Blue Cross and BCN clarify guidelines for pre-operative COVID-19 testing

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are offering guidance for pre-operative COVID‑19 testing.

Procedures conducted in hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgical facilities are appropriate for pre-operative COVID-19 testing. In addition, aerosol-generating procedures, regardless of the location performed, such as oral surgery in the office setting, are appropriate for pre-operative COVID-19 testing. 

Examples where COVID-19 testing would not be appropriate include a simple wound closure, skin biopsy or routine medical or dental care in an office setting.

Pre-operative COVID-19 testing should support the patient’s access to needed medical care and shouldn’t become a barrier to receiving care.

The codes for pre-operative testing include:

• Z01.810 – Encounter for preprocedural cardiovascular examination
• Z01.811 – Encounter for preprocedural respiratory examination
• Z01.812 – Encounter for preprocedural laboratory examination 
• Z01.818 – Encounter for other preprocedural examination 

This pre-op testing guidance is specific to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, see the Patient testing section of our COVID-19 webpages on our public website at bcbsm.com/coronavirus or within Provider Secured Services by clicking on Coronavirus (COVID-19).