April 1, 2025

April 2025 Provider Newsletter

Contents

AdministrativeMedicare AdvantageHoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for AgingMarch 25, 2025

Anthem will delegate care management to Carelon Health, Inc.

Digital SolutionsCommercialMedicare AdvantageHoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for AgingFebruary 28, 2025

Availity launches enhanced provider enrollment features for improved efficiency

Behavioral HealthHoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for AgingMarch 27, 2025

Medicaid‑covered crisis care: The impact of Indiana's Mobile Crisis Teams under the 988 initiative

Education & TrainingCommercialMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2025

Register for our next webinar: Enhancing Diabetes Management — Focus on Standardized Metrics

Education & TrainingCommercialMedicare AdvantageHoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for AgingApril 1, 2025

Enhance billing and coding accuracy with new Payment Integrity training

Education & TrainingCommercialMedicare AdvantageHoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for AgingMarch 12, 2025

Resources to support diverse patients and communities

Policy UpdatesMedicare AdvantageFebruary 27, 2025

Clinical Criteria updates

Medical Policy & Clinical GuidelinesHoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for AgingMarch 25, 2025

Prior authorization update

Medical Policy & Clinical GuidelinesMedicare AdvantageMarch 11, 2025

Medical Policies and Clinical Utilization Management Guidelines update

Prior AuthorizationMedicare AdvantageMarch 27, 2025

Outpatient preapproval update from Carelon Medical Benefits Management, Inc.

Prior AuthorizationHoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for AgingMarch 14, 2025

Prior authorization requirement changes

Prior AuthorizationMedicare AdvantageMarch 6, 2025

Prior authorization requirement changes

PharmacyCommercialMarch 27, 2025

Change to Prior Authorization Requirements

Specialty pharmacy updates — April 2025

PharmacyMedicare AdvantageMarch 19, 2025

Medicare Part B preapproval expands with new drug additions

PharmacyMedicare AdvantageFebruary 28, 2025

Important change to your patients’ specialty prescriptions

INBCBS-CDCRCM-080610-25

AdministrativeMedicare AdvantageJanuary 1, 2025

D‑SNP members can earn rewards by participating in select healthcare activities

On January 1, 2025, we launched Health Perks, a new incentive program that rewards members for completing select healthcare activities.

This program is available for a select number of our plans. Please confirm member eligibility before promoting the program benefits. For more information or to verify eligibility, benefits, or account details, call the number located on the back of the member’s ID card.

Limited health plan eligibility

These are the Health Perks plans eligible for rewards.

Plan number

State

Plan

H4346-014-000

CO

Anthem Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)

H2836-006-000

CT

Anthem Full Dual Advantage (PPO D-SNP)

H5854-008-000

CT

Anthem Full Dual Advantage 2 (HMO D-SNP)

H5854-013-000

CT

Anthem Full Dual Advantage Select (HMO D-SNP)

H4036-032-000

GA

Anthem Full Dual Advantage (PPO D-SNP)

H4036-039-000

GA

Anthem Dual Advantage (PPO D-SNP)

H5422-018-000

GA

Anthem Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)

H5422-019-000

GA

Anthem Full Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)

H3447-020-000

IN

Anthem Full Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)

H3447-046-000

IN

Anthem Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)

H3447-048-000

IN

Anthem Full Dual Advantage Aligned (HMO D-SNP)

H3447-055-000

IN

Anthem Full Dual Advantage Aligned NFLOC (HMO D-SNP)

H9525-007-000

KY

Anthem Full Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)

H9525-016-000

KY

Anthem Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)

H9525-019-000

KY

Anthem Full Dual Advantage 2 (HMO D-SNP)

H3447-018-000

MO

Anthem Full Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)

H3447-047-000

MO

Anthem Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)

H3447-053-000

MO

Anthem Full Dual Advantage 2 (HMO D-SNP)

H4346-025-000

NV

Anthem Full Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)

H4346-026-000

NV

Anthem I Carelon Full Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)

H8432-041-000

NY

Anthem HealthPlus Full Dual Advantage LTSS (HMO D-SNP)

H8432-042-000

NY

Anthem HealthPlus Full Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)

H3655-033-000

OH

Anthem Full Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)

H3655-048-000

OH

Anthem Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)

H3655-049-000

OH

Anthem Full Dual Advantage 2 (HMO D-SNP)

H2441-001-000

VA

Wellpoint Dual Advantage 2 (HMO D-SNP)

H9525-003-000

WI

Anthem Full Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)

H9525-012-000

WI

Anthem Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)

H9525-018-000

WI

Anthem Full Dual Advantage 2 (HMO D-SNP)

Health Perks rewards

These are the eligible healthcare activities, member rewards, and claim codes.

