97171 CPT® code: payer coverage and prior authorization

Payer policies and prior authorization for 97171

2 of 2 payer prior-auth lists that name 97171 require prior authorization or set conditions: Blue Shield of California, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.

PayerPlanStatePrior authConditionsSinceSource
Blue Shield of CaliforniaBlue Shield commercialCAprior auth under conditionsCalPERS ASO onlySep 1, 2026Prior Authorization List for Blue Shield
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanOhio MedicaidOHprior auth requiredNov 1, 2025Prior authorization requirements for Ohio Medicaid Effective November 1, 2025 General Information This list contains prior authorization requirements for participating UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

Payer coverage policies that name 97171

97171 appears in 21 coverage policies from Aetna, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Blue Shield of California, Health Care Service Corporation (BCBS IL, TX, OK, NM, MT), Premera Blue Cross.

PayerPolicyRole in policyReviewedDocument
AetnaAutism Spectrum Disorders (0648)listed, no stance (range 97010-97546)Oct 2, 2025payer document
AetnaBack Pain - Invasive Procedures (0016)listed, no stance (range 97010-97763)Oct 6, 2026payer document
AetnaBack Pain - Invasive Procedures (0016)listed, no stance (range 97010-97799)Oct 6, 2026payer document
AetnaBurn Garments (0062)listed, no stance (range 97110-97546)Jan 15, 2026payer document
AetnaChiropractic Services (0107)listed, no stance (range 97010-97799)Apr 7, 2026payer document
AetnaChronic Pain Rehabilitation Programs (0237)listed, no stance (range 97010-97546)Apr 23, 2026payer document
AetnaEarly Intervention Programs (0444)listed, no stance (range 97110-97546)Jul 1, 2026payer document
AetnaElectrodiagnostic Testing (0502)listed, no stance (range 97010-97799)Jul 29, 2026payer document
AetnaFunctional Electrical Stimulation and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (0677)listed, no stance (range 97010-97763)Sep 10, 2026payer document
AetnaHip Arthroplasty (0287)listed, no stance (range 97010-97546)Sep 23, 2026payer document
AetnaHome Health Aides (0218)listed, no stance (range 97010-97799)Sep 10, 2026payer document
AetnaIntervertebral Disc Prostheses (0591)listed, no stance (range 97110-97546)Sep 18, 2026payer document
AetnaKnee Arthroplasty (0660)listed, no stance (range 97010-97799)Oct 8, 2026payer document
AetnaSpinal Surgery: Laminectomy and Fusion (0743)listed, no stance (range 97110-97546)Jul 30, 2026payer document
AetnaStanding Frames, Tables, and Transfer Boards (0481)listed, no stance (range 97001-97763)Jul 2, 2026payer document
AetnaTotal Ankle Arthroplasty (0645)listed, no stance (range 97001-97799)Sep 14, 2026payer document
AetnaTransforaminal Epidural Injections (0722)listed, no stance (range 97010-97530)Oct 20, 2025payer document
AetnaVasectomy Procedures and Chronic Scrotal Content Pain (0027)listed, no stance (range 97010-97799)Jan 27, 2026payer document
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandPhysical and Occupational Servicesnot coveredFeb 17, 2026payer document
Blue Shield of CaliforniaBSC8.08 | Occupational Therapylisted, no stancepayer document
Health Care Service Corporation (BCBS IL, TX, OK, NM, MT)Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) Services (THE803.010)
CPT Codes 95851, 95852, 95992, 96125, 97010, 97012, 97014, 97016, 97018,
listed, no stanceJan 1, 2026payer document
Premera Blue CrossNon-covered Services and Procedures
Page | 10 of 30 | ∞
listed, no stanceJun 1, 2026payer document

Medicaid fee-for-service

Prior authorization required or conditional in IN.

  • KY: $45.00 (asc), effective Jan 1, 2026
  • ND: $0.00 (physician), effective Aug 1, 2026
  • VT: $0.00 (outpatient_hospital_opps), effective Feb 1, 2026
  • WY: $0.00 (outpatient_hospital_apc, Children's Hospitals), effective Apr 1, 2026

From payers' published prior-auth lists, coverage policies and state Medicaid fee schedules, updated Oct 16, 2026. The role is what the policy's own code table or text says about the code. Not a guarantee of coverage or payment; verify with the payer. CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.