Radiology code *71271 no longer requires prior authorization for Blue Cross commercial members

Here’s important information you should know:

• For dates of service on or after Aug. 1, 2022, prior authorization is no longer required for radiology procedure code *71271 for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan commercial members.
• For dates of service prior to Aug. 1, providers should continue to submit prior authorization requests to AIM Specialty Health^®. Retroactive requests will be accepted when they’re submitted within 90 days from the date of service.

We’ve updated the document titled Procedures that require prior authorization by AIM Specialty Health: Cardiology, radiology (high technology) and sleep studies (in lab) to reflect this change.

As a reminder, the prior authorization requirement for this code for Medicare Plus Blue℠, Blue Care Network commercial and BCN Advantage℠ members was previously removed.

AIM Specialty Health is an independent company that makes authorization determinations for select high-tech imaging services and other services performed in freestanding facilities, outpatient hospital settings, ambulatory surgery centers and physician offices.

For additional information about submitting prior authorization requests to AIM, visit these webpages on ereferrals.bcbsm.com:

• Blue Cross AIM-Managed Procedures
• BCN AIM-Managed Procedures