSC7.11	Minor update
21	Isolated small bowel transplant	7.03.04	Minor update
22	Kidney transplant	7.03.01	Minor update
23	Liver transplant and combined liver-kidney transplant	7.03.06	Minor update
24	Lung and lobar lung transplant	7.03.07	Minor update
25	Lung volume reduction surgery for severe emphysema	7.01.71	Minor update
26	Magnetoencephalography/magnetic source imaging	BSC6.05	Minor update
27	Medical cannabis for the treatment of pain and spasticity	5.01.32	Archived
28	Non-invasive positive airway pressure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease	8.01.64	Minor update
29	Pelvic floor stimulation as a treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence	1.01.17	Minor update
30	Remote electrical neuromodulation for migraine	7.01.171	Minor update
31	Reproductive techniques	4.02.04	Minor update
32	Small bowel/liver and multivisceral transplant	7.03.05	Minor update
33	Surgical left atrial appendage occlusion devices for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation	7.01.172	Minor update
34	Total artificial hearts and implantable ventricular assist devices	7.03.11	Minor update
35	Uterus transplantation for absolute uterine factor infertility	4.02.06	Minor update
36	Whole gland cryoablation of prostate cancer	7.01.79	Minor update

Please Note:

California Senate Bill 535 (“SB 535”) mandates that health plans are not to require prior authorization for either of the following services:

Biomarker testing for an enrollee or insured with advanced metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer, or
Biomarker testing for cancer progression or recurrence in the enrollee or insured with advanced or metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer.

Blue Shield of California has removed prior authorization for biomarker testing services. Compliance with SB 535 is required for Blue Shield’s delegated provider organizations, in cases where the organization is financially responsible for those services.

For more coverage information, we encourage you to review our applicable medical or medication policies and benefits online at blueshieldca.com/provider.

	Policy Title – September 1, 2023	Policy#	Status
1	Oncology: Molecular analysis of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies	BSC_CON_2.04	Major update
2	Automated ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for diagnosis of hypertension in patients with elevated office blood pressure	1.01.02	New
3	Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy	7.01.122	New
4	Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for select intra-abdominal and pelvic malignancies	2.03.07	New
5	Multicancer early detection testing	2.04.158	New
6	Neurofeedback	2.01.28	New
7	Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, percutaneous neuromodulation therapy, and restorative neurostimulation therapy	7.01.29	New
8	Proteogenomic testing for patients with cancer	2.04.140	New
9	Risk-reducing mastectomy	7.01.09	New
10	Tumor treating fields therapy	1.01.29	New
11	Brachytherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer using permanently implanted seeds	8.01.14	Minor update
12	Cellular immunotherapy for prostate cancer	8.01.53	Minor update
13	Continuous glucose monitoring	1.01.20	Admin update
14	Cryoablation of tumors located in the kidney, lung, breast, pancreas, or bone	7.01.92	Minor update
15	Elective invasive coronary angiography (ICA)	BSC2.13	Minor update
16	Elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)	BSC6.02	Minor update
17	Electronic brachytherapy for nonmelanoma skin cancer	8.01.62	Minor update
18	Endobronchial brachytherapy	8.03.11	Minor update
19	Genetic testing for diagnosis and management of mental health conditions	2.04.110	Minor update
20	Genotype-guided tamoxifen treatment	2.04.51	Minor update
21	Intensity-modulated radiotherapy of the breast and lung	8.01.46	Admin coding
22	Intensity-modulated radiotherapy of the prostate	8.01.47	Admin coding
23	Intensity-modulated radiotherapy: Abdomen, pelvis and chest	8.01.49	Admin coding
24	Intensity-modulated radiotherapy: Cancer of the head and neck or thyroid	8.01.48	Admin coding
25	Intensity-modulated radiotherapy: Central nervous system tumors	8.01.59	Admin coding
26	Intracavitary balloon catheter brain brachytherapy for malignant gliomas or metastasis to the brain	8.01.45	Minor update
27	Intraoperative radiotherapy	8.01.08	Minor update
28	Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound	7.01.109	Minor update
29	Oncologic applications of photodynamic ttherapy, including Barrett esophagus	8.01.06	Minor update
30	Radioembolization for primary and metastatic tumors of the liver	8.01.43	Minor update
31	Radiofrequency ablation of primary or metastatic liver tumors	7.01.91	Minor update
32	Saturation biopsy for diagnosis, staging, and management of prostate cancer	7.01.121	Minor update
33	Serologic genetic and molecular screening for colorectal cancer	2.04.150	Minor update
34	Stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiotherapy	6.01.10	Admin coding
35	Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization to treat primary or metastatic liver malignancies	8.01.11	Minor update
36	Treatment of varicose veins/venous insufficiency	7.01.124	Admin coding

Please Note:

California Senate Bill 535 (“SB 535”) mandates that health plans are not to require prior authorization for either of the following services:

Biomarker testing for an enrollee or insured with advanced metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer, or
Biomarker testing for cancer progression or recurrence in the enrollee or insured with advanced or metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer.

