April 2021 Anthem Provider News - Georgia

Contents

Behavioral HealthCommercialApril 1, 2021

The heath of millennials: trends in behavioral health conditions

Policy UpdatesCommercialApril 1, 2021

Georgia Anthem preapproval list change notification 3/1/2021

Medical Policy & Clinical GuidelinesCommercialApril 1, 2021

Medical policy and clinical guideline updates 4/1/2021

Medical Policy & Clinical GuidelinesCommercialApril 1, 2021

MCG care guidelines 25th edition

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2021

Medical drug benefit clinical criteria updates

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2021

Notify us of telehealth services

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2021

In-office assessment program

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2021

Oncology dose reduction program beginning July 1, 2021

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2021

Medical drug benefit clinical criteria updates

AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2021

Join Anthem in talking about racism and its impact on health

Healthcare and mental healthcare professionals have a vital role in identifying, treating, and addressing racial trauma and injustice, moving our communities towards racial equity, and improving the health and wellbeing of all Americans.

 

We can impact the injustice of racism together.

Anthem has partnered with Motivo*, the first HIPAA-compliant digital platform that connects mental health therapists and clinical supervisors, to take on the challenge of facilitating conversations on racial injustice, trauma, and inequality among our providers and associates.

 

We are hosting racial equity forums on a quarterly basis to keep the conversation going. Please register for the next forum, Deconstructing Bias, to learn more about the impact of racism on healthcare and the people we serve, and what we can do about it.  

In Pursuit of Racial Equity: Deconstructing Bias

Wednesday, June 9th, 2021
4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. Eastern, (1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Pacific)

Register today!

 

Our racial equity forums focus on:

  • Exploring how racism takes shape in healthcare.
  • Discussing how to identify racism in your practice and how to be an ally to your patients.
  • Understanding the impact of prolonged exposure to racism on people of .
  • Providing you with actionable resources to put an end to racism in your practice.

 

Since October 2020, Anthem has sponsored two virtual forums featuring healthcare professionals from Anthem and Motivo: Racial Trauma in America and The Road to Allyship: Playing Your Part in Racial Equity.

 

We know we are on the right track because the racial equity forum participants say so.

  • 90% received meaningful information about the influence that racism and white privilege may have on their perspectives and gained an understanding on what actions they can take to make a difference and be an ally.
  • 86% obtained useful information and resources that will enhance their ability to serve patients.
  • 75% agreed that the forum helped them understand a different perspective.
  • 76% had some of their perspectives and beliefs challenged.

 

Systematic racism is a part of today’s healthcare system.

  • US physicians underestimate the pain level of Black patients 47% of the time vs. 33.5% of the time for white patients (PNAS).
  • Black women die from pregnancy or childbirth 243% more often than white women (CDC).

 

The first step to addressing racism is to recognize its existence, subtle or otherwise.

These conversations can be uncomfortable, but this is how you can do something about racial injustice now.

 

At Anthem, we are determined to reduce racism in our communities with your support and participation.

 

*Motivo is an independent company providing a virtual forum on behalf of Anthem.

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AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2021

New billing requirements for provider data management system launching in April

As previously communicated in the March edition of Anthem’s Provider News, Anthem is replacing the current data management system for Georgia providers. Make sure you are familiar with new billing requirements and are prepared for the change by registering with Availity.    


Critical billing requirements

Claims submitted with missing or incorrect billing national provider identifier (NPI) will be denied. Submitting claims with complete and correct data is critical to ensure Anthem is able to process your claims efficiently and accurately. All data fields on claims are used when building your claim record. Review your billing practices carefully to ensure provider tax identification number (TIN), billing national provider identifier (NPI) and servicing provider information (if applicable) are submitted in the appropriate fields.


Are you prepared?

If you are not already enrolled in Availity, it’s important that you enroll right away. Go to Availity.com to register and to find other helpful information about using Availity. 


System upgrades special notice reminder

As was communicated in March, system upgrades will be implemented from April 10 through April 16, 2021. Any provider demographic updates submitted during this time will be processed after April 16, 2021. Providers should not see Anthem members prior to receiving notification that your update is finalized. As a reminder, if services are rendered to an Anthem member and claims are filed prior to the receipt of the completion date notification, Anthem is not obligated to adjust the affected claims nor are providers permitted to balance bill the member.


Next steps: integration with Availity PDM

The second phase of our system improvement will roll out in phases beginning in June. This will include integration with Availity Provider Data Management (PDM) functionality. Through this tool, providers can view, maintain, update, and attest provider demographic information is accurate for Anthem (and other health plans) in one easy-to-use portal. The PDM also features our simplified quick verification process, which enables providers to complete the required verifications online – eliminating the need to fax or email.



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AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2021

Does your practice offer telehealth services? Let us know!

Beginning in April 2021, our online directories will identify professional providers who offer telehealth services in their practice.

We encourage providers to utilize the online Provider Maintenance Form to notify us about your telehealth services and we will add a telehealth indicator to your online provider directory profile.

Visit anthem.com to locate the Provider Maintenance Form. Please contact your local provider consultant if you have any questions.

 

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AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2021

Interactive bilingual website taking action for our health

Having the common goal of reaching all Latinos in the US, Anthem, Inc., the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, the National Hispanic Medical Association, and Pfizer, Inc., announce the launch of Tomando Acción por Nuestra Salud/Taking Action for Our Health, a free interactive bilingual website aimed at eliminating health disparities in the Latino community. The website encourages preventive health screenings for cancer, emotional health, heart health, and prediabetes. It also provides tools to help people care for the emotional health of their families and themselves in the language of their preference.

 

The interactive website highlights the importance of health screenings, addresses barriers and provides information on access to low and no cost healthcare services in the community. The easy to use website, guides participants through four programs where they can learn about risk factors, take action to get screened, monitor their progress, and share their results with their doctors, health care teams or family and friends to let them know they are taking steps to protect their health and help encourage others to participate as well.

 

The website is not exclusive for Anthem members. Health care providers are encouraged to share the website with all of their Latino patients.

 

The website identifies four major targets of undue poor health outcomes for Latinos. In response, Tomando Acción por Nuestra Salud/Taking Action for Our Health strives to help increase cancer screening, screening for depression/anxiety-risk, heart diseases and prediabetes and provides tools to address emotional health. The website includes a 4-part workshop series “Compartiendo el Café y el Chocolate/Coffee and Chocolate” to help people care for the emotional health of their family and themselves. This is a program, specifically for Hispanics, that uses a holistic approach to emotional stability. It builds on cultural strengths to balance four key items—community, body, mind, and spirit.

 

To access Tomando Acción por Nuestra Salud/Taking Action for Our Health visit: Taking Action for Our Health.

 

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AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2021

Payer Spaces: name change announcement (Availity)

Information Center — Access important policies, forms and helpful resources

We’re changing!

The Information Center is replacing the Education and Reference Center application in Payer Spaces on the Availity Portal. There you’ll find important policies, forms and helpful resources.

