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​​COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Specimen collection by medical professionals

January 8, 2021

This article was revised on January 8, 2021, to update the effective date range. Please refer to this article for future updates.

Independence is committed to ensuring that our members have 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.

Home visit for specimen collection for COVID-19 testing

Independence is waiving the requirement that commercial and Medicare Advantage members must be homebound to receive COVID-19 specimen collection at home. However, precertification for home care services is still required.

This change is effective March 6, 2020, and for the duration of the public health emergency. The Commercial policy is subject to re-evaluation during this time.

Note: Independence participating providers, in accordance with their provider agreement, are required to refer specimens to participating laboratories.

Learn more

Read more about coverage requirements and proper coding in the News Article, Testing for SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)), on our Medical and Claim Payment Policy Portal:

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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