Blue Shield of California has removed prior authorization for biomarker testing services. Compliance with SB 535 is required for Blue Shield’s delegated provider organizations, in cases where the organization is financially responsible for those services.

For more coverage information, we encourage you to review our applicable medical or medication policies and benefits online at blueshieldca.com/provider.

	Policy Title – August 1, 2023	Policy#	Status
1	Cytochrome P450 genotype-guided treatment strategy	2.04.38	Major update
2	Autonomic nervous system testing	2.01.96	New
3	Closure devices for patent foramen ovale and atrial septal defects	2.02.09	New
4	Electromyography and nerve conduction studies	2.01.95	New
5	Endovascular stent grafts for abdominal aortic aneurysms	7.01.67	New
6	Gene expression profiling for cutaneous melanoma	2.04.146	New
7	Genetic testing for alpha thalassemia	2.04.104	New
8	Genetic testing for Rett syndrome	2.04.81	New
9	Home cardiorespiratory monitoring	1.01.06	New
10	Low level laser therapy	2.01.56	New
11	Oncology: Algorithmic (genetic expression) testing	BSC_CON_2.05	New
12	Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure devices for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation	2.02.26	New
13	Polysomnography for non-respiratory sleep disorders	2.01.99	New
14	Progenitor cell therapy for the treatment of damaged myocardium due to ischemia	2.02.18	New
15	Serum biomarker panel testing for systemic lupus erythematosus and other connective tissue diseases	2.04.123	New
16	Transurethral water vapor thermal therapy and transurethral water jet ablation (aquablation) for benign prostatic hypertrophy	2.01.49	New
17	Actigraphy	2.01.73	Minor update
18	Amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid	7.01.149	Admin coding
19	Assays of genetic expression in tumor tissue as a technique to determine prognosis in atients with breast cancer	2.04.36	Archived
20	Autologous platelet-derived growth factors for wound healing and other non-orthopedic conditions	2.01.16	Admin coding
21	Bariatric surgery	7.01.47	Minor update
22	Biventricular pacemakers (cardiac resynchronization therapy) for the treatment of heart failure	2.02.10	Admin coding
23	Bronchial thermoplasty	7.01.127	Minor update
24	Bronchial valves	7.01.128	Minor update
25	Cardiac hemodynamic monitoring for the management of heart failure in the outpatient setting	2.02.24	Minor update
26	Cardiovascular risk panels	2.04.100	Admin coding
27	Cognitive rehabilitation	8.03.10	Admin coding
28	Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome	2.01.18	Minor update
29	Drug testing in pain management and substance use disorder treatment	2.04.98	Admin coding
30	Dry hydrotherapy for chronic pain conditions	2.01.105	Minor update
31	Endovascular stent grafts for disorders of the thoracic aorta	7.01.86	Minor Update
32	Evaluation of biomarkers for Alzheimer disease	2.04.14	Admin coding
33	External insulin infusion pump	BSC1.03	Minor update
34	Extracorporeal shock wave treatment for plantar fasciitis and other musculoskeletal conditions	2.01.40	Minor update
35	Gene expression profiling and protein biomarkers for prostate cancer management	2.04.111	Archived
36	Gene expression-based assays for cancers of unknown primary	2.04.54	Archived
37	General approach to genetic testing	2.04.91	Admin coding
38	Genetic and protein biomarkers for the diagnosis and cancer risk assessment of prostate cancer	2.04.33	Archived
39	Genetic testing: Preimplantation genetic testing	BSC_CON_2.03	Admin coding
40	Genetic testing: Prenatal and preconception carrier screening	BSC_CON_2.07	Admin coding
41	Genotype-guided Warfarin dosing	2.04.48	Minor update
42	Hyperbaric oxygen therapy	2.01.04	Minor update
43	Identification of microorganisms using nucleic acid probes	2.04.10	Minor update
44	Interferential current stimulation	1.01.24	Minor update
45	Lung volume reduction surgery for severe emphysema	7.01.71	Minor update
46	Maternal serum biomarkers for prediction of adverse obstetric outcomes	2.04.152	Admin coding
47	Medical cannabis for the treatment of pain and spasticity	5.01.32	Minor update
48	Medical management of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome	8.01.67	Minor update
49	Minimally invasive ablation procedures for Morton and other peripheral neuromas	7.01.147	Minor update
50	Molecular testing in the management of pulmonary nodules	2.04.142	Archived
51	Multibiomarker disease activity blood test for rheumatoid arthritis	2.04.119	Minor update
52	Multimarker serum testing related to ovarian cancer	2.04.62	Archived
53	Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation	2.01.90	Minor update
54	Oscillatory devices for the treatment of cystic fibrosis and other respiratory conditions	1.01.15	Minor update
55	Paraspinal surface electromyography to evaluate and monitor back pain	2.01.35	Minor update
56	Quantitative sensory testing	2.01.39	Minor update
57	Reconstructive breast surgery/management of breast	7.01.22	Minor update
58	Surgical treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome	7.01.101	Minor update
59	Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation	7.01.131	Minor update
60	Treatment of hyperhidrosis	8.01.19	Minor update

Please Note:

California Senate Bill 535 (“SB 535”) mandates that health plans are not to require prior authorization for either of the following services:

Biomarker testing for an enrollee or insured with advanced metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer, or
Biomarker testing for cancer progression or recurrence in the enrollee or insured with advanced or metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer.