If you’re looking for specific education materials, we invite you to visit the Custom Learning Center in Availity, which was designed to offer education/training content and to be a learning environment. Content previously posted in the Communication & Education tab have now migrated there. Find the Custom Learning Center tool in Payer Spaces > Applications > Access the Custom Learning Center.

Locate the Information Center in Payer Spaces. Depending on your market, the Information Center contains a number of sections:

  • Administrative support
  • Behavioral health
  • Clinical resources
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Federal Employee Program (FEP)

 

To view content in both of these valuable tools, visit Payer Spaces today.


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ATTACHMENTS (available on web): payer space image.jpg (jpg - 0.07mb)

AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2021

Understanding Availity roles for electronic data interchange (EDI)

Did you know your Availity administrator for your organization is the key to opening doors to self-service transaction roles such as electronic data interchagne (EDI)? A role is a group of job functions, also known as permissions. Each role consists of one or more permissions. Assigning roles is part of the process when you add a new Availity user with the add user feature.

What EDI roles do I need?

EDI management–This role consists of the following permissions available under EDI file management in the Availity menu:

  • EDI reporting preferences–Specify the EDI batch report files you want users at your organization to receive, along with file formats and other reporting preferences.
  • EDI send and receive files–Review EDI batch report files for batch files submitted using Availity's EDI file management feature. In addition, review payer responses to Availity web-based claim forms submitted to payers that process claims in batches.
  • File restore–Restore archived EDI files to your receive files

 

Set up EDI reporting preferences

Availity's batch EDI processing generates response files for each batch file that you submit. The administrator for an organization can set reporting preferences that specify which response files are generated. In the Availity portal menu, click claims & payments > EDI reporting preferences.



Enroll for the direct data entry transaction

You must be assigned the claims role to submit professional claims or encounters. If you cannot access the claim form, contact your administrator to assign the claims role to you. Submit transactions through manual data entry in Availity portal. In the Availity portal menu, click claims & payments > professional claim/facility claim/dental claim. Confirm which organization and payer you would like to submit claims for and continue to complete the fields to be directed to the simple and time saving claim form to enter claim information.


Need more help?

The EDI Connection Services Startup Guide is a helpful resource to help you get started, set up your EDI reporting preferences and submit transactions through manual data entry in Availity portal.


Contact Availity

  • Select help & training > get trained to display the Availity Learning Center (ALC) in a new browser tab. Search the catalog to locate and enroll in courses based on your needs.
  • Select help & training > find help to display Availity help in a new browser window. Use contents to display topics. Depending on your needs, consider exploring these topics:
    • Administrator
    • Claim submission
    • Electronic data interchange (EDI)
    • Glossary
  • Select help & training > Availity support to:
  • Open a ticket to request support
  • Get support via chat

 

Call 800-AVAILITY (282-4548) to speak with an Availity client service representative for more support.

 

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ATTACHMENTS (available on web): Avility roles image.jpg (jpg - 0.04mb)

AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2021

Keeping up with routine vaccination during COVID-19: well-child visits and vaccinations are essential services

In May 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released a report that showed a drop in routine childhood vaccinations as a result of COVID-19; a result of stay at home orders and concerns about infection during well-child visits. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC recommend the continuation of routine childhood vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting they are essential services.



To encourage well-visits and vaccinations, here are some extra steps you can take, if you haven’t already, to make visits as safe as possible for both patients and staff. They include:

  • Scheduling sick visits and well-child visits during different times of the day.
  • Asking patients to remain outside until it’s time for their appointment to reduce the number of people in waiting rooms.
  • Offering sick visits and well-child visits in different locations.

 

It’s important to identify those children who have missed immunizations and well-child visits to schedule these essential in-person appointments. To help, the CDC has published vaccine catch-up guidance on their website.


Important update from The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)

NCQA stressed the importance of getting childhood immunizations as soon as possible in a recent webinar, citing the impacts from the possible summer COVID-19 vaccine launch for children. Physicians are being advised that children should not receive any other vaccinations two weeks prior to or two weeks after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. They reemphasized the significance of this delay and suggest that providers administer childhood immunizations as soon as needed through proactively scheduling and preplanning.

 

Helpful information for keeping babies and children healthy

Childhood Immunization Schedule (CIS) HEDIS® measures require that all children are immunized by the age of two:

  • Four DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis)
  • Three IPV (polio)
  • One MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
  • Three HiB (H influenza type B)
  • Three HepB (hepatitis B)
  • One VZV (chicken pox)
  • Four PCV (pneumococcal conjugate)
  • One HepA (hepatitis A)
  • Two or Three RV (rotavirus)
  • Two Influenza (flu)

 

Billing codes:

  • MMR CPT: 90707, 90710 ICD-10-CM: B05.0-4, B05.81, B05.89, B05.9
  • Mumps ICD-10-CM: B26.0-3, B26.81-85, B26.89, B26.9
  • Rubella ICD-10-CM: B06.00-02, B06.09, B06.81-82, B06.89, B06.9
  • Rubella CPT: 90706
  • Rubella antibody CPT: 86762
  • Hepatitis A (Hep A) CPT: 90633 ICD-10-CM: B15.0, B15.9
  • Influenza CPT: 90655, 90657, 90661, 90662, 90673, 90685, 90686, 90687, 90688, 90689
  • HCPCS: G0008
  • Rotavirus vaccine (RV) CPT: 90681 (two-dose) and 90680 (three-dose)

 

Children should be fully immunized by 13 years of age to meet the Immunization for Adolescents (IMA) HEDIS® measure:

  • 1 Meningococcal vaccine (MCV) injection between 11 to 13 years of age
  • 1 Tetanus, diphtheria toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap/Td) between
    10 to 13 years of age
  • 2 or 3 HPV vaccines between 9 to 13 years of age

 

Billing codes:

  • Meningococcal CPT: 90734
  • Tdap CPT: 90715
  • HPV CPT: 90649, 90650, 90651

 

HEDIS® is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

For a complete list of HEDIS® measures, descriptions and coding tips, visit anthem.com.

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ATTACHMENTS (available on web): well child image.jpg (jpg - 0.05mb)

AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2021

Attention facilities: sending admission, discharge and transfer data to Anthem results in improved care management for patients

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an Interoperability and Patient Access Policy to reduce the burden of certain administrative processes. The CMS policy requires providers to implement Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to improve the electronic exchange of healthcare data between patient, provider and payer. The policy reiterates, that in partnership with the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information (ONC), CMS has identified Health Level 7® (HL7) as the foundational standard to support data exchange via secure API. Implementation of this CMS mandate is expected by July 1, 2021.

 

Anthem’s clinical data acquisition group has integrated admission, discharge and transfer (ADT) data from facility providers, health information exchanges and third-party aggregators. ADT data exchange can help Anthem:

  • Better support members with care coordination and discharge planning – leading to healthier outcomes for our members – your patients.
  • Proactively manage care transitions to avoid waste.
  • Close care gaps and educate members about appropriate care settings to better manage out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Anthem would like to digitally exchange HLT ADT messaging data for our members using secure data collection and transmission capabilities currently in use by facility systems. Facilities with network connections through vendors or health information exchanges can integrate ADT data with Anthem through these channels as well. Near real time HL7 ADT messaging data, or at least within 24-hours of admission, discharge or transfer, enables Anthem to most effectively manage care transitions.

