CT Contrast Shortage

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) has been made aware of recent shortages of iodinated contrast, specifically involving GE Healthcare's iodinated contrast media (OmnipaqueTM) stemming from a manufacturing facility lockdown in Shanghai, China. Iodinated contrast is used to provide enhancement of organs, tissues, and blood vessels for CT scans. GE estimates an 80% reduction in the supply of Omnipaque for about 6-8 weeks.  

For members who have Diagnostic Imaging benefits, prior authorization may be required through AIM Specialty Health prior to performing a high-tech imaging on a member. AIM management focuses on the appropriateness of the modality, and leaves decisions about whether to perform that modality with or without contrast to the radiologist/rendering physician. 

For indications that cannot be adequately imaged by non-contrast CT, alternative advanced imaging modalities may be appropriate. Many AIM guideline indications have allowances for MRI and/or PET/CT "when contrast CT cannot be performed (and non-contrast CT is expected to be non-diagnostic).” 

Requests for alternative imaging made under such circumstances should include this detail (eg "iodinated contrast for CT is not available") in the submitted prior authorization request, either by peer-to-peer discussion or via the free text entry option for online web portal requests.  

If you have any questions about AIM authorizations, please call AIM at (866) 455-8414.