UnitedHealthcare (UHC) will end its advance notification requirement for most GI endoscopy services effective Oct. 1, 2026. UHC will also eliminate prior authorization for several high-volume procedures, including EGD and colonoscopy services (CPT 43235, 43239, 45378, 45380 and 45385).
ASGE welcomes these changes, which will reduce administrative burden and support timely patient access to medically necessary care.
The announcement follows sustained advocacy by ASGE and the GI community, which opposed UHC’s original 2023 proposal to require prior authorization for GI endoscopy. UHC subsequently replaced that proposal with advance notification.
ASGE will continue to monitor payer policies and advocate for clinically appropriate utilization management requirements that minimize barriers to care.
Learn more: UnitedHealthcare’s announcement