 

Contact the clinical data and analytics team to get started today by emailing ADT_Intake@Anthem.com.


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AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2021

Make the change to digital authorization/referral and hospital admission notifications using EDI

Anthem and Availity are excited to announce the prior authorization/referrals 278 and inpatient admission and discharge notification 278N 5010 transactions functionality. 

 

Authorization and referral request (278) 

Use this transaction to electronically submit authorization and referral requests. You have the option to transmit this transaction in real-time or batch mode, and you will receive confirmation numbers to validate receipt of request.

  • An authorization is a review and approval of specific services
  • A referral is used to refer a patient to a specialty provider

 

Hospital admission notification (278N)

Use this transaction to electronically submit hospital admission notifications between your facility and health plan. The EDI 278N is the easiest, most efficient way to communicate facility admissions. Just like the 278, you can also transmit in either batch or real-time format which includes the ability to update a previously submitted date.

 

What are your benefits for using these transactions?

  • Streamline administrative tasks and increase productivity
  • Reduce administrative costs through automation
  • Increase data accuracy by reducing manual errors
  • Confirm a notification of admission is on file in the form of a service reference number that is generated upon registration
  • Submit notification of discharge
  • Accomplish more with less ‒ fewer phone calls, faxes or keying

 

Getting started

  • If you use a clearinghouse or vendor work with them to ensure they have the capability to exchange these transactions.
  • If you use practice management software have your Availity administrator use the following path to enroll:
    • My providers > enrollment center > transaction enrollment

 

Useful documents

  • Availity EDI Companion Guide communicates Availity-specific requirements and other information that supplements requirements and information already provided in standard EDI and HIPAA communications.
  • Anthem specific companion guide communicates requirements for submitting these transactions. These are located on the company website at anthem.com/edi.
  • The Availity Quick Start Guide will assist you with any EDI connection questions you might have.


If you need assistance, contact Availity client services at 800-Availity (800-282-4548), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. eastern time.

 

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AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2021

Chat directly with a prior authorization specialist

The fast, easy way to have your questions answered

If you have questions about prior authorizations (PA), you now have a new option to have them answered quickly and easily. With Anthem chat, providers can have a real-time, online discussion with a PA specialist.

  • Faster access to PA provider services experts
  • Real-time answers to your questions about PA and live help for submissions, similar to the call experience
  • Access to denial information and clinical team for resolution
  • The same high level of safety and security you have come to expect with Anthem

 

Chat is one example of how Anthem is using digital technology to improve the healthcare experience, with a goal to save you valuable time. To start, access the service through Payer Spaces on Availity.

 

To access chat: log on to Availity at Availity.com. Select Payer Spaces then select the health plan. Once in Payer Spaces, select the chat with payer box from applications.

 

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AdministrativeCommercialApril 1, 2021

Maximizing efficient, high quality COVID-19 screenings

Identifying the most appropriate COVID-19 testing codes, testing sites and type of test to use can be confusing. The guidance below can make it easier for you to refer your patients to high-quality, lower-cost COVID-19 testing sites, find Anthem contracted laboratories and identify the proper CPT codes to use.

 

Contact your local Anthem consultant if you need additional information or visit anthem.com/coronavirus/providers.

COVID-19 testing coding guidelines

  • For a new or established patient, CPT code 99211 would be appropriate if patient is being seen for no other services besides a specimen collection.
  • Effective 04/01/2021, CPT codes G2023 and G2024 are appropriate when billed by clinical laboratories only and are not appropriate for provider practices.


Refer patients to anthem.com/coronavirus to find convenient testing locations

If an Anthem member requests a COVID-19 test, you may refer them to anthem.com or the Sydney Health mobile app to find testing locations near them. Our test-site finder gives members important information about each site, including days and hours of operation, and if they offer:

  • Appointments or walk-ins
  • Drive through service
  • Rapid test results
  • Antibody testing

Send swab tests to Anthem contracted laboratories

When providing COVID-19 molecular testing services to our members, consider utilizing the following additional in-network, high-quality labs to assist in helping to ensure that our members are receiving high value health care.

In-network lab

Telephone

Website

Eurofins NTD

(888) 683-5227

ntd-eurofins.com/

Eurofins Viracor

(800) 305-5198

viracor-eurofins.com/test-menu/8300-coronavirus-covid-19-sars-cov-2-rt-pcr/

Eurofins Boston Heart

(877) 425-1252

bostonheartdiagnostics.com/

Fulgent Therapeutics

(626) 350-0537

fulgentgenetics.com/covid19

Invitae Corporation

(650) 466-7242

invitae.com/en/partners/

Gravity Diagnostics

(855) 841-7111

gravitydiagnostics.com/covid-19-coronavirus-testing-partners/

Mako Medical Laboratories

(919) 351-6256

makomedical.com/



Consider Antigen testing when rapid test results are needed

Antigen tests can be a quicker way to detect COVID-19 than nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), e.g. PCR. Antigen tests offer a reasonable and lower cost alternative when screening asymptomatic or low-risk patients and may be most useful for individuals within the first five to seven days of symptoms when virus replication is at its highest.

 

Antigen tests can be used to detect current infection, are relatively easy to use, and most can provide point-of-care testing results. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that proper interpretation of antigen test results (and confirmatory testing with NAAT when indicated) is important for accurate clinical management of patients with suspected COVID-19; more information can be found here.

 

The CDC notes that when molecular tests are unavailable or rapid turnaround time is needed, antigen tests can generally be used for diagnosis of COVID-19.

 

Antigen tests are typically less sensitive and clinicians should interpret negative results carefully. When symptoms are present or a high clinical suspicion exists, negative antigen tests should be confirmed with a molecular test.

 

When antigen tests are used in symptomatic patients, positive antigen tests can be interpreted as indicative of SARS-CoV-2 infection and do not usually require follow-up testing.


Consider using COVID-19 and flu combination testing when appropriate

According to the CDC, clinicians should consider testing for other causes of respiratory illness, including infections such as influenza, when clinically appropriate.

 

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Behavioral HealthCommercialApril 1, 2021

The heath of millennials: trends in behavioral health conditions

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association recently published an updated study1  that showed a downward trend in the physical health of millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) driven largely by behavioral health conditions. There were notable increases in major depression (12%), alcohol use disorder (7%) and tobacco and substance use disorders (5%). 

 

Millennials with behavioral health conditions were at twice the risk of having a chronic physical condition.

The study included the analysis of millennials’ medical claims over a five year period. Those with ongoing behavioral health conditions were twice as likely to have a chronic physical condition as their peers without a behavioral health diagnosis.

 

Behavioral health conditions driving adverse health for millennials

Reprinted from Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s 2019 report on the Health of Millennials.