Healthcare activity

Reward amount

Eligible claim codes

Annual wellness visit/annual physical

$30

99381, 99382, 99383, 99384, 99385, 99386, 99387, 99391, 99392, 99393, 99394, 99395, 99396, 99397, 99401, 99402, 99403, 99404, 99411, 99412, G0438, G0439, G0463, G0468, Z00.00, Z00.01, Z00.8

Breast cancer screening

$20

77061, 77062, 77063, 77065, 77066, 77067

Colorectal screening

$30

4522, 4523, 4525, 4542, 4543, 44388, 44389, 44390, 44391, 44392, 44394, 44401, 44402, 44403, 44404, 44405, 44406, 44407, 44408, 45378, 45379, 45380, 45381, 45382, 45384, 45385, 45386, 45388, 45389, 45390, 45391, 45392, 45393, 45398, G0105, G0121, 74261, 74262, 74263, 4524, 45330, 45331, 45332, 45333, 45334, 45335, 45337, 45338, 45340, 45341, 45342, 45346, 45347, 45349, 45350, G0104

Fecal occult blood test

$10

82270, 82274, G0328, 81528

Bone density screening

$10

8898, 76977, 77078, 77080, 77081, 77085, 77086, BP48ZZ1, BP49ZZ1, BP4GZZ1, BP4HZZ1, BP4LZZ1, BP4MZZ1, BP4NZZ1, BP4PZZ1, BQ00ZZ1, BQ01ZZ1, BQ03ZZ1, BQ04ZZ1, BR00ZZ1, BR07ZZ1, BR09ZZ1, BR0GZZ1, J0897, J1740, J3489, J3110, J3111

Flu vaccine

$10

90630, 90653, 90654, 90656, 90658, 90661, 90662, 90673, 90674, 90682, 90686, 90688, 90689, 90694, 90756, 90660, 90672


Claim coverage notes:

  • For colonoscopies, annual wellness visits, and breast cancer screenings, members will not have out‑of‑pocket costs or a copayment when performed by an in‑network provider:
    • Note: A cost share may be applicable for any additional services or tests conducted during the visit for each service listed in the healthcare activity chart above.
  • For bone density screenings, Medicare Part B (for doctor visits, outpatient procedures, preventive services, home health services, and DME) covers this test once every 24 months (or more often if medically necessary) when at least one of the following conditions is met:
    • Their care provider has determined they are estrogen‑deficient and at risk for osteoporosis based on their medical history and other findings.
    • Their X‑rays show possible osteoporosis, osteopenia, or vertebral fractures.
    • They are taking prednisone or steroid‑type drugs or are planning to begin this treatment.
    • They have been diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism.
    • They are being monitored to see if their osteoporosis drug therapy is working.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

MULTI-BCBS-CR-075375-24-CPN75369, MULTI-BCBS-CR-078045-25

AdministrativeMedicare AdvantageHoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for AgingMarch 25, 2025

Anthem will delegate care management to Carelon Health, Inc.

As of January 1, 2025, we have delegated some care management (case management and disease management services) to Carelon Health, Inc. With this delegation of services, there will be no process changes or impacts to your patients’ current plan or coverage.

This delegation of services will not impact the way we work with health plans and care providers. There will be no disruptions in service and the way that you work with care management staff. All contracts, policies, and procedures will remain unchanged. Additionally, all existing phone numbers, emails, websites, and portals will remain unchanged:

  • No change to services — Your patients’ current points of contact, engagement model, level of care, and service will not change. No action is needed from you.
  • A legal disclaimer — In your patients’ plan communication, you will see a footnote referencing the fact that these care management services are now being provided by Carelon Health, Inc. on behalf of Anthem.
  • Signature of care management/staff healthcare professional — While the team providing services will not change, you will see that their signatures may change to reflect Carelon Health, Inc.

