April 2022 Anthem Blue Cross Provider News - California

Contents

AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2022

The Anthem, Inc. name is changing

AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2022

CAA: Update your provider directory information

AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2022

Catching up on routine vaccines

AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2022

HEDIS 2022: Summary of changes from NCQA

PharmacyCommercialApril 1, 2022

Pharmacy information available on anthem.com/ca

PharmacyCommercialApril 1, 2022

Reminder on Botox® for Anthem Blue Cross members

State & FederalMedicaidApril 1, 2022

The Anthem, Inc. name is changing

State & FederalMedicaidApril 1, 2022

Reimbursement policy update: Inpatient Readmissions

State & FederalMedicaidApril 1, 2022

Disease management/population health program

State & FederalMedicaidApril 1, 2022

FDA warns about dental problems with buprenorphine medicines

State & FederalMedicaidApril 1, 2022

Clinical criteria updates

State & FederalMedicaidApril 1, 2022

Postpartum coverage expansion

State & FederalMedicaidApril 1, 2022

Keep up with Medi-Cal news – April 2022

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2022

The Anthem, Inc. name is changing

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2022

Reimbursement policy update: Inpatient Readmissions

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2022

Model of Care required training

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2022

The impact of listening

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2022

Clinical criteria updates

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2022

Keep up with Medicare news – April 2022

State & FederalApril 1, 2022

The Anthem, Inc. name is changing

State & FederalApril 1, 2022

Clinical criteria updates

State & FederalApril 1, 2022

Keep up with Cal MediConnect news - April 2022

AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2022

The Anthem, Inc. name is changing

The new name will reflect the company's exciting strategy for the future.

 

We are very excited to share the news that our parent company, Anthem, Inc., has filed a preliminary proxy statement to change its name. The new name, pending shareholder approval, will be Elevance Health.

 

Please know that if the name change is approved by shareholder vote, the following will not change:

  • Your contract, reimbursement, or level of support
  • Your patients’ plan or coverage

 

We will continue to do business as Anthem Blue Cross.

 

Why the change?

The upcoming name change reflects the company’s strategy to elevate the importance of whole health and to advance health beyond healthcare for our customers, their families, and our communities.

 

Our path forward is clear

We are thrilled to share our journey with you as our parent company continues its evolution from a traditional health benefits organization to a health company that looks beyond the traditional scope of physical health and how to best support it.

 

For more information, please read the press release.

 

Thank you for being our trusted health partner.

1811-0422-PN-CA

AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2022

CAA: Update your provider directory information

The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) effective January 1, 2022, contains a provision that requires online provider directory information be reviewed and updated (if needed) at least every 90 days. We are asking that you take a few minutes to review your online provider directory information to help ensure Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem) members can locate your most current information.

 

If changes are needed, please take the time to update your information by submitting updates and corrections to us on our online Provider Maintenance Form. Online update options include:

  • add/change an address location
  • name change
  • tax ID changes
  • provider leaving a group or a single location
  • phone/fax number changes
  • closing a practice location

 

Once you submit the Provider Maintenance Form, you will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your request. Visit the Provider Maintenance Form landing page for complete instructions.


1572-0422-PN-CA

AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2022

Catching up on routine vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public sector vaccine ordering data shows a 14% drop in 2020 and 2021 compared to 2019, and measles vaccine is down by more than 20%. Children need to get caught up now, so they are protected as they get back to regular schedules, play times and prepare for summer camps. Healthcare providers can identify families whose children have missed doses and contact them to schedule appointments.1

 

Well-child visits

A well-child visit is an opportunity for parents to get regular updates about their child’s growth and development. For adolescents, it can be lifesaving, particularly when you discuss HPV, which isn’t always easy. The CDC has developed several resources for providers about how to recommend the HPV vaccine and how to talk to parents about the HPV vaccine. Get these resources from cdc.gov.

 

Adults need preventive care, too

Getting good medical care that finds problems early and treats them effectively is an essential part of staying healthy. That’s why it is important for your adult patients to get those annual check-ups. It’s an opportunity for you to provide essential health services such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screenings. It is the perfect time to talk to your patients about their physical activity, their diet, and their overall wellbeing. Scheduling annual visits with your adult patients can lead to better health outcomes.

