- Home
- Advocacy
- Latest News and Practice Data
- UnitedHealthcare Hears the CAP’s Concerns and Delays Deadline for Z-Code Compliance for Reimbursement
UnitedHealthcare is delaying the implementation of new requirements to use Z-codes for reimbursement. After an initial delay, UnitedHealthcare announced the start date as April 1, 2024. The new date of implementation, announced this week, is June 1, 2024. The CAP and affected laboratories had expressed concerns over the ability to submit claims under this new system. As a result, UnitedHealthcare is both working with many laboratories individually and providing additional time. UnitedHealthcare says it will continue to work with impacted laboratories.
UnitedHealthcare originally announced the Z-code requirement was going to be implemented in August 2023. However, the CAP met with UnitedHealthcare and was successful in getting them to delay this requirement until the previously announced date of April 1.
The CAP opposes this requirement for specific Z-code identifiers on claims to receive payment, as it would be confusing and result in complex workflow processes that will be difficult for CAP members, especially those unfamiliar with Palmetto. Non-standard coding practices have serious negative consequences for pathologists and laboratories trying to implement conflicting requirements.
To receive additional support, reach out to provider advocates and United_Genetics@uhc.com.