Carelon Health, Inc. is a separate company providing care management services on behalf of the health plan.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc., independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

Providers who are contracted with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to serve Hoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for Aging through an accountable care organization (ACO), participating medical group (PMG) or Independent Physician Association (IPA) are to follow guidelines and practices of the group. This includes but is not limited to authorization, covered benefits and services, and claims submittal. If you have questions, please contact your group administrator or your Anthem network representative.

INBCBS-CDCR-069511-24-CPN69434

Digital SolutionsCommercialMedicare AdvantageHoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for AgingFebruary 28, 2025

Availity launches enhanced provider enrollment features for improved efficiency

At a glance:

  • The Provider Enrollment and Network Management tool on Availity Essentials offers streamlined data submission and real‑time status tracking.
  • Administrators can manage access via Availity Essentials, enabling roles for provider enrollment and network management features.
  • Practice profile changes are facilitated electronically through the Provider Data Management application on Availity Essentials.

Starting April 24, 2025, we will add additional provider specialties and network management functionality to our Provider Enrollment and Network Management application available in Payer Spaces after logging in to Availity Essentials at https://Availity.com.

Features of the Provider Enrollment and Network Management application include:

  • Ability to enroll as a new care provider.
  • Ability to request to join our network. After review, a contract can be sent back to you digitally for an electronic signature. This eliminates the need for paper applications or paper contracts.
  • A dashboard for the real‑time status of the submitted applications.
  • Streamlined complete data submission.
  • Additional options to manage your network.

How to use the online Provider Enrollment and Network Management application

The online application will guide you throughout the provider enrollment and network management process, providing status updates using My Dashboard within the Provider Enrollment and Network Management application. As a result, you know where you are in the process without having to call or email for a status.

Note: For any changes to your practice profile and demographics, use the Provider Data Management (PDM) application on Availity Essentials, which allows you to electronically submit any changes to your practice profile and demographics. Availity Essentials administrators and assistant administrators can access it by going to Availity Essentials > My Providers > Provider Data Management.

Accessing the Provider Enrollment application:

  • Log on to Availity Essentials and select Payer Spaces > Anthem > Applications > Provider Enrollment and Network Management to begin the enrollment process.
  • If your organization is not currently registered for Availity Essentials, the person in your organization designated as the Availity Essentials administrator should go to https://Availity.com and select Register.
  • For organizations already using Availity Essentials, your organization's Availity Essentials administrator should go to My Account Dashboard from the Availity Essentials home page to register new users and update or unlock accounts for existing users. Staff who need access to the Provider Enrollment tool need to be granted the role of Provider Enrollment.

Availity Essentials administrators and User administrators will automatically be granted access to Provider Enrollment.

  • If you are using Availity Essentials today and need access to provider enrollment, work with your organization’s administrator to update your Availity Essentials role. To determine who your administrator is, you can go to My Account Dashboard > My Administrators.

Contact us

Availity Chat with Payer is available during normal business hours. Get answers to your questions about eligibility, benefits, authorizations, claims status, and more. To access Availity Essentials, go to https://Availity.com and select the appropriate payer space tile from the drop‑down. Then, select Chat with Payer and complete the pre‑chat form to start your chat.

For additional support, visit the Contact Us section of our provider website for the appropriate contact.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc., independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

Providers who are contracted with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to serve Hoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for Aging through an accountable care organization (ACO), participating medical group (PMG) or Independent Physician Association (IPA) are to follow guidelines and practices of the group. This includes but is not limited to authorization, covered benefits and services, and claims submittal. If you have questions, please contact your group administrator or your Anthem network representative.

INBCBS-CDCRCM-075203-24-CPN74723, INBCBS-CDCRCM-080080-25-CPN79727

Behavioral HealthHoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for AgingMarch 27, 2025

Medicaid‑covered crisis care: The impact of Indiana's Mobile Crisis Teams under the 988 initiative

As part of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline initiative established by House Enrolled Act 1222 (2022), Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) now cover Medicaid for crisis intervention services delivered by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) designated mobile crisis teams (MCTs).

These behavioral health mobile crisis services offer immediate, on‑site support to individuals facing mental health or substance use crises. They deploy specialized teams to assess, intervene, and stabilize situations promptly and compassionately, removing access barriers and reaching those who might not otherwise seek help.

