procedure code 99285 — prior authorization under Blue Cross Blue Shield
Billing code 99285 · Category: inpatient
In our reference, this procedure typically requires prior authorization.
Typical turnaround is 0 day(s); Blue Cross Blue Shield's
standard turnaround is 14 calendar days (72 hours if urgent).
How to submit
Availity portal, State BCBS portal
Documentation typically required
ED notes
Vitals
Lab/imaging results
Common reasons this gets denied
Documentation does not support high complexity
Blue Cross Blue Shield-specific notes
PA requirements vary by state BCBS plan
BlueCard program — out-of-area may need host plan PA
FEP has own PA requirements
Many state plans use AIM/eviCore for imaging
Coverage limits: this page does not confirm authorization for any specific member's plan, and does not cover state-specific plan variants, out-of-network requests, or every payer x procedure pair in existence. For a definitive answer, contact Blue Cross Blue Shield directly using the submission method above.
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