Blue Shield of California has removed prior authorization for biomarker testing services. Compliance with SB 535 is required for Blue Shield’s delegated provider organizations, in cases where the organization is financially responsible for those services.

For more coverage information, we encourage you to review our applicable medical or medication policies and benefits online at blueshieldca.com/provider.

	Policy Title – July 1, 2023	Policy#	Status
1	Biventricular pacemakers (cardiac resynchronization therapy) for the treatment of heart failure	2.02.10	Major update
2	Implantable cardioverter defibrillators	7.01.44	Major update
3	Oncology: Molecular analysis of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies	BSC_CON_2.04	Major update
4	Coronary computed tomography angiography with selective noninvasive fractional flow reserve	6.01.59	New
5	Dry needling of trigger points for myofascial pain	2.01.100	New
6	Electrical bone growth stimulation of the appendicular skeleton	7.01.07	New
7	Electrical stimulation of the spine as an adjunct to spinal fusion procedures	7.01.85	New
8	Genetic testing for hereditary hemochromatosis	2.04.80	New
9	Genetic testing for limb-girdle muscular dystrophies	2.04.132	New
10	Immediate and delayed lymphatic reconstruction surgery	BSC7.18	New
11	Interventions for progressive scoliosis	2.01.83	New
12	Intradialytic parenteral nutrition	8.01.44	New
13	Leadless cardiac pacemakers	2.02.32	New
14	Meniscal allografts and other meniscal implants	7.01.15	New
15	Percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation for irritable bowel syndrome	2.01.106	New
16	Spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion stimulation	7.01.25	New
17	Transcatheter mitral valve repair	2.02.30	New
18	Allograft injection for degenerative disc disease	7.01.166	Minor update
19	Ambulatory event monitors and mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry	2.02.08	Minor update
20	Autografts and allografts in the treatment of focal articular cartilage lesions	7.01.78	Minor update
21	Autologous chondrocyte implantation for focal articular cartilage lesions	7.01.48	Minor update
22	Baroreflex stimulation devices	8.01.57	Minor update
23	Cardiac rehabilitation in the outpatient setting	8.03.08	Admin update
24	Catheter ablation as treatment for atrial fibrillation	2.02.19	Minor update
25	Endovascular therapies for extracranial vertebral artery disease	7.01.148	Minor update
26	Enhanced external counterpulsation	2.02.06	Minor update
27	Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for adult conditions	8.01.60	Minor update
28	Extracranial carotid artery stenting	7.01.68	Minor update
29	Genetic testing for inherited thrombophilia	2.04.82	Minor update
30	Genetic testing for lactase insufficiency	2.04.94	Minor update
31	Inhaled nitric oxide	8.01.37	Minor update
32	Lower limb prostheses	BSC1.01	Minor update
33	Myocardial strain imaging	2.02.31	Minor update
34	Neuropsychological testin+14:22g	BSC2.06	Minor update
35	Oncology: Circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells (liquid biopsy)	BSC_CON_2.10	Admin update
36	Open and thoracoscopic approaches to treat atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (maze and related procedures)	7.01.14	Minor update
37	Phrenic nerve stimulation for central sleep apnea	2.02.33	Minor update
38	Power wheelchairs and power-operated vehicles for permanent use	BSC1.02	Minor update
39	Speech therapy	BSC8.02	Minor update
40	Surgical treatments for breast cancer-related lymphedema	7.01.162	Archived
41	Treatment of varicose veins/venous insufficiency	7.01.124	Minor update
42	Tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA testing for cancer management	BSC2.18	Archived
43	Ultrasonographic measurement of carotid intimal-medial thickness as an assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis	2.02.16	Minor update
44	Wearable cardioverter defibrillators	2.02.15	Minor update

Please Note:

California Senate Bill 535 (“SB 535”) mandates that health plans are not to require prior authorization for either of the following services:

Biomarker testing for an enrollee or insured with advanced metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer, or
Biomarker testing for cancer progression or recurrence in the enrollee or insured with advanced or metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer.

Blue Shield of California has removed prior authorization for biomarker testing services. Compliance with SB 535 is required for Blue Shield’s delegated provider organizations, in cases where the organization is financially responsible for those services.

For more coverage information, we encourage you to review our applicable medical or medication policies and benefits online at blueshieldca.com/provider.

