Blue Cross doesn’t reimburse providers for bladder scans

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network won’t reimburse health care providers for performing bladder scans on inpatient facility claims. This policy applies to all inpatient facility claims submitted for Blue Cross commercial members and Blue Care Network commercial members.

Bladder scanning is a routine non-invasive test generally prescribed by a doctor or a non-physician practitioner and performed by nursing staff or a nurse’s aide. Nursing services should be included in the general cost of the facility room where services are being rendered so Blue Cross doesn’t consider this service eligible for separate reimbursement.

The reimbursement policy isn’t intended to affect decision-making for patient care. Providers are expected to apply medical judgment when caring for all members.