Important administrative relief for gastroenterology practices takes effect Oct. 1, 2026.

ASGE welcomes UnitedHealthcare’s (UHC) announcement that it will eliminate its advance notification requirement for gastrointestinal endoscopy services effective Oct. 1, 2026. The change represents meaningful administrative relief for gastroenterologists and their practices and will help reduce barriers that can delay patients’ access to medically necessary care.

In addition to ending the GI endoscopy advance notification program, UHC announced that it will eliminate prior authorization requirements for several high-volume GI procedures, including:

• 43235 – Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• 43239 – EGD with biopsy
• 45378 – Colonoscopy
• 45380 – Colonoscopy with biopsy
• 45385 – Colonoscopy with snare removal of lesion

These commonly performed services account for a substantial portion of GI endoscopy volume, making the change particularly significant for GI practices and their patients.

The announcement follows several years of concern within the gastroenterology community regarding UHC’s utilization management requirements for endoscopy. In 2023, UHC initially proposed implementing a prior authorization program for certain GI endoscopy procedures. Following significant concerns raised by the GI community regarding potential delays in care and increased administrative burden, UHC instead implemented an advance notification program.

In summary, effective Oct. 1, 2026, UHC will:

• End advance notification requirements for GI endoscopy services
• Reduce prior authorization requirements across its programs, including eliminating requirements for several frequently performed GI procedures

ASGE views these changes as an important step toward reducing unnecessary administrative requirements for gastroenterology practices. The Society will continue to monitor payer utilization management policies and advocate for approaches that support appropriate physician decision-making, reduce administrative burden, and preserve timely access to high-quality GI care.

 Learn more: UnitedHealthcare’s announcement