	Policy Title –June 1, 2023	Policy#	Status
1	Genetic testing for Lynch syndrome and other inherited colon cancer syndromes	2.04.08	Major update
2	Germline and somatic biomarker testing for targeted treatment and immunotherapy in breast cancer	2.04.151	Major update
3	Germline and somatic biomarker testing for targeted treatment and immunotherapy in ovarian cancer (BRCA1, BRCA2, homologous recombination deficiency, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability/mismatch repair)	2.04.156	Major update
4	Germline and somatic biomarker testing for targeted treatment and immunotherapy in prostate cancer (BRCA1/2, homologous recombination repair gene alterations, microsatellite instability/mismatch repair, tumor mutational burden)	2.04.155	Major update
5	Intensity-modulated radiotherapy of the prostate	8.01.47	Major update
6	Adjustable cranial orthoses for positional plagiocephaly and craniosynostoses	1.01.11	New
7	Bone morphogenetic protein	7.01.100	New
8	Cardiac rehabilitation in the outpatient setting	8.03.08	New
9	Cognitive rehabilitation	8.03.10	New
10	Cooling devices used in the outpatient setting	1.01.26	New
11	Corneal topography/computer-assisted corneal topography/photokeratoscopy	9.03.05	New
12	Deep brain stimulation	7.01.63	New
13	Digital health technologies: therapeutic applications	3.03.02	New
14	Genetic testing for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy	2.04.86	New
15	Genetic testing for hereditary hearing loss	2.04.87	New
16	Genetic testing of CADASIL syndrome	2.04.75	New
17	Keratoprosthesis	9.03.01	New
18	Intraocular radiotherapy for age-related macular degeneration	9.03.20	New
19	Multitarget polymerase chain reaction testing for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis	2.04.127	New
20	Nerve graft with radical prostatectomy	7.01.81	New
21	Occipital nerve stimulation	7.01.125	New
22	Oncology: Circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells (liquid biopsy)	BSC_CON_2.10	New
23	Oncology: Molecular analysis of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies	BSC_CON_2.04	New
24	Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation	8.03.05	New
25	Percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty, radiofrequency kyphoplasty, and mechanical vertebral augmentation	6.01.38	New
26	Peripheral subcutaneous field stimulation	7.01.139	New
27	Photodynamic therapy for choroidal neovascularization	9.03.08	New
28	Responsive neurostimulation for the treatment of refractory focal epilepsy	7.01.143	New
29	Retinal telescreening for diabetic retinopathy	9.03.13	New
30	Sacral nerve neuromodulation/stimulation	7.01.69	New
31	Vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib	7.01.110	New
32	Viscocanalostomy and canaloplasty	9.03.26	New
33	Behavioral health treatment for autism spectrum disorders	BSC3.01	Minor update
34	Bioengineered skin and soft tissue substitutes	7.01.113	Admin coding
35	Cardiovascular risk panels	2.04.100	Admin coding
36	Catheter ablation for cardiac arrhythmias	BSC2.12	Minor update
37	Circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells for cancer management (liquid biopsy)	2.04.141	Archived
38	Comprehensive genomic profiling for selecting targeted cancer therapies	2.04.115	Archived
39	Cranial electrotherapy stimulation and auricular slectrostimulation	8.01.58	Admin coding
40	Diabetes prevention program	BSC2.11	Minor update
41	Endovascular procedures for intracranial arterial disease (atherosclerosis and aneurysms)	2.01.54	Minor update
42	Facet arthroplasty	7.01.120	Minor update
43	General approach to genetic testing	2.04.91	Admin coding
44	Genetic and protein biomarkers for the diagnosis and cancer risk assessment of prostate cancer	2.04.33	Admin coding
45	Genetic testing for FLT3, NPM1, and CEBPA variants in cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia	2.04.124	Archived
46	Genetic testing: Exome and genome sequencing for the diagnosis of genetic disorders	BSC_CON_2.02	Minor update
47	Hip femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) surgical treatment	7.01.118	Minor update
48	Hip resurfacing	7.01.80	Minor update
49	Identification of microorganisms using nucleic acid probes	2.04.10	Admin coding
50	Image-guided minimally invasive decompression for spinal stenosis	7.01.126	Minor update
51	Intensity-modulated radiotherapy of the breast and lung	8.01.46	Admin coding
52	Intensity-modulated radiotherapy: Abdomen, pelvis and chest	8.01.49	Admin coding
53	Intensity-modulated radiotherapy: Cancer of the head and neck or thyroid	8.01.48	Admin coding
54	Intensity-modulated radiotherapy: Central nervous system Tumors	8.01.59	Admin coding
55	Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring	7.01.58	Minor update
56	JAK2, MPL, and CALR testing for myeloproliferative neoplasms	2.04.60	Archived
57	Lipid apheresis	BSC8.07	Minor update
58	Manipulation under anesthesia	8.01.40	Minor update
59	Measurement of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 in the assessment of cardiovascular risk	2.04.32	Admin coding
60	Medical management of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome	8.01.67	Admin coding
61	Multimarker serum testing related to ovarian cancer	2.04.62	Admin coding
62	Orthopedic applications of platelet-rich plasma	2.01.98	Minor update
63	Percutaneous vertebroplasty and sacroplasty	6.01.25	Minor update
64	Physical therapy	BSC8.03	Minor update
65	Power morcellation for the treatment of uterine fibroids	BSC7.06	Minor update
66	Reconstructive services	BSC7.08	Minor update
67	Somatic (tumor) biomarker testing (including liquid biopsy) for targeted treatment and immunotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer (EGFR, ALK, BRAF, ROS1, RET, MET, KRAS, HER2, PD-L1, TMB)	2.04.45	Archived
68	Subtalar arthroereisis	7.01.104	Minor update
69	Trigger point and tender point injections	2.01.103	Minor update
70	Uterus transplantation for absolute uterine factor infertility	4.02.06	Minor update
71	Vertebral axial decompression	8.03.09	Minor update