 

Measure Up

 

Adults’ Access to Preventive/ Ambulatory Health Services (AAP) HEDIS® measure includes members 20 years of age and older who have completed an ambulatory or preventive care visit during the measurement year.

 

Coding AAP

Ambulatory visit

CPT: 99201, 99202, 99203, 99204, 99205, 99211, 99212, 99213, 99214, 99215, 99241, 99242, 99243, 99244, 99245, 99341, 99342, 99343, 99344, 99345, 99347, 99348, 99349, 99350, 99381, 99382, 99383, 99384, 99385, 99386, 99387, 99391, 99392, 99393, 99394, 99395, 99396, 99397, 99401, 99402, 99403, 99404, 99411, 99412, 99429, 99483 HCPCS: G0402, G0438, G0439, G0463, T1015

ICD-10-CM: Z00.00, Z00.121, Z00.129, Z00.3, Z00.5, Z00.8, Z02.0, Z02.1, Z02.2, Z02.3, Z02.4, Z02.5, Z02.6, Z02.71, Z02.79, Z02.81, Z02.82, Z02.83, Z02.89, Z02.9, Z76.1, Z76.2

Other ambulatory visits

CPT: 92002, 92004, 92012, 92014, 99304, 99305, 99306, 99307, 99308, 99309, 99310, 99315, 99316, 99318, 99324, 99325, 99326, 99327, 99328, 99334, 99335, 99336, 99337

HCPCS: S0620, S0621

UBREV: 0524, 0525

Telephone visits

CPT: 98966, 98967, 98968, 99441, 99442, 99443

Online assessments

CPT: 98969, 98970, 98971, 98972, 98972, 99421, 99422, 99423, 99444, 99457, 99458 HCPCS: G0071, G2010, G2012, G2061, G2062, G2063

 

Child and Adolescent Well Care Visits (WCV) measures the percentage of members 3 to 21 years of age who had a least one comprehensive well-care visit with a PCP or an OB/GYN during the measurement year.

 

Coding WCV

This is an abbreviated list of codes associated with the WCV measure.

Well-care

CPT: 99381-99385, 99391-99395, 99461

Encounter for routine child health check with abnormal findings

ICD-10: Z00.121

Encounter for routine child health check without abnormal findings

ICD-10: Z00.129 

Encounter for examination for period of rapid growth in childhood

ICD-10: Z00.2

Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is a registered trademark of NCQA.

1cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/partners/childhood/downloads/childVax-infographic.pdf
1489-0422-PN-CA

AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2022

HEDIS 2022: Summary of changes from NCQA

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has changed, revised, and retired HEDIS for measurement year 2022. Below is a summary of some of the key changes to be aware of:

 

Diabetes measures

NCQA has separated the Comprehensive Diabetes indicators into stand-alone measures:

  • Hemoglobin A1c Control for Patients with Diabetes (HbA1c Control <8 and Poor Control HbA1c)
  • Eye Exam Performed for Patients with Diabetes
  • Blood Pressure for Patients with Diabetes
  • Kidney Health Evaluation for Patients with Diabetes

 

The process measure Comprehensive Diabetes HbA1c testing was retired as the goal is to move towards more outcome measures.

 

Race/ethnicity stratification

To address health care disparities, the first step is reporting and measuring performance.  Given this, NCQA has added race and ethnicity stratifications to the following HEDIS measures:

  • Colorectal Cancer Screening
  • Controlling High Blood Pressure
  • Hemoglobin A1c Control for patients with Diabetes
  • Prenatal and Post-Partum Care
  • Child and Adolescent Well Care Visits

 

NCQA plans to expand the race and ethnicity stratifications to additional HEDIS measures over several years to help reduce disparities in care among patient populations. This effort builds on NCQA’s existing work dedicated to the advancing health equity in data and quality measurement.

 

New measures

 

Antibiotic Utilization for Respiratory Conditions. Measures the percentage of episodes for members 3 months of age and older with a diagnosis of a respiratory condition that resulted in an antibiotic dispensing event. This measure was added given antibiotics prescribed for acute respiratory conditions are a large driver of antibiotic overuse.

 

Tracking antibiotic prescribing for all acute respiratory conditions will provide context about overall antibiotic.  Given this new measure, the Antibiotic Utilization measure has been retired.