The impact of MCTs is compelling and well documented:

  • MCTs have demonstrated cost savings by reducing hospital admissions and incarcerations for individuals with mental health needs or substance use disorders.
  • Nearly 85% of individuals who interacted with an MCT received interventions other than hospitalization.
  • Individuals who have become disconnected from mental health services are more likely to re‑engage with those services after contact with an MCT, especially those with depressive, mood, or psychotic disorders.1
  • A review of work conducted by the Indianapolis Mobile Crisis Assistance Team revealed that MCT intervention resulted in fewer than 2% of individuals being transported to jail.2

Please consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline and MCT services as first line care when an individual is in a behavioral health crisis. Mobile crisis services can be accessed through the 988 hotline or individual mobile crisis hotlines, listed below:

Mobile crisis service provider

CCBHC DEMO

Designated service counties

24/7 crisis line

Mobile crisis designation (622)

4C Health

1/1/2025

Designated in: Cass, Fulton, Miami, and Pulaski

Also serving: Carroll, Clinton, Grant, Marshall, Tippecanoe, Wabash Howard, Tipton, and White

24-hour crisis help:

800-552-3106 or text "IN" to 741-741

N/A

Adult and Child Mental Health Center, Inc.

1/1/2025

Designated in: Marion and Johnson

24-hour mental health crisis support line:

877-882-5122

N/A

Centerstone of Indiana, Inc.

1/1/2025

Designated in: Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Fayette, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Lawrence, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Randolph, Rush, Union, and Wayne

Also serving: Clark, Delaware, Henry, Johnson, Marion, Putnam, and Scott

24-hour Indiana crisis:

800-832-5442

N/A

Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center

1/1/2025

Designated in: Marion

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

directly dispatched from a 988 call center

N/A

Family Health Center (Samaritan Center)

N/A

Designated in: Daviess, Knox, Martin, and Pike

24-hour mental health hotline:

833-644-3575

Yes

Hamilton Center, Inc.

1/1/2025

Designated in: Vigo and Sullivan

24-hour crisis diversion center: 800-742-0787

N/A

LifeSpring Health Systems

N/A

Designated in: Clark, Crawford, Dubois, Floyd, Harrison, Jefferson, Orange, Perry, Scott, Spencer, and Washington

24-hour crisis call center:

833-723-3988

Yes

Northeastern Center

N/A

Designated in: Dekalb, Lagrange, Noble, and Steuben

24-hour Northeastern Center Emergency Solutions:

800-790-0118

Yes

Oaklawn Psychiatric Center

1/1/2025

Designated in: Elkhart and St. Joseph

24-hour crisis services:

574-533-1234. Select option 1 for the Mobile Response Team.

N/A

Otis R. Bowen Center for Human Services

N/A

Designated in: Huntington, Kosciusko, Marshall, Wabash, and Whitley

Also serving: Allen, Dekalb, Lagrange, Noble, and Steuben

24-hour crisis line:

800-342-5653

Yes

Porter-Starke Services, Inc.

N/A

Designated in: Porter and Starke

24-hour crisis line:

219-476-4523

Yes

Radiant (Grant-Blackford) Health

1/1/2025

Designated in: Grant and Blackford

24-hour rapid response team

765-293-9315

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

N/A

Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare, Inc

1/1/2025

Designated in: Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick

24-hour local crisis line:

812-422-1100

N/A

Valley Oaks Health

N/A

Designated in: Benton, Carroll, Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe, Warren, and White

Crisis services:

866-682-5539

Yes


End notes:
1 Wesolowski, H. (2022, July 13). Mobile Crisis Teams: Providing an Alternative to Law Enforcement for Mental Health Crises. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/988/mobile‑crisis‑teams‑providing‑an‑alternative‑to‑law‑enforcement‑for‑mental‑health‑crises/
2 Bailey, K., & Ray, B. (2018). Evaluation of the Indianapolis Mobile Crisis Assistance Team: Report to the Indianapolis Office of Public Health & Safety and the Fairbanks Foundation. Indianapolis Office of Public Health & Safety and the Fairbanks Foundation.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

Providers who are contracted with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to serve Hoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for Aging through an accountable care organization (ACO), participating medical group (PMG) or Independent Physician Association (IPA) are to follow guidelines and practices of the group. This includes but is not limited to authorization, covered benefits and services, and claims submittal. If you have questions, please contact your group administrator or your Anthem network representative.

