Anthem Retracts Sexually Transmitted Infections Policy
July 13, 2022In January 2022, Anthem implemented a new commercial reimbursement policy titled, “Sexually Transmitted Infections Testing (Professional),” Under the policy, Anthem considered CPT codes 87491, 87591, and 87661 to be part of a laboratory panel grouping. Therefore, when two or more of a single test laboratory procedure code were reported on a claim by the same provider on the same date of service, the codes would be bundled into the comprehensive laboratory procedure code 87801. Through ACLA’s advocacy and efforts, Anthem has confirmed the retraction of this reimbursement policy across all lines of business and markets, effective July 1, 2022.
Anthem also confirmed it had not automated the claims adjudication process that was needed to implement this policy. Therefore, this policy should not have impacted any claims.