Please Note:

California Senate Bill 535 (“SB 535”) mandates that health plans are not to require prior authorization for either of the following services:

Biomarker testing for an enrollee or insured with advanced metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer, or
Biomarker testing for cancer progression or recurrence in the enrollee or insured with advanced or metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer.

Blue Shield of California has removed prior authorization for biomarker testing services. Compliance with SB 535 is required for Blue Shield’s delegated provider organizations, in cases where the organization is financially responsible for those services.

For more coverage information, we encourage you to review our applicable medical or medication policies and benefits online at blueshieldca.com/provider.

	Policy Title – May 1, 2023	Policy#	Status
1	Bariatric surgery	7.01.47	Major update
2	Partial thickness rotator cuff tears and acromioplasty/subacromial decompression	BSC7.14	Major update
3	Postsurgical home use of limb compression devices for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis	1.01.28	Major update
4	Amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid	7.01.149	Admin update
5	Continuous passive motion in the home setting	1.01.10	Minor update
6	Corneal collagen cross-linking	9.03.28	Minor update
7	Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome	2.01.18	Admin update
8	Electrical and electromagnetic stimulation for the treatment of arthritis	1.01.27	Minor update
9	Endothelial keratoplasty	9.03.22	Minor update
10	Eyelid thermal pulsation for the treatment of dry eye syndrome	9.03.29	Minor update
11	Functional neuromuscular electrical stimulation	8.03.01	Minor update
12	Gene expression-based assays for cancers of unknown primary	2.04.54	Minor update
13	Genetic testing for macular degeneration	2.04.103	Minor update
14	Genetic testing for predisposition to inherited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy	2.02.28	Minor update
15	Germline genetic testing for familial cutaneous malignant melanoma (CDKN2A, CDK4)	2.04.44	Minor update
16	Hippotherapy	8.03.12	Minor update
17	Knee braces (custom)	BSC1.05	Minor update
18	Laboratory and genetic testing for use of 5-fluorouracil in patients with cancer	2.04.68	Minor update
19	Lifestyle modification program for reversing heart disease	BSC8.01	Minor update
20	Low intensity pulsed ultrasound fracture healing device	1.01.05	Minor update
21	Microprocessor-controlled prostheses for the lower limb	1.04.05	Minor update
22	Myoelectric prosthetic and orthotic components for the upper limb	1.04.04	Minor update
23	Oncology: Cancer screening	BSC_CON_2.09	Admin update
24	Ophthalmologic techniques that evaluate the posterior segment for glaucoma	9.03.06	Minor update
25	Optical coherence tomography of the anterior eye segment	9.03.18	Minor update
26	Orthognathic surgery	BSC7.03	Minor update
27	Orthoptic training for the treatment of vision or learning disabilities	9.03.03	Minor update
28	Panniculectomy, abdominoplasty, and surgical management of diastasis recti	BSC7.04	Minor update
29	Patient-controlled end range of motion stretching devices	1.03.05	Minor update
30	Personalized breast cancer screening clinical trial	BSC2.08	Minor update
31	Pneumatic compression pumps for treatment of lymphedema and venous ulcers	1.01.18	Minor update
32	Powered exoskeleton for ambulation in patients with lower-limb disabilities	1.03.04	Minor update
33	Retinal prosthesis	9.03.15	Minor update
34	Sensory integration therapy and auditory integration therapy	8.03.13	Minor update

