UHC Delays Z-Code Requirements for Commercial Plans Until October 1

UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is delaying the Z-code requirements for certain molecular test claims submitted to its commercial health plans to October 1, 2023 from its initial scheduled date of August 1, 2023. UHC delayed the implementation date to ensure laboratories have sufficient time to complete the registration process for Phase 1 CPT® codes.

The registration process for obtaining a Z-Code includes multiple steps and can be lengthy, therefore, UHC is encouraging laboratories to start the registration process today.

Test Registration Information

• Review for Z-Code assignment takes approximately 2 weeks from test submission
• Z-Codes can be submitted on claims once the test has been assigned a recommended CPT code and the assessment is complete, which can take up to 60 days
• UHC may require additional documentation dependent on test complexity
• For further guidance on the timeline for the registration of your tests, refer to DEX – DEX Diagnostics Exchange Test Registration (dexzcodes.com) 

Additional XiFin resources:

• On-Demand Webinar: An Essential Guide to Obtaining Z-Codes for Molecular and Genetic Tests | XIFIN
• Blog: UnitedHealthcare’s Recent Policy Updates: Unveiling the Good, Addressing the Bad, and Tackling the Challenging | XIFIN

Source: https://www.uhcprovider.com/en/resource-library/news/2023/expanded-dex-z-codes-molecular-tests.html