It’s important to follow-up with your patients - millennial, gen X, gen Z or baby boomer, who are prescribed antidepressant medications or who have been hospitalized for mental illness or substance use disorders. Not only will patients have better behavioral health outcomes, their physical health could be significantly impacted as well. Follow these HEDIS® measures for additional guidance in closing the gaps in behavioral health conditions for all ages.

 

A note about telehealth

NCQA now accepts telehealth codes for behavioral health and some physical health measures. The modifiers 95 and GT are defined as telehealth services rendered via interactive audio and video telecommunications system. CPT Codes 90791-90792, 90832-90834, 90836-90838, 90845, 90847, 98960-98962, 99201-99205, 99212-99215, 99231-99233, 99241-99245, 99251-99255, 99307-99310, 99406-99409 and 99495-99496 may be used for reporting synchronous (real-time) telemedicine services when appended by modifier 95.

 

Antidepressant medication management (AMM): The percentage of members 18 years of age and older who were treated with antidepressant medication, had a diagnosis of major depression and who remained on an antidepressant medication treatment. Two rates are reported:

  • Effective acute phase treatment. The percentage of members who remained on an antidepressant medication for at least 84 days (12 weeks).
  • Effective continuation phase treatment. The percentage of members who remained on an antidepressant medication for at least 180 days (6 months).

AIM billing codes:

  • BH outpatient CPT: 99078, 99201-99205, 99211-99215, 99241-99245, 99341-99345, 99347-99350, 99381-99387, 99391-99397, 99401-99404, 99411-99412, 99510 HCPCS: G0155, G0176-G0177, G0409, G0463, H0002, H0004, H0031, H0034-H0037, H0039-H0040, H2000, H2001, H2010-H2011, M0064, T1015
  • Emergency department CPT: 99281-99285 UB Rev: 0450-0452, 0456, 0459, 0981
  • Major depression ICD-10 CM: F32.0-F32.4, F32.9, F33.0-F33.3, F33.41, F33.9
  • Telephone visits CPT: 98966-98968, 99441-99443
  • Telephone modifier value set: 95 GT POS: 02
  • Telehealth: 90791-90792, 90832-90834, 90836-90838, 90845, 90847, 99201-99205, 99212-99215, 99231-99233, 99241-99245, 99251-99255, 98960-98962
  • Telehealth modifier: 95 or GT
  • Telehealth POS: 02

 

Follow-up after hospitalization for mental illness (FUH): The percentage of discharges for members 6 years of age and older who were hospitalized for treatment of selected mental illness or intentional self-harm diagnoses and who had a follow-up visit with a mental health practitioner. Two rates are reported:

  • The percentage of discharges for which the member received follow-up within 30 days after discharge.
  • The percentage of discharges for which the member received follow-up within 7 days after discharge.

The follow-up visits, within 7 days and 30 days after hospitalization can both be telehealth visits. Telephone visits alone do not meet this criterion.

 

FUH billing codes:

  • Follow-up visits CPT: 90791-2, 90832-40, 90845, 90847, 90849, 90853, 90875-6, 98960-2, 98966-8, 99078, 99201-5, 99211-5, 99217-23, 99231-3, 99238-9, 99241-5, 99251-5, 99341-5, 99347-50, 99381-7, 99391-7, 99401-4, 99411-2, 99441-3, 99483, 99495-6, 99510 HCPCS: G0155, G0176-7, G0409, G0463, H0002, H0004, H0031, H0034, H0036-7, H0039-40, H2000, H2010-1, H2013-20, M0064, T1015
  • Mental illness diagnosis codes ICD-10: F03.9x, F20-F25.xx, F28-F34.xx, F39-F45.xx, F48.xx, F50-F53.xx, F59-F60.xx, F63-F66.xx, F68-F69.xx, F80-F82.xx, F84.xx, F88-F93.xx, F95.xx, F98-F99.xx
  • Telehealth visits: 90791-90792, 90832-90834, 90836-90838, 90845, 90847, 99201-99205, 99212-99215, 99231-99233, 99241-99245, 99251-99255, 98960-98962
    Telehealth modifier: 95 or GT
    Telehealth POS: 02

 

Follow-up after emergency department visit for mental illness (FUM): The percentage of emergency department (ED) visits for members 6 years of age and older with a principal diagnosis of mental illness or intentional self-harm, who had a follow-up visit for mental illness. Two rates are reported:

  • The percentage of ED visits for which the member received follow-up within 30 days of the ED visit (31 total days).
  • The percentage of ED visits for which the member received follow-up within 7 days of the ED visit (8 total days).

 

The follow-up visits, within 7 days and 30 days after hospitalization, can both be telehealth visits. Telephone visits alone do not meet this criterion.

 

FUM billing codes:

  • Outpatient follow-up visits CPT: 90791-2, 90832-4, 90836-40, 90845, 90847, 90849, 90853, 90875-6, 98960-2, 98966-8, 99078, 99201-5, 99211-5, 99217-23, 99231-3, 99238-9, 99241-5, 99251-5, 99341-5, 99347-50, 99381-7, 99391-7, 99401-4, 99411-2, 99441-3, 99483, 99495-6, 99510
  • HCPCS: G0155, G0176-7, G0409, G0463, H0002, H0004, H0031, H0034, H0036-7, H0039-40, H2000, H2010-1, H2013-20, M0064, T1015
  • Mental illness diagnosis codes ICD-10:9x, F20-25.xx, F28-34. xx, F39-45.xx, F48.xx, F50-53.xx, F59-60.xx, F63-66.xx, F68-69.xx, F80-82.xx, F84.xx, F88-93.xx, F95.xx, F98-99.xx
  • Intentional self-harm diagnosis codes ICD-10 example:92XA
  • Other visits: 90791-90792, 90832-90834, 90836-90838, 90845, 90847, 99201-99205, 99212-99215, 99231-99233, 99241-99245, 99251-99255, 98960-98962
  • Telehealth modifier: 95 or GT
  • Telehealth modifier POS: 02

 

Follow-up after emergency department visit for alcohol and other drug abuse or dependence (FUA): The percentage of emergency department (ED) visits for members 13 years of age and older with a principal diagnosis of alcohol or other drug (AOD) abuse or dependence, who had a follow up visit for AOD. Two rates are reported:

  • The percentage of ED visits for which the member received follow-up within 30 days of the ED visit (31 total days).
  • The percentage of ED visits for which the member received follow-up within 7 days of the ED visit (8 total days).

 

The follow-up visits, within 7 days and 30 days after hospitalization, can both be telehealth visits. Telephone visits alone do not meet this criterion.