	Policy Title – April 1, 2023	Policy#	Status
1	Continuous glucose monitoring	1.01.20	Major update
2	Hematopoietic cell transplantation for non-Hodgkin lymphomas	8.01.20	Major update
3	Stationary ultrasonic diathermy devices	7.01.174	New
4	Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms	8.01.21	Minor update
5	Ambulatory surgery center	BSC10.01	Minor update
6	Amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid	7.01.149	Minor update
7	Auditory brainstem implant	7.01.83	Minor update
8	Balloon ostial dilation for treatment of chronic and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis	7.01.105	Minor update
9	Chelation therapy for off-label uses	8.01.02	Minor update
10	Chronic intermittent intravenous insulin therapy	2.01.43	Minor update
11	Cleft palate – dental related services	BSC2.01	Minor update
12	Cranial electrotherapy stimulation and auricular electrostimulation	8.01.58	Minor update
13	Cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, and laser ablation for treatment of chronic rhinitis	7.01.168	Minor update
14	Dental anesthesia	BSC2.02	Minor update
15	Dynamic posturography	2.01.02	Minor update
16	Elective invasive coronary angiography (ICA)	BSC2.13	Admin coding
17	Gastric electrical stimulation	7.01.73	Minor update
18	General approach to evaluating the utility of genetic panels	2.04.92	Minor update
19	General approach to genetic testing	2.04.91	Minor update
20	Germline genetic testing for pancreatic cancer susceptibility genes (ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CDKN2A, EPCAM, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PALB2, PMS2, STK11, and TP53)	2.04.148	Minor update
21	Handheld radiofrequency apectroscopy for intraoperative assessment of surgical margins during breast-conserving surgery	7.01.140	Minor update
22	Hematopoietic cell transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia	8.01.32	Minor update
23	Hematopoietic cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia	8.01.26	Minor update
24	Hematopoietic cell transplantation for autoimmune diseases	8.01.25	Minor update
25	Hematopoietic cell transplantation for central nervous system embryonal tumors and ependymoma	8.01.28	Minor update
26	Hematopoietic cell transplantation for chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma	8.01.15	Minor update
27	Hematopoietic cell transplantation for chronic myeloid leukemia	8.01.30	Minor update
28	Hematopoietic cell transplantation for Hodgkin lymphoma	8.01.29	Minor update
29	Hematopoietic cell transplantation for plasma cell dyscrasias, including multiple myeloma and POEMS syndrome	8.01.17	Minor update
30	Hematopoietic cell transplantation for primary amyloidosis	8.01.42	Minor update
31	Hematopoietic cell transplantation for solid tumors of childhood	8.01.34	Minor update
32	Hematopoietic cell transplantation in the treatment of germ cell tumors	8.01.35	Minor update
33	Hysterectomy surgery for benign conditions BSC7.09	BSC2.02	Minor update
34	Implantable bone-conduction and bone-anchored hearing aids	7.01.03	Minor update
35	Laparoscopic, percutaneous, and transcervical techniques for uterine fibroid myolysis	4.01.19	Minor update
36	Maternal serum biomarkers for prediction of adverse obstetric outcomes	2.04.152	Minor update
37	Placental and umbilical cord blood as a source of stem cells	7.01.50	Archived
38	Reduction mammaplasty for breast-related symptoms	7.01.21	Minor update
39	Semi-implantable and fully implantable middle ear hearing aids	7.01.84	Minor update
40	Stem cell therapy for peripheral arterial disease	8.01.55	Minor update
41	Steroid-eluting sinus stents and implants	7.01.134	Minor update
42	Surgical deactivation of headache trigger sites	7.01.135	Minor update
43	Surgical ventricular restoration	7.01.103	Minor update
44	Temporomandibular joint disorder	2.01.21	Minor update
45	Transcatheter aortic-valve implantation for aortic stenosis	7.01.132	Minor update
46	Vagus nerve blocking therapy for treatment of obesity	BSC7.17	Archived

Please note:

California Senate Bill 535 (“SB 535”) mandates that health plans are not to require prior authorization for either of the following services:

Biomarker testing for an enrollee or insured with advanced metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer, or
Biomarker testing for cancer progression or recurrence in the enrollee or insured with advanced or metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer.

Blue Shield of California has removed prior authorization for biomarker testing services. Compliance with SB 535 is required for Blue Shield’s delegated provider organizations, in cases where the organization is financially responsible for those services.

For more coverage information, we encourage you to review our applicable medical or medication policies and benefits online at blueshieldca.com/provider.