INBCBS-CD-076975-25

Education & TrainingCommercialMedicare AdvantageApril 1, 2025

Register for our next webinar: Enhancing Diabetes Management — Focus on Standardized Metrics

When working with diabetic patients, it is essential to consider various factors to help them maintain their health and well‑being. Led by Dr. Daniel Brunner and Dr. Ann Marie Parker, this webinar will focus on adapting standardized guidelines for diabetes treatment and finding ways to overcome potential obstacles.

Apply the knowledge you gain from this webinar to improve your organization’s overall quality.

Key measures to be highlighted:

  • Diabetes Care — Blood Sugar Controlled
  • Diabetes Care — Eye Exam
  • Medication Adherence for Diabetes Medications
  • Statins Use in Persons with Diabetes (SUPD)
  • Kidney Evaluation for Patients with Diabetes (KED)

Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Noon Eastern time

This session is approved for one American Academy of Family Physicians credit.

Register today!*

* Registration page opens best in the Google Chrome browser.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

MULTI-BCBS-CRCM-080275-25-CPN79397

Education & TrainingCommercialMedicare AdvantageHoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for AgingApril 1, 2025

Enhance billing and coding accuracy with new Payment Integrity training

We’re excited to introduce two new Payment Integrity trainings available on our Digital Solutions Learning Hub: Payment Integrity: Emergency Dept Evaluation and Management Services and Payment Integrity: Outpatient Evaluation and Management Services. With an initial focus on these two key educational initiatives, our purpose is to amplify your billing and coding accuracy.

More trainings will be announced throughout the year.

Discover what our Digital Solutions Learning Hub has to offer.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc., independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

Providers who are contracted with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to serve Hoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for Aging through an accountable care organization (ACO), participating medical group (PMG) or Independent Physician Association (IPA) are to follow guidelines and practices of the group. This includes but is not limited to authorization, covered benefits and services, and claims submittal. If you have questions, please contact your group administrator or your Anthem network representative.

INBCBS-CDCRCM-072243-24-CPN72085, INBCBS-CDCRCM-075932-24-CPN75258

Education & TrainingCommercialMedicare AdvantageHoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for AgingMarch 12, 2025

Resources to support diverse patients and communities

Our goal is to create and source materials to help support care providers understand and address the diverse needs of patients while maintaining professionalism, trust, and respect. Health equity means everyone has the opportunity to reach their highest level of health, and barriers must be removed.

How do cultural factors influence a person's approach to illness and healthcare?

Culture, including behaviors, language, beliefs, and values, shapes an individual's approach to illness. Experiences, education, and spiritual beliefs also play a role. Patients may perceive illness differently than healthcare providers. Recognizing these differences can improve health outcomes while ignoring them can lead to misunderstandings and non‑compliance.

How can we address health disparities?

Health disparities refer to differences in health outcomes linked to unequal social, economic, and environmental opportunities.1 Achieving health equity and optimal health outcomes required removing barriers that prevent individuals from accessing quality care, including those related to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, and geographic location.2 Addressing these disparities fosters healthier communities, enhances quality of life, and supports economic growth by creating a more productive and resilient population. It is essential to meet people where they are in their health journeys and provide tailored healthcare access to address patients' unique needs, and we are committed to supporting our providers in this effort.

Cultural competency resources

You can find cultural competency resources available on our provider website:

  • Cultural Competency and Patient Engagement:
    • A training resource to increase cultural and disability competency to help effectively support the health and healthcare needs of all your patients.
  • Caring for Diverse Populations Toolkit:
    • A comprehensive resource to help providers and office staff increase effective communication by enhancing knowledge of the values, beliefs, and needs of all patients.

To access these resources, go to the provider website > Resources > Training Academy.

Our provider manual also has details about available resources and how to access them.