 

FUA billing codes:

  • Initiation, engagement and treatment follow-up visits CPT: 98960-2, 99078, 99201-5, 99211-5, 99241-5, 99341-50, 99384-7, 99394-7, 99401-4, 99408-9 99411-2, 99483, 99510
  • Alcohol counseling or other follow-up visits CPT: 99408-9 HCPCS: G0396-7, G0443, H0005, H0007, H0016, H0022, H0050, H2035-6, T1006, T1012 AOD
  • Medication treatment HCPCS: G2067-77, G2080, G2086-7, H0020, H0033, J0570, J0571-5, J2315, Q9991-2, S0109
  • Substance use disorder diagnosis codes ICD-10: F10-16.xx, F18-19.xx
  • Telehealth modifier: 95 or GT
  • Telephone visits: 98966 - 98968, 99441- 99443
  • Other visits: 90791-90792, 90832-90834, 90836-90838, 90845, 90847, 99201-99205, 99212-99215, 99231-99233, 99241-99245, 99251-99255, 99408-99409, 98960-98962
  • Telehealth modifier POS: 02

 

Follow-up after high-intensity care for substance use disorder (FUI): The percentage of acute inpatient hospitalizations, residential treatment or detoxification visits for a diagnosis of substance use disorder among members 13 years of age and older that result in a follow-up visit or service for substance use disorder. Two rates are reported:

  • The percentage of visits or discharges for which the member received follow-up for substance use disorder within the 30 days after the visit or discharge.
  • The percentage of visits or discharges for which the member received follow-up for substance use disorder within the 7 days after the visit or discharge.

 

FUI billing codes:

  • Opioid abuse and dependence ICD-10:10; F11.120; F11.121; F11.122; F11.129
  • Other drug abuse and dependence ICD-10:10; F12.120; F12.121; F12.122; F12.129
  • Alcohol abuse and dependence ICD-10:10; F10.120; F10.121; F10.14; F10.150
  • Telephone visits CPT: 98966-98968; 99411-99443
  • Online assessments CPT: 98969-98972; 99421-99423; 99444; 99458
  • IET stand-alone visits CPT: 98960-98962; 99201-99205; 99211-99215

 

HEDIS® is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)

 

1Millennial Health: Trends in Behavioral Health Conditions. https://www.bcbs.com/the-health-of-america/reports/millennial-health-trends-behavioral-health-conditions

 

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ATTACHMENTS (available on web): millennial image.jpg (jpg - 0.1mb)

Policy UpdatesCommercialApril 1, 2021

Georgia Anthem preapproval list change notification 3/1/2021

AIM Speciality Health®

AIM Specialty Health, a separate company, is a nationally recognized leader delivering specialty benefits management on behalf of Anthem for certain health plan members. Determine if preapproval is needed for a Georgia Anthem member by visiting the “Medical Policy and Clinical UM Guidelines” page on our provider website or by calling the preapproval phone number printed on the back of the member’s ID card. To submit your request for any of the services below, contact AIM online via AIM’s provider portal at aimspecialtyhealth.com/goweb. From the drop-down menu, select GA. You may also call AIM toll-free at 866-714-1103, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. ET

 

AIM provides benefits management for the programs listed below:

  • Imaging level of care
  • Genetic testing
  • Diagnostic imaging management
  • Cardiovascular services
  • Radiation therapy services
  • Outpatient sleep testing and therapy services
  • Cancer care quality program
  • Musculoskeletal (for fully insured)
  • Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy


For more details on these programs, please visit the AIM Specialty Health® site at aimspecialtyhealth.com/marketing/guidelines/185/index.html. By clicking on the previous links, you will be directed to sites created and/or maintained by another, separate entity (“external site”). Upon linking you are subject to the terms of use, privacy, copyright and security policies of the external sites. We provide these links solely for your information and convenience. We encourage you to review the privacy practices of the external sites. The information contained on the external sites should not be interpreted as medical advice or treatment provided by us.

 

Eligibility and benefits

Eligibility and benefits can be verified by through anthem.com/provider or by calling the number on the back of the member’s identification card. Service preapproval is based on member’s benefit plan/eligibility at the time the service is reviewed/approved. Benefit plans vary widely and are subject to change based on the contract effective dates. The provider is responsible for verification of member eligibility and covered benefits. Except in the case of an emergency, failure to obtain preapproval prior to rendering the designated services listed below will result in denial of reimbursement.

 

Add to preapproval

GENE.00056

Gene expression profiling for bladder cancer

0012M, 0013M, 0016M

Added 7/1/2021

LAB.00038

Cell-free DNA testing to aid in the monitoring of kidney transplants for rejection

0118U

Added 7/1/2021

SURG.00159

Focal laser ablation for the treatment of prostate cancer

0655T

Added 7/1/2021

TRANS.00037

Uterine transplantation

0664T-0670T

Added 7/1/2021

 

Codes added to existing preapproval documents

CG-GENE-14

Gene mutation testing for solid tumor cancer susceptibility and management

0229U, 81309, 0155U, 0177U; RAS 81275, 81276, 81311, 0111U; BRAF 81210

Added 4/1/2021. All moved from other MP/CGs.

GENE.00049

Circulating tumor DNA panel testing for cancer (liquid biopsy)

0242U

Added 4/1/2021

LAB.00033

Protein biomarkers for the screening, detection and management of prostate cancer

0228U

Added 5/1/2021

SURG.00121

Transcatheter heart valve procedures

0646T

Added 7/1/2021

CG-GENE-13

GenetictTesting for inherited diseases

81161, 0218U

Added 5/1/2021

GENE.00052

Whole genome sequencing, whole exome sequencing, gene panels, and molecular profiling

0244U

Added 4/1/2021

LAB.00011

Analysis of proteomic patterns

0247U

Added 4/1/2021

CG-GENE-04

Molecular marker evaluation of thyroid nodules

0245U

Added 4/1/2021

 

1088-0421-PN-GA

Medical Policy & Clinical GuidelinesCommercialApril 1, 2021

Medical policy and clinical guideline updates 4/1/2021

The Medical Policy and Technology Assessment Committee (MPTAC) adopted the attached new and/or revised medical policies and clinical guidelines. Some may have expanded rationales, medical necessity indications or criteria and some may involve changes to policy position statements that might result in services that previously were covered being found to be either not medically necessary or investigational/not medically necessary. Clinical guidelines adopted by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and all the medical policies are available on the Anthem provider website. Please note our medical policies now include NOC (not otherwise classified) codes to expedite the process of determining services that may require medical review. If you don’t have access to the internet, you may request a hard copy of a specific medical or behavioral health policy or clinical UM guideline by calling provider services at (800) 241-7475 Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Or send written requests (specifying medical policy or guideline of interest, your name and address to where information should be sent) to:

 

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Attention: Prior approval, mail code GAG009-0002
3350 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326

 

NOTE: Any clinical guideline included in this standard MPTAC notification is only effective for GA if included on the GA standard adopted clinical guideline list unless there is a group-specific review requirement in which case it will be considered ‘adopted’ for that group only and for the specific type of review required. Additionally, as part of the pre-payment review program for commercial or Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) plans, clinical guidelines approved by MPTAC but not included in the GA standard adopted clinical guideline list may be used to review a provider’s claims when a provider’s billing practices are not consistent with other providers in terms of frequency or in some other manner or for provider education and are “adopted” for those purposes.   

 

Open the attached document titled “GA medical policy and clinical guideline updates 4.1.2021” to view the new and/or revised medical policies and clinical guidelines adopted by the Medical Policy and Technology Assessment Committee.