	Policy Title – March 1, 2023	Policy#	Status
1	Charged-particle (proton or helium ion) radiotherapy for neoplastic conditions	BSC8.04	Major update
2	Germline and somatic biomarker testing (including liquid biopsy) for targeted treatment and immunotherapy in breast cancer	2.04.151	Major update
3	Negative pressure wound therapy in the outpatient setting	1.01.16	Major update
4	Tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA testing for cancer management	BSC2.18	Major update
5	Facet joint denervation	7.01.116	New
6	Adipose-derived stem cells in autologous fat grafting to the breast	7.01.153	Minor update
7	Ambulatory event monitors and mobile cardiac uutpatient telemetry	2.02.08	Admin update
8	Amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid	7.01.149	Admin update
9	Autologous platelet-derived growth factors for wound healing and other non-orthopedic conditions	2.01.16	Minor update
10	Bioengineered skin and soft tissue substitutes	7.01.113	Minor update
11	Bioimpedance devices for detection and management of lymphedema	2.01.82	Minor update
12	Blepharoplasty, blepharoptosis repair (levator resection) and brow lift (repair of brow ptosis)	BSC7.01	Minor update
13	Bone turnover markers for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis and diseases associated with high bone turnover	2.04.15	Minor update
14	Catheter ablation for cardiac arrhythmias	BSC2.12	Admin update
15	Corneal collagen cross-linking	9.03.28	Admin update
16	Cranial electrotherapy stimulation and auricular electrostimulation	8.01.58	Admin update
17	Digital health therapies for substance use disorders	5.01.35	Admin update
18	Electrostimulation and electromagnetic therapy for treating wounds	2.01.57	Minor update
19	Esophageal pH monitoring	2.01.20	Admin update
20	Evaluation of biomarkers for Alzheimer disease	2.04.14	Admin update
21	Focal treatments for prostate cancer	8.01.61	Admin update
22	Gender affirmation surgery	BSC7.02	Minor update
23	General approach to avaluating the utility of genetic panels	2.04.92	Admin update
24	Genetic and protein biomarkers for the diagnosis and cancer risk assessment of prostate cancer	2.04.33	Admin update
25	Genetic testing for Alzheimer disease	2.04.13	Admin update
26	Genetic testing for cardiac ion channelopathies	2.04.43	Minor update
27	Genetic testing for diagnosis and management of mental health condition	2.04.110	Admin update
28	Genetic testing for FLT3, NPM1, and CEBPA variants in cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia	2.04.124	Minor update
29	Genetic testing: Exome and genome sequencing for the diagnosis of genetic disorders	BSC_CON_2.02	Admin update
30	Hyperbaric oxygen therapy	2.01.04	Minor update
31	Identification of microorganisms using nucleic acid probes	2.04.10	Admin update
32	Implantable bone-conduction and bone-anchored hearing aids	7.01.03	Admin update
33	Ingestible pH and pressure capsule	BSC2.17	Minor update
34	Interferential current stimulation	1.01.24	Admin update
35	Lumbar spine surgery	BSC_NIA_CG_304	Admin update
36	Lysis of epidural adhesions	BSC8.05	Minor update
37	Manipulation under anesthesia	8.01.40	Admin update
38	Noncontact ultrasound treatment for wounds	2.01.79	Minor update
39	Oncology: Cancer screening	BSC_CON_2.09	Admin update
40	Orthopedic Applications of stem cell therapy (including allografts and bone substitutes used with autologous bone marrow)	8.01.52	Minor update
41	Orthoptic training for the treatment of vision or learning disabilities	9.03.03	Admin update
42	Percutaneous vertebroplasty and sacroplasty	6.01.25	Admin update
43	Pharmacogenomic and metabolite markers for patients treated with thiopurines	2.04.19	Admin update
44	Reduction mammaplasty	7.01.21	Admin update
45	Retinal prosthesis	9.03.15	Admin update
46	Scintimammography and gamma imaging of the breast and axilla	6.01.18	Admin update
47	Surgical treatment of gynecomastia	BSC7.13	Minor update
48	Vagus nerve blocking therapy for treatment of obesity	BSC7.17	Admin update

Please note:

California Senate Bill 535 (“SB 535”) mandates that health plans are not to require prior authorization for either of the following services:

Biomarker testing for an enrollee or insured with advanced metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer, or
Biomarker testing for cancer progression or recurrence in the enrollee or insured with advanced or metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer.

Blue Shield of California has removed prior authorization for biomarker testing services. Compliance with SB 535 is required for Blue Shield’s delegated provider organizations, in cases where the organization is financially responsible for those services.

For more coverage information, we encourage you to review our applicable medical or medication policies and benefits online at blueshieldca.com/provider.

	Policy Title – February 1, 2023	Policy#	Status	Vendor
1	Intensity-modulated radiotherapy of the breast and lung	8.01.46	Major update	No
2	Intensity-modulated radiotherapy of the prostate	8.01.47	Major update	No
3	Intensity-modulated radiotherapy: Abdomen, pelvis and chest	8.01.49	Major update	No
4	Intensity-modulated radiotherapy: Cancer of the head and neck or thyroid	8.01.48	Major update	No
5	Intensity-modulated radiotherapy: Central nervous system tumors	8.01.59	Major update	No
6	Radiation oncology	BSC8.06	Major update	No
7	Somatic (tumor) biomarker testing (including liquid biopsy) for targeted treatment and immunotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer (EGFR, ALK, BRAF, ROS1, RET, MET, KRAS, HER2, PD-L1, TMB)	2.04.45	Major update	No
8	Stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiotherapy	6.01.10	Major update	No
9	Axillary reverse mapping for prevention of breast cancer-related lymphedema	7.01.173	New	No
10	Genetic testing: Prenatal and preconception carrier screening	BSC_CON_2.07	New	No
11	Genetic testing: Prenatal diagnosis (via amniocentesis, CVS, or PUBS) and pregnancy loss	BSC_CON_2.06	New	No
12	Oncology: Cancer screening	BSC_CON_2.09	New	No
13	Temporarily implanted nitinol device (iTind) for benign prostatic hyperplasia	7.01.175	New	No
14	Bariatric surgery	7.01.47	Minor update	No
15	Cardiovascular risk panels	2.04.100	Minor update	No
16	Carrier screening for genetic diseases	2.04.107	ARCHIVED	No
17	Dermatologic applications of photodynamic therapy	2.01.44	Minor update	No
18	Fecal analysis in the diagnosis of intestinal dysbiosis	2.04.26	Minor update	No
19	Genetic and protein biomarkers for the diagnosis and cancer risk assessment of prostate cancer	2.04.33	Minor update	No
20	Immune cell function assay	2.04.56	Minor update	No
21	Invasive prenatal (fetal) diagnostic testing	2.04.116	Archived	No
22	Laser interstitial thermal therapy for neurological conditions	7.01.170	Minor update	No
23	Measurement of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 in the assessment of cardiovascular risk	2.04.32	Minor update	No
24	Multimarker serum testing related to ovarian cancer	2.04.62	Minor update	No
25	Nonpharmacologic treatment of rosacea	2.01.71	Minor update	No
26	Novel biomarkers in risk assessment and management of cardiovascular disease	2.04.65	Minor update	No
27	Proteomic testing for targeted therapy in non-small-cell lung cancer	2.04.125	Minor update	No
28	Serum biomarker human epididymis protein 4	2.04.66	Minor update	No
29	Testing serum vitamin D levels	2.04.135	Minor update	No
30	Transesophageal endoscopic therapies for gastroesophageal reflux disease	2.01.38	Minor update	No
31	Urinary biomarkers for cancer screening, diagnosis, and surveillance	2.04.07	Archived	No
32	Wireless capsule endoscopy for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders	6.01.33	Minor update	No

