New imaging codes added to outpatient radiology prior authorization program

Beginning Sept. 1, 2026, we’ll add new American Medical Association codes for advanced imaging procedures to the outpatient radiology prior authorization programs for UnitedHealthcare commercial plans, UnitedHealthcare Community Plans, UnitedHealthcare Individual Exchange Plans, Oxford Plans and Rocky Mountain Health Plans.

These code additions don’t apply to UnitedHealthcare® Medicare Advantage or Dual Special Needs Plans.

Radiation CPT® code additions

• *70471: Computed tomography angiography head and neck without and with contrast, including postprocessing
• 75577: Quantitative/qualitative analysis of coronary plaque with augmentative software on CCTA data and interpretation by physician

Services not requiring review

These requirements don’t apply to advanced imaging in any:

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

How to submit and manage prior authorizations

• Sign in to the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal with your One Healthcare ID
  • If you don’t have a One Healthcare ID, register now
• From the left-hand tabs, select Prior Authorizations & Notifications

Resources

For additional program information, visit our radiology prior authorization resource. For complete details on the radiology protocols, refer our UnitedHealthcare Administrative Guide.