Prevalent non‑English languages (based on population data)

Like you, we want to effectively serve the needs of diverse patients. We must all be aware of the cultural and linguistic needs of our communities, so we are sharing recent data about the top 15 non‑English languages spoken by 5% or 1,000 individuals in the state.3

Prevalent non‑English languages in Indiana by 5% or 1000 individuals

Spanish

French (including Cajun)

German

Serbo‑Croatian

Arabic

Hindi

Punjabi

Chinese (including Mandarin, Cantonese)

Haitian

Korean

Vietnamese

Tagalog (including Filipino)

Swahili or other languages of Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa

Yoruba, Twi, Igbo, or other languages of Western Africa

Yiddish, Pennsylvania Dutch, or other West Germanic languages

Language support services

We provide free language assistance services for our members with limited English proficiency (LEP) or hearing, speech, or visual impairments.

Telephone interpreters

During business hours, providers can call Provider Services to connect to an interpreter on behalf of the member. After business hours, call the 24/7 NurseLine on the back of a member ID card.

Face‑to‑face interpreters

If you would like to request an interpreter, including sign language, on behalf of your patient, please call Provider Services. Three business days are required to schedule services, and 24 business hours are required to cancel.

TTY and relay services

For members with hearing or speech loss, members may call the TTY line on the back of a member ID card or 711. After business hours, they should call the 24/7 NurseLine.

Leverage the knowledge, skills, values, strategies, and techniques available to foster a trusted partnership with your patients. Access these resources today to enhance your shared journey in healthcare.

Sources
1 Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Social Determinants of Health. Retrieved from https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health
2 Elevance Health. (2022, Feb 7). What Are Health Disparities? Retrieved from https://elevancehealth.com/our‑approach‑to‑health/health‑equity/what‑are‑health‑disparities
3 American Community Survey, 2024 American Community Survey 1‑Year Estimates, Table B16001, generated July 2024.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc., independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

Providers who are contracted with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to serve Hoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for Aging through an accountable care organization (ACO), participating medical group (PMG) or Independent Physician Association (IPA) are to follow guidelines and practices of the group. This includes but is not limited to authorization, covered benefits and services, and claims submittal. If you have questions, please contact your group administrator or your Anthem network representative.

INBCBS-CDCRCM-076846-24-CPN75666

Policy UpdatesMedicare AdvantageFebruary 27, 2025

Clinical Criteria updates

Effective March 28, 2025

Summary: The Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee approved the following Clinical Criteria applicable to the medical drug benefit for Anthem. 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

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 plan. This does not apply to pharmacy services.
  • This notice is meant to inform the provider of new or revised criteria that has been adopted by Anthem only. It does not include details regarding any authorization requirements. Authorization rules are communicated via a separate notice.

Effective Date

Clinical Criteria Number

Clinical Criteria Title

New or Revised

March 28, 2025

CC-0274

Bizengri (zenocutuzumab-zbco)

New

March 28, 2025

CC-0275

Ziihera (zanidatamab-hrii)

New

March 28, 2025

CC-0276

Tryngolza (olezarsen)

New

March 28, 2025

CC-0072

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Inhibitors

Revised

March 28, 2025

CC-0185

Oxlumo (lumasiran)

Revised

March 28, 2025

CC-0198

Relizorb (immobilized lipase) cartridge

Revised

March 28, 2025

CC-0256

Rivfloza (nedosiran)

Revised

March 28, 2025

CC-0042

Monoclonal Antibodies to Interleukin-17

Revised

March 28, 2025

CC-0063

Ustekinumab Agents (Stelara, Selarsdi, Imuldosa, Pyzchiva, Otulfi, Wezlana, Yesintek)

Revised

March 28, 2025

CC-0058

Bynfezia Pen, Sandostatin, or Sandostatin LAR (Octreotide) / Octreotide Agents

Revised

March 28, 2025

CC-0130

Imfinzi (durvalumab)

Revised

March 28, 2025

CC-0094

Pemetrexed

Revised

March 28, 2025

CC-0003

Immunoglobulins

Revised

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

MULTI-BCBS-CR-077235-25-CPN76946

Medical Policy & Clinical GuidelinesHoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for AgingMarch 25, 2025

Prior authorization update

Effective July 1, 2025, the CPT® codes listed below will require preapproval. All covered services are contingent upon medical necessity and benefit coverage at the time of service.

