TB screenings, acupuncture coding update, new APLs + immunization webinar
Acupuncture billing correction: Code – 97124 update
The Alliance has identified a system error that allowed reimbursement for Current Procedural Terminology code 97124 for acupuncture services. To align with Medi-Cal policy, effective Oct. 1, 2025, CPT code 97124 will no longer be reimbursed for acupuncture services.
Please refer to the Medi-Cal resources below for information about acupuncture services and approved billing codes and reimbursement rates:
If you have any questions regarding claims or billing, please contact our Claims Customer Service team at 831-430-5503.
Preventing TB through risk-based screening
In partnership with the Department of Health Care Services Medi-Cal Program, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Tuberculosis Control Branch is providing guidance on tuberculosis (TB) screening as part of preventive care.
Despite being preventable, TB continues to cause significant harm in California. Medi-Cal enrollees account for 68% of TB cases. TB disproportionately affects Asian, Black, Latinx, and Native American communities.
Over 80% of TB cases can be prevented by identifying and treating latent TB infection (LTBI). Because there is no effective lifelong vaccine, diagnosing and treating LTBI is essential.
Primary care providers play a critical role in risk-based TB testing.
1Commercially available interferon gamma release assays (IGRA) include T-SPOT.TB (Oxford Immunotec Global), and QuantiFERON-Gold Plus (Qiagen)
2Patients who have received BCG vaccine should be tested using IGRA; they are not protected from developing TB disease later in life
Short-course LTBI treatments (3–4 months) are recommended by the US Preventative Services Task Force, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Assembly Bill 2132 (effective Jan. 1, 2025) requires TB screening for adults in primary care if risk factors are present and covered by insurance. Those who test positive must be offered further evaluation or referral. Patients not eligible for full Medi-Cal coverage may still qualify for no-cost outpatient TB-related services under aid code 7H through the Medi-Cal Tuberculosis Program. For more information, see Medi-Cal Tuberculosis Program.
CDPH offers LTBI training webinars for primary care clinicians. To learn more, email [email protected].
For clinical questions or additional resources, contact CDPH TB Control Branch at: [email protected].
Review APL updates
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has made updates to multiple All Plan Letters (APLs). These changes are important to know, as they may impact how you provide services. To see the updated APLs, visit our website.
Don’t forget: 2025 Lunch and Learn webinar
The Alliance invites you to attend an immunization webinar on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, from noon to 1 p.m.
Details and registration
When: Wednesday Aug. 6, 2025, from noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
*The first clinic to register and attend will receive a complimentary lunch from the Alliance. *
Register today by visiting our website or contact a Provider Relations Representative at 800-700-3874, ext. 5504.
