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 (Omnipaque™) 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.