 

Deprescribing of Benzodiazepines in Older Adults. The percentage of Medicare members 65 years of age and older who were dispensed benzodiazepines and achieved a 20 percent decrease or greater in benzodiazepine dose during the measurement year. 

 

Guidelines recommend that benzodiazepines be avoided in older adults, and deprescribing benzodiazepines slowly and safely, rather than stopping use immediately. There is an opportunity to promote harm reduction by assessing progress in appropriately reducing benzodiazepine use in the older adult population.

 

Advanced Care Planning. Measures the percentage of adults 65 to 80 years of age, with advanced illness, an indication of frailty or who are receiving palliative care, and adults 81 years of age and older, who had advance care planning during the measurement year. 

 

Advance care planning is associated with improved quality of life, this measure will allow an understanding if it is provided to those who are most likely to benefit from it. Given this new measure, the Care for Older Adults measure has been retired.

 

Measure changes

 

Use of Imaging Studies for Low Back Pain. This measure was expanded to the Medicare line of business and the upper age limit for this measure was expanded to age 75. Additional exclusions to the measure were also added.

 

A complete summary of 2022 HEDIS changes and more information, can be found at NCQA HEDIS 2022.

 

Source: NCQA.org

1232-0422-PN-CA

Federal Employee Program (FEP)CommercialApril 1, 2022

Save time by using CPT II codes: Introducing FEP Quality Reimbursement Program for PPO Providers

The Federal Employee Program (FEP) is introducing a new Quality Reimbursement Program for PPO providers.  Coding for CPT II Category Codes for A1c results, blood pressure readings and the first prenatal visit will now be reimbursed at $10 per code.

CPT II codes are supplemental tracking codes that are used to measure quality performance. The use of these tracking codes decreases the need for record submissions and chart reviews, minimizing administrative burden on physicians and other healthcare professionals.

How to use CPT II Codes

Use these CPT II codes when submitting a claim. In field 24F on the CMS-1500 claim form, enter the CPT II code along with the amount of $10. In order to receive reimbursement, the exact dollar amount ($10) and the date of service must be entered on the claim along with the appropriate code for the service performed:

Blood Pressure – Receive $10 for the Systolic and the Diastolic readings:

3074F

 

Most recent systolic blood pressure less than 130 mm Hg

3075F

 

Most recent systolic blood pressure 130-139 mm Hg

3077F

 

Most recent systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg

3078F

 

Most recent diastolic blood pressure less than 80 mm Hg

3079F

 

Most recent diastolic blood pressure 80-89 mm Hg

3080F

 

Most recent diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg


Hemoglobin A1c:

3044F

Most recent hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level less than 7.0%

3046F

Most recent hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level greater than 9.0%

3051F

 

3052F

Most recent hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level greater than or equal to 7.0% and less than 8.0%
Most recent hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level greater than or equal to 8.0% and less than or equal to 9.0%

 

Blood Pressure – The first prenatal visit date of service must be on the claim (Field 24A, CMS-1500 claim form) with the appropriate code:

0500F                 

Initial prenatal care visit (report at first prenatal encounter with healthcare professional providing obstetrical care. Report also date of visit, and in a separate field, the date of the last menstrual period [LMP]) (Prenatal)

0501F

Prenatal flow sheet documented in medical record by first prenatal visit (documentation includes at minimum blood pressure, weight, urine protein, uterine size, fetal heart tones, and estimated date of delivery). Report also: date of visit and, in a separate field, the date of the last menstrual period [LMP] (Note: If reporting 0501F Prenatal flow sheet, it is not necessary to report 0500F Initial prenatal care visit) (Prenatal)


For additional information about the Quality Reimbursement Program, email us at FEPproviderGIC@anthem.com.

1503-0422-PN-CA

PharmacyCommercialApril 1, 2022

Pharmacy information available on anthem.com/ca

Visit the Drug Lists page on anthem.com/ca for more information on:

  • Copayment/coinsurance requirements and their applicable drug classes
  • Drug lists and changes
  • Prior authorization criteria
  • Procedures for generic substitution
  • Therapeutic interchange
  • Step therapy or other management methods subject to prescribing decisions
  • Any other requirements, restrictions, or limitations that apply to using certain drugs

 

The commercial and marketplace drug lists are posted to the website quarterly on the first day of the month in January, April, July, and October.

