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​​​​​​COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Update to AIM guidelines to allow CT for diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia​

December 2, 2020

This article was revised on December 2, 2020, to update the effective timeline.

Independence is committed to providing our members with access to the care they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage all Independence members and providers to visit our dedicated COVID-19 webpage regularly for the latest news and updates. We will continue to evaluate member needs as the situation changes.

Changes to AIM guidelines

Effective March 6, 2020, through March 31, 2021, AIM Specialty Health® (AIM) has revised their Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines for Advanced Imaging – Appropriate Use Criteria: Imaging of the Chest. The change is subject to re-revaluation for the duration of the public health emergency. The revised guidelines are available on AIM's website.

The summary changes to the Guideline are as follows:

  • Chest imaging:
    • Allow CT for diagnosi​s of COVID-19 pneumonia

Advanced imaging of the chest is considered medically necessary for individuals under investigation, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia when reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is negative or cannot be performed.

You can view the complete announcement, Computed tomography (CT) chest imaging for diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia, in the Commercial and Medicare Advantage News & Announcements sections of our Medical Policy Portal.

Learn more

For more information about Independence's position on COVID-19, please review the following resources:


This content was prepared for the Provider News Center and may not be reproduced in any way without the express written permission of Independence Blue Cross. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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