Please note:

California Senate Bill 535 (“SB 535”) mandates that health plans are not to require prior authorization for either of the following services:

Biomarker testing for an enrollee or insured with advanced metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer, or
Biomarker testing for cancer progression or recurrence in the enrollee or insured with advanced or metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer.

Blue Shield of California has removed prior authorization for biomarker testing services. Compliance with SB 535 is required for Blue Shield’s delegated provider organizations, in cases where the organization is financially responsible for those services.

For more coverage information, we encourage you to review our applicable medical or medication policies and benefits online at blueshieldca.com/provider.

	Policy Title – January 1, 2023	Policy#	Status
1	Assays of genetic expression in tumor tissue as a technique to determine prognosis in patients with breast cancer	2.04.36	Major update
2	Epidural spine injections	BSC_NIA_CG_300	Major update
3	Esophageal pH monitoring	2.01.20	Major update
4	Genetic testing: Non-Invasive prenatal screening (NIPS)/non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)	BSC_CON_2.08	New
5	Genetic testing: Preimplantation genetic testing	BSC_CON_2.03	New
6	Bariatric surgery	7.01.47	Minor update
7	Cervical spine surgery	BSC_NIA_CG_307	Minor update
8	Confocal laser endomicroscopy	2.01.87	Minor update
9	Drug testing in pain management and substance use disorder treatment	2.04.98	Minor update
10	Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation for Barrett esophagus	2.01.80	Minor update
11	Gene expression profiling and protein biomarkers for prostate cancer management	2.04.111	Minor update
12	Lumbar spinal surgery	BSC_NIA_CG_304	Minor update
13	Magnetic esophageal sphincter augmentation to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease	7.01.137	Minor update
14	Measurement of serum antibodies to selected biologic agents	2.04.84	Minor update
15	Monitored anesthesia care	7.02.01	Minor update
16	Noninvasive prenatal screening for fetal aneuploidies, microdeletions, single-gene disorders, and twin zygosity using cell-free fetal DNA	4.01.21	Archived
17	Noninvasive techniques for the evaluation and monitoring of patients with chronic liver disease	2.04.41	Minor update
18	Paravertebral facet joint injections or blocks	BSC_NIA_CG_301	Minor update
19	Pharmacogenetic testing for pain management	2.04.131	Minor update
20	Pharmacogenomic and metabolite markers for patients treated with thiopurines	2.04.19	Minor update
21	Plugs for anal fistula repair	7.01.123	Minor update
22	Preimplantation genetic testing	4.02.05	Archived
23	Prolotherapy	2.01.26	Minor update
24	Sacroiliac joint injections	BSC_NIA_CG_305	Minor update
25	Thoracic spine surgery	BSC_NIA_CG_308	Minor update

Please note:

California Senate Bill 535 (“SB 535”) mandates that health plans are not to require prior authorization for either of the following services:

Biomarker testing for an enrollee or insured with advanced metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer, or
Biomarker testing for cancer progression or recurrence in the enrollee or insured with advanced or metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer.

Blue Shield of California is compliant with SB 535 and has removed prior authorization for biomarker testing services. Compliance with SB 535 is required for Blue Shield’s delegated provider organizations, as well, in cases where the organization is financially responsible for those services.

Please note that when prior authorization is not required for a service for which Blue Shield is financially responsible, this does not represent a guarantee of coverage or payment. A final coverage determination is made “post-service,” after the claim has been received and reviewed by Blue Shield. The review is based on member eligibility, medical necessity, such as medical or medication policy or site of service, and other limitations or exclusions in the member’s health coverage plan that may apply. For more coverage information, we encourage you to review our applicable medical or medication policies and benefits online at blueshieldca.com/provider.

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