 

To locate “Marketplace Select Formulary” and pharmacy information, scroll down to “Select Drug Lists.” This drug list is also reviewed and updated regularly as needed.

FEP Pharmacy updates and other pharmacy related information may be accessed at www.fepblue.org > Pharmacy Benefits.

1399-0422-PN-CA

PharmacyCommercialApril 1, 2022

Reminder on Botox® for Anthem Blue Cross members

This is a reminder that effective January 1, 2022, CVS Specialty Pharmacy, and IngenioRx Specialty Pharmacy no longer dispense the brand name drug Botox®. However, Botox is still available to Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem) members through other vendors.

 

Please note:

  • This is not a change in member benefits. This is a change in the Botox vendor only.
  • If the member is not using IngenioRx Specialty Pharmacy or CVS Specialty Pharmacy to obtain Botox, no action is needed.
  • This change does not affect any other specialty pharmacy coverage.

 

Medical specialty pharmacy benefits

Our members who obtained Botox through CVS Specialty Pharmacy using their medical specialty pharmacy benefits must move this prescription, as of January 1, 2022. Here are the options:

  • Providers can purchase Botox for their patients, then supply it to Anthem members. Providers would then bill Anthem for the drug and administration of the drug. This will require a new prior authorization to notify Anthem of this change.
  • If the Anthem member’s pharmacy benefit manager is IngenioRx, providers can transition the Botox prescription to receive the drug from any in-network pharmacy using their pharmacy benefits. Transferring the coverage will require a new prescription and new prior authorization.

 

For questions regarding a member’s medical specialty pharmacy benefits, call Provider Services using the information on the back of the member’s ID card.

 

Pharmacy benefits manager benefits

 

Effective January 1, 2022, members who obtained Botox through IngenioRx Specialty Pharmacy using their pharmacy benefits must move this prescription from IngenioRx Specialty Pharmacy to another in-network specialty pharmacy that dispenses Botox. If there are refills still available on the current prescription, members can transfer it to the new pharmacy. If not, members will need a new prescription.

 

For questions regarding a member’s pharmacy benefits, call Pharmacy Member Services using the information on the back of the member’s ID card.

1485-0422-PN-CA

State & FederalMedicaidApril 1, 2022

The Anthem, Inc. name is changing

The new name will reflect the company's exciting strategy for the future.

 

We are very excited to share the news that our parent company, Anthem, Inc., has filed a preliminary proxy statement to change its name. The new name, pending shareholder approval, will be Elevance Health.

 

Please know that if the name change is approved by shareholder vote, the following will not change:

  • Your contract, reimbursement, or level of support
  • Your patients’ plan or coverage

 

We will continue to do business as Anthem Blue Cross.

 

Why the change?

The upcoming name change reflects the company’s strategy to elevate the importance of whole health and to advance health beyond healthcare for our customers, their families, and our communities.

 

Our path forward is clear

We are thrilled to share our journey with you as our parent company continues its evolution from a traditional health benefits organization to a health company that looks beyond the traditional scope of physical health and how to best support it.

 

For more information, please read the press release.

 

Thank you for being our trusted health partner.

ACAPEC-3469-22

State & FederalMedicaidApril 1, 2022

Reimbursement policy update: Inpatient Readmissions

Effective July 1, 2022, when a member is readmitted within 30 days as part of a planned readmission and placed on a leave of absence, the admissions are considered to be one admission, and only one diagnosis-related group (DRG) will be reimbursed.

 

For additional information, please review the Inpatient Readmission reimbursement policy at https://providers.anthem.com/ca.


ACA-NU-0404-21

State & FederalMedicaidApril 1, 2022

Disease management/population health program

The Disease Management/Population Health program is designed to support providers in caring for patients with chronic healthcare needs. Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem) provides members enrolled in the Disease Management/Population Health program with continuous education on self-management, assistance in connecting to community resources, and coordination of care by a team of highly qualified professionals whose goal is to create a system of seamless healthcare interventions and communications.

 

Who is eligible?

