Prior authorization updates for echocardiography
Starting Jan. 1, 2023, we will no longer require prior authorization for procedure/CPT® codes 93303 and 93304 for UnitedHealthcare commercial and Oxford plans. Please note that other echocardiography codes will still require prior authorization.
These requirements apply to all health care professionals subject to the UnitedHealthcare Administrative Guide. To review the complete protocol, please refer to the Outpatient Cardiology Notification/Prior Authorization Protocol section.
We don’t require prior authorization for procedures performed and billed appropriately in the following places of service:
- Emergency room
- Observation unit
- Urgent care center
- During an inpatient stay
Accreditation reminder
As a reminder, if you perform Advanced Imaging Studies (including echocardiography) and bill on a Form CMS 1500, or the electronic equivalent, you must obtain accreditation from one of the following accrediting agencies:
- American College of Radiology (ACR)
- Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC)
- RadSite
- The Joint Commission (TJC)
Questions?
For additional information on related imaging policies or Accreditation for commercial plans, see Imaging Accreditation.
For additional information on related imaging policies or Accreditation for Oxford plans, see 2022 UnitedHealthcare Care Provider Administrative Guide (uhcprovider.com).