To view medical policies and utilization management guidelines applicable to members enrolled in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan (commonly referred to as the Federal Employee Program® (FEP®)), please visit fepblue.org > policies & guidelines. 

 

1056-421-PN-GA

Medical Policy & Clinical GuidelinesCommercialApril 1, 2021

MCG care guidelines 25th edition

Effective July 1, 2021, we will upgrade to the 25th edition of MCG care guidelines for the following modules: inpatient & surgical care (ISC), general recovery care (GRC), chronic care (CC), recovery facility care (RFC), and behavioral health care (BHC). The below tables highlight new guidelines and changes that may be considered more restrictive.

Goal length of stay (GLOS) for inpatient & surgical care (ISC)

Guideline

MCG code

24th Edition GLOS

25th Edition GLOS

Aortic coarctation, angioplasty

S-152

Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative

Ambulatory

Cardiac septal defect: Atrial, transcatheter closure

W0016

Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative

Ambulatory

Esophageal diverticulectomy, endoscopic

S-445

Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative

Ambulatory

Gastrectomy, partial - billroth I or II

S-510

4 or 6 days postoperative

5 days postoperative

Hernia repair (non-hiatal)

S-1305

Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative

Ambulatory

Pancreatectomy

S-1200

5 or 7 days postoperative

6 days postoperative

Pyloroplasty and vagotomy

S-990

4 or 6 days postoperative

4 days postoperative

Cervical laminectomy

W0097

2 days postoperative

Ambulatory or 2 days postoperative

Lumbar diskectomy, foraminotomy, or laminotomy

W0091

Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative

Ambulatory

Removal of posterior spinal instrumentation

S-530

1 day postoperative

Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative

Shoulder hemiarthroplasty

W0138

1 day postoperative

Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative

Spine, scoliosis, posterior instrumentation, pediatric

W0156

4 days postoperative

3 days postoperative

Bladder resection: Cystectomy with urinary diversion, conduit or continent

S-190

5 or 6 days postoperative

5 days postoperative

Prostatectomy, transurethral resection (TURP)

S-970

Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative

Ambulatory

Urethroplasty

S-1172

Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative

Ambulatory

 

New guidelines for behavioral health care (BHC) and recovery facility care (RFC)

Body system

Guideline title

MCG - code

Withdrawal management

Withdrawal management, adult: Inpatient Care

B-031-IP

Withdrawal management

Withdrawal management, adult: Intensive outpatient program

B-031-IOP

Withdrawal management

Withdrawal management, adult: Outpatient care

B-031-AOP

Withdrawal management

Withdrawal management, adult: Partial hospital program

B-031-PHP

Withdrawal management

Withdrawal management, adult: Residential care

B-031-RES

Cardiology

Hypertension

M-5197

Cardiology

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)

M-7087

Nephrology

Rhabdomyolysis

M-7095

Nephrology

Encephalopathy

M-7100

Thoracic surgery

Rib fracture

M-5545

 

Anthem customizations to MCG care guideline 25th edition

Effective July 1, 2021, the following MCG care guideline 25th edition customizations will be implemented.

  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation, W0174 (previously ORG: B-801-T) — revised clinical indications for procedure and added the following:
    • Need for acute TMS treatment, up to 6 weeks
    • Acute treatment course needed as indicated by (a) Initial course of treatment for major depressive disorder (severe), or (b) relapse of symptoms after remission
    • Continuation of acute treatment, up to 6 months
    • TMS is considered not medically necessary for all other indications not listed above, including but not limited to, the following:
      • Maintenance TMS treatment
      • Continuation of acute TMS treatment for longer than 6 months
      • TMS treatment of conditions other than major depressive disorder (severe), including but not limited to, the following: Alzheimer's disease, anxiety disorders, bipolar depression, neurodevelopmental disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, peripartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, Tourette's syndrome.


View a detailed summary of customizations (scroll down to other criteria section and select customizations to MCG care guidelines 25th edition) on anthem.com.


For questions, please contact the provider service number on the back of the member's ID card.

 

1049-0421-PN-GA

Products & ProgramsCommercialApril 1, 2021

UPDATE for commercial providers regarding the AIM sleep therapy program CPT code E1399, NOC: durable medical equipment, miscellaneous.

CPT Code E1399 is not an appropriate billable code for CPAP/APAP/BiPAP. When providers are requesting CPAP/APAP/BIPAP, please do NOT use a NOC code, use the specific appropriate code for each of these devices. E1399 will no longer be part of AIM’s sleep therapy program as of 4/1/21 and should not be submitted to AIM for review for CPAP/APAP/BiPAP.

 

1051-0421-PN-GA

PharmacyCommercialApril 1, 2021

Correction: updated formulary lists for commercial health plan pharmacy benefit effective April 1, 2021

In the February 2021 edition of Provider News, we announced updates to the formulary lists for commercial health plans effective April 1, 2021. 

Be advised that this is the link to the correct summary of formulary changes. Please disregard the list we published in the February article.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

 

1113-0421-PN-GA

PharmacyCommercialApril 1, 2021

Update: site of care medical necessity reviews for long-acting colony-stimulating factors begin August 1, 2021

This is an update to the article published in the March 2021 edition of Provider News regarding site of care medical necessity reviews for long-acting colony-stimulating factors.

 

The effective date has been moved from June 1, 2021 to August 1, 2021.

Please see below for the complete updated notice.

 

Effective with dates of service on or after August 1, 2021, medical necessity review of the site of care is required for the following long-acting colony-stimulating factors for oncology indications for Anthem commercial plan members.

  • Neulasta® & Neulasta Onpro® (pegfilgrastim)
  • Fulphila® (pegfilgrastim-jmdb)
  • Udenyca® (pegfilgrastim-cbqv)
  • Ziextenzo® (pegfilgrastim-bmez)
  • Nyvepria™ (pegfilgrastim-apgf)

 

The review will be administered by AIM Specialty Health® (AIM).

 

AIM will evaluate the clinical information in the request to the CG-MED-083 policy, or Site of Care: Specialty Pharmaceuticals, to determine if the hospital-based outpatient setting is medically necessary for the medication administration. To see the policy and what clinical considerations are taken into account for determination, visit our Medical Policies and Clinical Guidelines webpage. You may contact AIM to request a peer-to-peer discussion before or after the determination.

 

The site of care medical necessity review only applies to administration performed in an outpatient hospital setting. This does not apply to requests for review of medication administration performed in a non-hospital setting or as part of an inpatient stay. Reviews also do not apply when Anthem is the secondary payer.

 

Submit a request for review

Starting July 19, 2021, ordering providers may submit prior authorization requests for the hospital outpatient site of care for these medications for dates of service on or after August 1, 2021 to AIM in one of the following ways:

  • Access AIM ProviderPortalSM directly at providerportal.com. Online access is available 24/7 to process orders in real-time, and is the fastest and most convenient way to request authorization.
  • Access AIM via the Availity web portal at availity.com
  • Call the AIM contact center toll-free number: 866-714-1103, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. ET.