Disease Management/Population Health program case managers provide support to members with:

  • Asthma
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Diabetes
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Hypertension
  • Major depressive disorder — adults
  • Major depressive disorder — children and adolescents
  • Schizophrenia
  • Substance use disorder

 

The Disease Management/Population Health program includes and addresses the following for each condition:

  • Condition monitoring (including self-monitoring and medical testing)
  • Adherence to treatment plans (including medication adherence, as appropriate)
  • Medical and behavioral health co-morbidities and other health conditions (e.g., cognitive deficits, physical limitations)
  • Health behaviors
  • Psychosocial issues including depression and substance use screening
  • Providing information about the patient’s condition to caregivers who have the patient’s consent
  • Encouraging patients to communicate with their practitioners about their health conditions and treatment
  • Additional resources external to the organization, as appropriate

 

Our case managers use member-centric motivational interviewing to identify and address health risks, such as tobacco use and obesity, to improve condition-specific outcomes. Interventions are rooted in evidence-based clinical practice guidelines from recognized sources. We implement continuous improvement strategies to increase evaluation, management, and health outcomes.

 

For more information on our program and how to refer an Anthem member, please visit https://providers.anthem.com/california-provider/patient-care/disease-management.

Your input and partnership are valued. Once your patient is enrolled in the Disease Management/ Population Health program, you will be notified by the clinical associate assigned.

 

We look forward to working with you.

ACA-NU-0407-22



State & FederalMedicaidApril 1, 2022

FDA warns about dental problems with buprenorphine medicines

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning that dental problems have been reported with medicines containing buprenorphine that dissolve in the mouth. The dental problems include tooth decay, cavities, oral infections, and tooth loss. This can be serious and has been reported in patients with no history of dental issues. Despite these risks, buprenorphine is an important treatment option for opioid use disorder (OUD) and pain. We ask our providers to take this information into account when prescribing buprenorphine medicines to our members.

 

Please refer to the FDA Drug Safety Communication to review the full notice.

Email is the quickest and most direct way to receive important information from Anthem Blue Cross. 
To start receiving email from us (including some sent in lieu of fax or mail), submit your information using the QR code to the right or via our online form (https://bit.ly/3lLgko8).


ACA-NU-0416-22

State & FederalMedicaidApril 1, 2022

Clinical criteria updates

On November 19, 2021, December 13, 2021, and January 10, 2022, the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee approved the following Clinical Criteria applicable to the medical drug benefit for Anthem Blue Cross. These policies were developed, revised, or reviewed to support clinical coding edits.

 

Visit Clinical Criteria to search for specific policies. For questions or additional information, use this email.

 

Please see the explanation/definition for each category of Clinical Criteria below:

  • New: newly published criteria
  • Revised: addition or removal of medical necessity requirements, new document number
  • Updates marked with an asterisk (*) notate that the criteria may be perceived as more restrictive

 

Please share this notice with other members of your practice and office staff.

 

Please note: The Clinical Criteria listed below applies only to the medical drug benefits contained within the member’s medical policy. This does not apply to pharmacy services.

 

Effective date

Document number

Clinical Criteria title

New or revised

June 7, 2022

*ING-CC-0205

Fyarro (sirolimus albumin bound)

New

June 7, 2022

*ING-CC-0206

Besremi (ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft)

New

June 7, 2022

*ING-CC-0207

Vyvgart (efgartigimod alfa-fcab)

New

June 7, 2022

*ING-CC-0208

Adbry (tralokinumab)

New

June 7, 2022

*ING-CC-0209

Leqvio (inclisiran)

New

June 7, 2022

ING-CC-0124

Keytruda (pembrolizumab)

Revised

June 7, 2022

ING-CC-0079

Strensiq (Asfotase Alfa)

Revised

June 7, 2022

ING-CC-0102

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GNRH)  Analogs for Oncologic Indications

Revised

June 7, 2022

ING-CC-0168

Tecartus (brexucabtagene autoleucel)

Revised

June 7, 2022

ING-CC-0029

Dupixent (dupilumab)

Revised

June 7, 2022

*ING-CC-0004

Repository Corticotropin Injection

Revised

June 7, 2022

ING-CC-0072

Selective Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Antagonists

Revised


Email is the quickest and most direct way to receive important information from Anthem Blue Cross.

To start receiving email from us (including some sent in lieu of fax or mail), submit your
information using the QR code to the right or via our online form (https://bit.ly/3lLgko8).


