Cervical length measurement by transvaginal ultrasound

In our efforts to improve pregnancy outcomes, including the prevention of preterm birth, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid previously communicated our endorsement of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM) guidelines on cervical length (CL) screening and progesterone treatment.

 

We continue to encourage you to obtain a CL measurement with your patient’s routine prenatal anatomic evaluation ultrasound. For claims submitted on or after January 1, 2019, if a vaginal approach is necessary in addition to an abdominal scan to obtain this measurement, the transvaginal ultrasound will be considered for a multiple procedure reduction.

 

When a routine anatomic evaluation ultrasound (76801, 76802, 76805, 76810) and a transvaginal ultrasound (76817) are billed on the same day by the same provider, the transvaginal ultrasound is considered a part of the multiple procedure payment reduction policy and will be paid at 50% of the applicable fee schedule, and the complete procedure will be paid at the full applicable fee schedule.

 

If you have questions about this communication or need assistance with any other item, contact your local Provider Relations representative or call Provider Services toll free at 1-855-661-2028.