 

Please note, this review does not apply to the following plans: BlueCard®, Federal Employee Program® (FEP®), Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplemental plans. Providers can view prior authorization requirements for Anthem members on the Clinical Criteria webpage.

 

Providers should continue to verify eligibility and benefits for all members prior to rendering services.

 

If you have questions, please call the provider service phone number on the member’s ID card.  

 

Note: In some plans “level of care” or another term such as “setting” or “place of service” may be the term used in benefit plans, provider contracts or other materials instead of or in addition to “site of care” and in some plans, these terms may be used interchangeably. For simplicity, we will hereafter use “site of care.”


1100-0421-PN-GA

PharmacyCommercialApril 1, 2021

Pharmacy information available on anthem.com

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, and any other requirements, restrictions, or limitations that apply to using certain drugs, visit anthem.com/pharmacyinformation. The commercial and marketplace drug lists are posted to the web site quarterly (the first of the month for 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 fepblue.org > Pharmacy Benefits.

 

1037-0421-PN-GA

PharmacyCommercialApril 1, 2021

Anthem clinical criteria updates for specialty pharmacy are available

Effective for dates of service on and after July 1, 2021, the following current clinical criteria were revised and might result in services that were previously covered but may now be found to be not medically necessary.

 

Access the clinical criteria document information.

 

Anthem’s prior authorization clinical review of non-oncology specialty pharmacy drugs will be managed by Anthem’s medical specialty drug review team. Drugs used for the treatment of oncology will be managed by AIM Specialty Health® (AIM), a separate company

 

  • ING-CC-0028: Benlysta (belimumab)

 

1085-0421-PN-GA

PharmacyCommercialApril 1, 2021

Updates for specialty pharmacy are available (April 2021)

Prior authorization updates

Effective for dates of service on and after July 1, 2021, the following specialty pharmacy codes from current or new clinical criteria documents will be included in our prior authorization review process.

 

Please note, inclusion of national drug code (NDC) code on your claim will help expedite claim processing of drugs billed with a not otherwise classified (NOC) code.

 

To access the clinical criteria information, click here.

 

Prior authorization clinical review of non-oncology use of specialty pharmacy drugs is managed by the medical specialty drug review team. Review of specialty pharmacy drugs for oncology use is managed by AIM Specialty Health® (AIM).

Clinical criteria

HCPCS or CPT code(s)

Drug

*ING-CC-0027

J0897

Xgeva

* Non-oncology use is managed by the medical specialty drug review team.

** Oncology use is managed by AIM.

 

Quantity limit updates

Effective for dates of service on and after July 1, 2021, the following specialty pharmacy codes from current or new clinical criteria documents will be included in our quantity limit review process.

 

Please note, inclusion of national drug code (NDC) code on your claim will help expedite claim processing of drugs billed with a not otherwise classified (NOC) code.

 

To access the clinical criteria information please click here.  

 

Prior authorization clinical review of non-oncology use of specialty pharmacy drugs is managed by the medical specialty drug review team. Review of specialty pharmacy drugs for oncology use is managed by AIM Specialty Health® (AIM).

 

Clinical criteria

HCPCS or CPT code(s)

Drug

*ING-CC-0027

J0897

Xgeva

* Non-oncology use is managed by the medical specialty drug review team.

** Oncology use is managed by AIM.

 

1090-0421-PN-GA

 

State & FederalCommercialApril 1, 2021

HEDIS 2021 Federal Employee Program® medical record request requirements

Reveleer is the contracted vendor to gather member medical records on behalf of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program. We value the relationship with our providers, and ask that you respond to the detailed requests in support of risk adjustment, HEDIS and other government required activities within the requested timeframe. Reveleer will work with you to obtain records via fax, mail, remote electronic medical record (EMR) access, or onsite scanning/EMR download (as necessary). We ask that you please promptly comply within five (5) business days of the record requests. If you have any questions, you can reach a Reveleer representative by calling 855-454-6182 or contact Ify Ifezulike with Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program at (202) 626-4839.

 

1091-0421-PN-GA

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2021

Medical drug benefit clinical criteria updates

On June 18, 2020, August 21, 2020, and November 20, 2020, the pharmacy and therapeutics (P&T) committee approved the following clinical criteria applicable to the medical drug benefit for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. These policies were developed, revised or reviewed to support clinical coding edits.

 

Visit clinical criteria to search for specific policies. If you have questions or would like 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

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0183*

Sogroya (somapacitan-beco)

New

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0148*

Agents for hemophilia B

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0149*

Select clotting agents for bleeding disorders

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0065

Agents for hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0125

Opdivo (nivolumab)

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0119

Yervoy (ipilimumab)

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0121*

Gazyva (obinutuzumab)

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0048 *

Spinraza (nusinersen)

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0002*

Colony stimulating factor agents

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0034*

Hereditary angioedema agents

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0041*

Complement inhibitors

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0071*

Entyvio (vedolizumab)

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0064*

Interleukin-1 inhibitors

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0042*

Monoclonal antibodies to interleukin-17

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0066*

Monoclonal antibodies to interleukin-6

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0050*

Monoclonal antibodies to interleukin-23

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0078*

Orencia (abatacept)

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0063*

Stelara (ustekinumab)

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0062*

Tumor necrosis factor antagonists

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0003*

Immunoglobulins

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0039*

GamaSTAN [immune globulin (human)]

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0053

Injectable hydroxyprogesterone for prevention of preterm birth

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0073*

Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor therapy

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0075

Rituximab agents for non-oncologic indications

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0072

Selective vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonists

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0027*

Denosumab agents

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0019*

Zoledronic acid agents (reclast, zometa)

Revised

March 26, 2021

ING-CC-0011*

Ocrevus (ocrelizumab)

Revised

March 26, 2021

*ING-CC-0174*

Kesimpta (ofatumumab)

Revised

 

ABSCRNU-0207-21

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2021

Notify us of telehealth services

Does your practice offer telehealth services? Let us know!

Beginning in April 2021, our online directories will identify professional providers who offer telehealth services in their practice.

 

We encourage providers to use the online Provider Maintenance Form to notify us about your telehealth services, and we will add a telehealth indicator to your online provider directory profile.

 

Visit anthem.com to locate the Provider Maintenance Form. Please contact provider services if you have any questions.

 

ABSCRNU-0208-21

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2021

In-office assessment program

Welcome to the 2021 in-office assessment (IOA) program. The IOA program is designed to help providers ensure that all active conditions are continuously being addressed and documented to the highest level of specificity for all Medicare Advantage plan patients of providers participating in the program. This program is designed to help improve all patient quality of care (preventive medicine screening, managing chronic illness and prescription management), as well as care for older adults when generated for a special needs plan member.

 

If you are interested in learning about the electronic modalities available, please contact your representative or the Optum* provider support center at 877-751-9207, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. eastern time.