ACA-NU-0420-22

State & FederalMedicaidApril 1, 2022

Postpartum coverage expansion

As a result of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), effective April 1, 2022, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will expand the postpartum care period for individuals receiving pregnancy-related and postpartum care services for an additional 10 months of coverage following the current 60-day postpartum period for a total of 12 months. The 12-month postpartum coverage period for Medi-Cal eligible pregnant individuals will begin on the last day of the pregnancy and will end on the last day of the month in which the 365th day occurs. Additionally, coverage will be extended to full-scope benefits during both the pregnancy and postpartum periods.

 

Due to Continued Eligibility for Pregnancy (CEP) rules, pregnant individuals who are eligible under a Medi-Cal program will maintain coverage through their pregnancy and an extended postpartum coverage period, regardless of income changes, citizenship, or immigration status. These individuals shall maintain continuous eligibility in their full-scope pregnancy and postpartum coverage through the 12-month postpartum period.

 

This will fully replace the current Provisional Postpartum Care Extension (PPCE), which will expire on March 31, 2022.

 

To view the DHCS All County Welfare Directors Letter, visit

https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/eligibility/letters/Documents/21-15.pdf.

Email is the quickest and most direct way to receive important information from Anthem Blue Cross.

To start receiving email from us (including some sent in lieu of fax or mail), submit your information using the QR code to the right or via our online form (https://bit.ly/3lLgko8


ACAPEC-3418-22

State & FederalMedicaidApril 1, 2022

Keep up with Medi-Cal news – April 2022

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2022

The Anthem, Inc. name is changing

The new name will reflect the company's exciting strategy for the future.

 

We are very excited to share the news that our parent company, Anthem, Inc., has filed a preliminary proxy statement to change its name. The new name, pending shareholder approval, will be Elevance Health.

 

Please know that if the name change is approved by shareholder vote, the following will not change:

  • Your contract, reimbursement, or level of support
  • Your patients’ plan or coverage

 

We will continue to do business as Anthem Blue Cross.

 

Why the change?

The upcoming name change reflects the company’s strategy to elevate the importance of whole health and to advance health beyond healthcare for our customers, their families, and our communities.

 

Our path forward is clear

We are thrilled to share our journey with you as our parent company continues its evolution from a traditional health benefits organization to a health company that looks beyond the traditional scope of physical health and how to best support it.

 

For more information, please read the press release.

 

Thank you for being our trusted health partner.

ACAPEC-3469-22

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2022

Implementation update for the NYC Medicare Advantage Plus plan, an alliance between Empire BlueCross BlueShield and EmblemHealth

We want to provide you with an update regarding the offering for City of New York retirees – the NYC Medicare Advantage Plus plan, an alliance between Empire BlueCross BlueShield and EmblemHealth.

 

The NYC Medicare Advantage Plus plan is not being implemented on April 1, 2022. All retirees will remain in their current plans until further notice.

 

What does this mean?

City of New York retirees will remain in their current plan until further notice and will not transition to the NYC Medicare Advantage Plus plan on April 1, 2022. At this time, City of New York retirees do not need to opt out of the NYC Medicare Advantage Plus plan in order to remain in senior care or their current plan.

 

Where should I submit claims?

Please continue to follow your current processes for claims submission for the City of New York retirees under your care. Those processes will not change on April 1, 2022, as City of New York retirees will remain in their current plan.

 

When will City of New York retirees transition to the NYC Medicare Advantage Plus plan?

A new effective date has not yet been determined. Detailed information will be made available regarding the new effective date once it has been established.

 

Thank you for your continued care for City of New York retirees.

 

ABCCRNU-0232-22

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2022

Reimbursement policy update: Inpatient Readmissions

Effective July 1, 2022, when a member is readmitted within 30 days as part of a planned readmission and/or placed on a leave of absence, the admissions are considered to be one admission, and only one diagnosis-related group (DRG) will be reimbursed.

 

For additional information, please review the Inpatient Readmission reimbursement policy at https://www.anthem.com/ca/provider/medicare-advantage.

ABCCRNU-0213-21

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2022

Model of Care required training

As a contracted provider for a Special Needs Plan (SNP) from Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem), you are required to participate in an annual training on Anthem’s Model of Care. This training includes a detailed overview of SNPs and program information highlighting cost sharing, data sharing, participation in the Interdisciplinary Care Team (ICT), where to access the member’s health risk assessment results, plan of care, and benefit coordination.

 

Training for Anthem’s SNP product is self-paced and available on the Availity* Portal at https://www.availity.com.

 

How to access the Custom Learning Center on the Availity Portal:

  • Log in to Availity at https://www.availity.com.
  • At the top, select Payer Spaces and select the appropriate payer.
  • On the Payer Spaces landing page, select Access Your Custom Learning Center from Applications.
  • In the Custom Learning Center, select Required Training.
  • Select Special Needs Plan and Model of Care Overview.
  • Select Enroll.
  • Select Start.
  • Once the course is completed, select Begin Attestation and complete.

 

Not registered for the Availity Portal?

Have your organization’s designated administrator register your organization for Availity.

  • Visit https://www.availity.com to register.
  • Select Register.
  • Select your organization type.
  • In the Registration wizard, follow the prompts to complete the registration for your organization.

 

Refer to the PDF documents at https://apps.availity.com/availity/Demos/Registration/index.htm for complete registration instructions.

 

Getting started

  • When you log in to Availity for the first time, you will be prompted to:
  • Accept privacy and security statements.
  • Accept a confidentiality agreement.
  • Choose three security questions and answers.
  • Create a new password.
  • Verify your email address.

 

If you have questions regarding Availity Portal registration, please contact Availity Client Services at
800-282-4548.

 

Additional SNP reference materials for Medicare, including provider manuals, can be found on the provider website at https://www.anthem.com/ca/provider/medicare-advantage.


Anthem is required to maintain a record of your annual Model of Care training. Please complete the attestation located at the end of the training to indicate completion.

ABCCRNU-0215-22

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2022

The impact of listening

As a provider, every patient encounter is an opportunity to demonstrate how well you can listen and understand their needs and concerns. Likewise, to ensure your patients can implement your plan of care, you want to be sure that your patients are truly listening and understanding the advice you are giving.

 

Strategies to improve your communication to patients

One way to figure out if your communication with a patient is effective is by asking them to repeat back the plan of care you discuss with them. You will be able to identify gaps in their understanding and clarify by asking a patient to repeat the next steps back to you.

 

If you have just shared information with your patient, ask them to repeat back what you told them. For example, you could say, “I just shared a lot of information with you about the new medication I think you should try. Can you please repeat it back to me so we can make sure you remember all of the important points?”. 

 

How does your patient know you are listening to them?

To make sure your patient knows you are listening, repeat back to them what you have heard. A quick summary helps assure you heard correctly. For example, you might say, “I want to make sure that I understand all of the important information you just shared. Let me repeat back what I heard so you can verify I didn’t miss anything.” This will help your patients know you are understanding their needs.

ABCCRNU-0220-22

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2022

Clinical criteria updates

On November 19, 2021, December 13, 2021, and January 10, 2022, the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee approved the following Clinical Criteria applicable to the medical drug benefit for
Anthem Blue Cross. These policies were developed, revised, or reviewed to support clinical coding edits.

 

Visit Clinical Criteria to search for specific policies. For questions or additional information, use this email.

 

Please see the explanation/definition for each category of Clinical Criteria below:

  • New: newly published criteria
  • Revised: addition or removal of medical necessity requirements, new document number
  • Updates marked with an asterisk (*) notate that the criteria may be perceived as more restrictive

 

Please share this notice with other members of your practice and office staff.

 

Please note: The Clinical Criteria listed below applies only to the medical drug benefits contained within the member’s medical policy. This does not apply to pharmacy services.