 

Success stories

Below are some achievements that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) was able to accomplish with provider groups through the IOA program:

  • As a result of leveraging different types of resources offered by the IOA program (for example, technology), providers’ offices were able to see an increase in staff productivity.
  • Providers who have taken advantage of the IOA program resources have seen an increase in their documentation and coding accuracy.

 

COVID-19 update

Anthem knows this is a difficult time for everyone, as the situation continues to evolve each day. Anthem has considered the severity of the situation and is following CDC guidelines. For the IOA program, all nonessential personal are required to work with provider groups telephonically/electronically until further notice.

 

Anthem continues to evaluate the situation and guidelines, and will keep you notified of any changes. If you have any questions or concerns about the IOA program and COVID-19 updates, please call the Optum provider support center at 877-751-9207, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. eastern time.

 

Dates and tips to remember:

  • To review their population as soon as possible, Anthem strongly encourages participating providers to deliver and continually maintain proper care management, as well as care coordination of their patient population. This will further ensure the current and active conditions that impact patient care, treatment and/or management are continually addressed.
  • At the conclusion of each office visit with the patient, providers participating in the IOA program are asked to complete and return a patient assessment. The assessment should be completed based on information regarding the patient’s health collected during the office visit. Participating providers may continue to use the 2021 version of the assessment for encounters that take place on or before December 31, 2021; Anthem will accept the 2021 version of the assessment for 2021 encounters until midnight January 31, 2022.
  • If not already submitted, participating providers are required to submit an account setup form, W-9 and completed direct deposit enrollment by March 31, 2022. Participating providers should call the Optum provider support center at 877-751-9207, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. eastern time, if they have any questions regarding this requirement. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in forfeiture of the provider payment for submitted 2021 assessments, if applicable.

 

Questions

If you have questions about this communication or the IOA program, please contact your representative or the Optum provider support center at 877-751-9207, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. eastern time.

 

*Optum is an independent company providing care services on behalf of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. 


ABSCRNU-0210-21

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2021

Oncology dose reduction program beginning July 1, 2021

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) is committed to being a valued healthcare partner in identifying ways to achieve better health outcomes, lower costs and deliver access to better healthcare experiences for consumers.

 

Effective for dates of service on or after July 1, 2021, providers for our Medicare Advantage plan members covered by Anthem will be asked in selective circumstances to voluntarily reduce the requested dose to the nearest whole vial for over 40 oncology medications, listed below. Reviews for these oncology drugs will continue to be administered by the reviewing company, either AIM Specialty Health®* or IngenioRx.*  

 

Providers will be asked whether or not they will accept the dose reduction at the initial review point in the prior authorization process. Within the provider portal, a pop-up question will appear related to dose reduction. If the patient is considered unable to have his or her dose reduced, then a second question will appear asking for the provider’s clinical reasoning. For requests made outside of the provider portal (for example, called-in or faxed-in prior authorization requests), the same questions will be asked by the registered nurse or medical director who is reviewing the request. Since this program is voluntary, the decision made regarding dose reduction will not affect the final decision on the prior authorization.

 

The dose reduction questions will appear only if the originally requested dose is within 10% of the nearest whole vial. This threshold is based on current medical literature and recommendations from the Hematology and Oncology Pharmacists Association (HOPA) that it is appropriate to consider dose rounding within 10%. HOPA recommendations can be found here.

 

The voluntary dose reduction program only applies to specific oncology drugs, listed below. Providers can view prior authorization requirements for Anthem members on the medical policy and clinical utilization management guidelines page at anthem.com/medicareprovider.

 

Drug name

HCPCS code

Drug name

HCPCS code

Abraxane (paclitaxel protein-bound)

J9264

Istodax (romidepsin)

J9315

Actimmune (interferon gamma-1B)

J9216

Ixempra (ixabepilone)

J9207

Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin)

J9042

Jevtana (cabazitaxel)

J9043

Alimta (pemetrexed)

J9305

Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine)

J9354

Asparlas (calaspargase pegol-mknl)

J9118

Keytruda (pembrolizumab)

J9271

Avastin (bevacizumab)

J9035

Kyprolis (carfilzomib)

J9047

Bendeka (bendamustine)

J9034

Lartruvo (olaratumab)

J9285

Besponsa (inotuzumab ozogamicin)

J9229

Lumoxiti (moxetumomab pasudotox-tdfk)

J9313

Blincyto (blinatumomab)

J9039

Mylotarg (gemtuzumab ozogamicin)

J9203

Cyramza (ramucirumab)

J9308

Neupogen (filgrastim)

J1442

Darzalex (daratumumab)

J9145

Oncaspar (pegaspargase)

J9266

Doxorubicin liposomal

Q2050

Opdivo (nivolumab)

J9299

Elzonris (tagraxofusp-erzs)

J9269

Padcev (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv)

J9177

Empliciti (elotuzumab)

J9176

Polivy (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq)

J9309

Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki)

J9358

Rituxan (rituximab)

J9312

Erbitux (cetuximab)

J9055

Sarclisa (isatuximab-irfc)

J9999

Erwinase (asparginase)

J9019

Sylvant (siltuximab)

J2860

Ethyol (amifostine)

J0207

Treanda (bendamustine)

J9033

Granix (tbo-filgrastim)

J1447

Vectibix (panitumumab)

J9303

Halaven (eribulin mesylate)

J9179

Yervoy (ipilimumab)

J9228

Herceptin (trastuzumab)

J9355

Zaltrap (ziv-aflibercept)

J9400

Imfinzi (durvalumab)

J9173

 

 

 

Providers should continue to verify eligibility and benefits for all members prior to rendering services.

If you have questions, please call the provider service phone number on the back of the member’s ID card.

 

Note: In some plans, dose reduction to nearest whole vial or waste reduction may be the term used in benefit plans, provider contracts or other materials instead of or in addition to dose reduction to nearest whole vial. In some plans, these terms may be used interchangeably. For simplicity, we have uses dose reduction (to nearest whole vial).


* AIM Specialty Health is an independent company providing some utilization review services on behalf of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. IngenioRx, Inc. is an independent company providing some utilization review services on behalf of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
ABSCRNU-0211-21

State & FederalMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2021

Medical drug benefit clinical criteria updates

On December 18, 2020, and December 22, 2020, the pharmacy and therapeutics (P&T) committee approved the following clinical criteria applicable to the medical drug benefit for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. These policies were developed, revised or reviewed to support clinical coding edits.

 

Visit clinical criteria to search for specific policies. If you have questions or would like 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.

 

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, 2021

ING-CC-0185*

Oxlumo (lumasiran)

New

April 8, 2021

ING-CC-0184*

Danyelza (naxitamab-gqgk)

New

April 8, 2021

ING-CC-0154

Givlaari (givosiran)

Revised

April 8, 2021

ING-CC-0124

Keytruda (pembrolizumab)

Revised

April 8, 2021

ING-CC-0002

Colony stimulating factor agents

Revised

April 8, 2021

ING-CC-0032*

Botulinum toxin

Revised

April 8, 2021

ING-CC-0015

Infertility and HCG agents

Revised

 

 

ABSCRNU-0213-21