 

Effective date

Document number

Clinical Criteria Title

New or revised

April 8, 2022

*ING-CC-0205

Fyarro (sirolimus albumin bound)

New

April 8, 2022

*ING-CC-0206

Besremi (ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft)

New

April 8, 2022

*ING-CC-0207

Vyvgart (efgartigimod alfa-fcab)

New

April 8, 2022

*ING-CC-0208

Adbry (tralokinumab)

New

April 8, 2022

*ING-CC-0209

Leqvio (inclisiran)

New

April 8, 2022

ING-CC-0124

Keytruda (pembrolizumab)

Revised

April 8, 2022

ING-CC-0079

Strensiq (Asfotase Alfa)

Revised

April 8, 2022

ING-CC-0015

Infertility and HCG Agents

Revised

April 8, 2022

ING-CC-0102

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GNRH)  Analogs for Oncologic Indications

Revised

April 8, 2022

ING-CC-0168

Tecartus (brexucabtagene autoleucel)

Revised

April 8, 2022

ING-CC-0029

Dupixent (dupilumab)

Revised

April 8, 2022

*ING-CC-0004

Repository Corticotropin Injection

Revised

April 8, 2022

ING-CC-0072

Selective Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Antagonists

Revised


ABCCRNU-0224-22

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2022

Keep up with Medicare news – April 2022

State & FederalApril 1, 2022

The Anthem, Inc. name is changing

The new name will reflect the company's exciting strategy for the future.

 

We are very excited to share the news that our parent company, Anthem, Inc., has filed a preliminary proxy statement to change its name. The new name, pending shareholder approval, will be Elevance Health.

 

Please know that if the name change is approved by shareholder vote, the following will not change:

  • Your contract, reimbursement, or level of support
  • Your patients’ plan or coverage

 

We will continue to do business as Anthem Blue Cross.

 

Why the change?

The upcoming name change reflects the company’s strategy to elevate the importance of whole health and to advance health beyond healthcare for our customers, their families, and our communities.

 

Our path forward is clear

We are thrilled to share our journey with you as our parent company continues its evolution from a traditional health benefits organization to a health company that looks beyond the traditional scope of physical health and how to best support it.

 

For more information, please read the press release.

 

Thank you for being our trusted health partner.

ACAPEC-3469-22

State & FederalApril 1, 2022

Reimbursement policy update: Inpatient Readmissions

Effective July 1, 2022, when a member is readmitted within 30 days as part of a planned readmission and/or placed on a leave of absence, the admissions are considered to be one admission, and only one diagnosis-related group (DRG) will be reimbursed.

 

For additional information, please review the Inpatient Readmission reimbursement policy at https://providers.anthem.com/ca.

ACAD-NU-0373-21

State & FederalApril 1, 2022

Clinical criteria updates

On November 19, 2021, December 13, 2021, and January 10, 2022, the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee approved the following Clinical Criteria applicable to the medical drug benefit for Anthem Blue Cross. These policies were developed, revised, or reviewed to support clinical coding edits.

 

Visit Clinical Criteria to search for specific policies. For questions or additional information, use this email.

 

Please see the explanation/definition for each category of Clinical Criteria below:

  • New: newly published criteria
  • Revised: addition or removal of medical necessity requirements, new document number
  • Updates marked with an asterisk (*) notate that the criteria may be perceived as more restrictive

 

Please share this notice with other members of your practice and office staff.

 

Please note: The Clinical Criteria listed below applies only to the medical drug benefits contained within the member’s medical policy. This does not apply to pharmacy services.

 

Effective date

Document number

Clinical Criteria title

New or revised

April 8, 2022

*ING-CC-0205

Fyarro (sirolimus albumin bound)

New

April 8, 2022

*ING-CC-0206

Besremi (ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft)

New

April 8, 2022

*ING-CC-0207

Vyvgart (efgartigimod alfa-fcab)

New

April 8, 2022

*ING-CC-0208

Adbry (tralokinumab)

New

April 8, 2022

*ING-CC-0209

Leqvio (inclisiran)

New

April 8, 2022

ING-CC-0124

Keytruda (pembrolizumab)

Revised

April 8, 2022

ING-CC-0079

Strensiq (Asfotase Alfa)

Revised

April 8, 2022

ING-CC-0102

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GNRH)  Analogs for Oncologic Indications

Revised

April 8, 2022

ING-CC-0168

Tecartus (brexucabtagene autoleucel)

Revised

April 8, 2022

ING-CC-0029

Dupixent (dupilumab)

Revised

April 8, 2022

*ING-CC-0004

Repository Corticotropin Injection

Revised

April 8, 2022

ING-CC-0072

Selective Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Antagonists

Revised

 

ACAD-NU-0377-22

State & FederalApril 1, 2022

Keep up with Cal MediConnect news - April 2022