Our precertification lookup tool allows providers to search codes by the specific line of business (Medicaid/SCHIP/Family Care or Hoosier Care Connect) to determine if preapproval is required and which guideline is used for the case review. To access the tool, go to https://providers.anthem.com/in and select Precertification Lookup Tool under the Claims dropdown menu.

Detailed preapproval requirements are available to contracted providers via the provider self‑service tool on Availity Essentials at https://Availity.com.

For help with questions about this change, please call Provider Services at one of the phone numbers listed below:

  • Hoosier Healthwise — 866‑408-6132
  • Healthy Indiana Plan — 844‑533-1995
  • Hoosier Care Connect — 844‑284-1798
  • PathWays for Aging — 833‑569-4739

Clinical Utilization Management Guidelines (CUMG)

CUMG number

CUMG title

CPT® code

Lumbar Diskectomy, Foraminotomy, or Laminotomy

ORG: S‑810 (ISC)

MCG ORG S-810

Endoscopic decompression of spinal cord, nerve root(s), including laminotomy, partial facetectomy, foraminotomy, discectomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc, 1 interspace, lumbar

62380

Sacroiliac Joint Fusion 24-10-20

Carelon Medical Benefits Management, Inc., and Indiana PathWays for Aging

Arthrodesis, sacroiliac joint, open, includes obtaining bone graft, including instrumentation, when performed

27280

Carelon Medical Benefits Management, Inc. is an independent company providing utilization management services on behalf of the health plan.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

Providers who are contracted with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to serve Hoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for Aging through an accountable care organization (ACO), participating medical group (PMG) or Independent Physician Association (IPA) are to follow guidelines and practices of the group. This includes but is not limited to authorization, covered benefits and services, and claims submittal. If you have questions, please contact your group administrator or your Anthem network representative.

INBCBS-CD-074337-24

Medical Policy & Clinical GuidelinesMedicare AdvantageMarch 11, 2025

Medical Policies and Clinical Utilization Management Guidelines update

Effective April 12, 2025

The Medical Policies, Clinical Utilization Management (UM) Guidelines, and Third‑Party Criteria below were developed and/or revised with expanded rationales, medical necessity indications, or criteria. Some may involve changes to policy position statements that might result in services that previously were covered being found to be not medically necessary.

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

To view a guideline, visit the Medical Policy and Clinical UM Guidelines website.

Medical Policies

The Medical Policy and Technology Assessment Committee (MPTAC) approved the following Medical Policies applicable to Anthem. These medical policies take effect April 12, 2025.

Publish date

Medical Policy number

Medical Policy title

New or revised

October 1, 2024

DME.00011

Electrical Stimulation as a Treatment for Pain and Other Conditions: Surface and Percutaneous Devices

Revised

October 1, 2024

DME.00052

Brain Computer Interface Rehabilitation Devices

New

October 1, 2024

LAB.00026

Systems Pathology and Multimodal Artificial Intelligence Testing for Cancerous and Precancerous Conditions

Previously titled: Systems Pathology and Multimodal Artificial Intelligence Testing for Prostate Cancer

Revised

October 1, 2024

LAB.00051

Per‑ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances PFAS Testing

New

October 1, 2024

MED.00150

Hepzato Kit™ (melphalan hepatic delivery system)

New

October 1, 2024

SURG.00032

Patent Foramen Ovale and Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices

Previously titled: Patent Foramen Ovale and Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices for Stroke Prevention

Revised

October 1, 2024

TRANS.00023

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma and Other Plasma Cell Dyscrasias

Revised

Clinical UM Guidelines

The MPTAC approved the following Clinical UM Guidelines applicable to Anthem. These guidelines were adopted by the medical operations committee for Medicare Advantage members. These guidelines take effect April 12, 2025.

Publish date

Clinical UM Guideline number

Clinical UM Guideline title

New or revised

October 1, 2024

CG‑LAB-33

Carcinoembryonic Antigen Testing

New

October 1, 2024

CG‑LAB-35

Cancer Antigen 19‑9 Testing

New

October 1, 2024

CG‑MED-39

Bone Mineral Density Testing Measurement

Revised

October 1, 2024

CG‑SURG-01

Colonoscopy

Revised

October 1, 2024

CG‑SURG-122

Lingual Frenotomy for Ankyloglossia‑Related Feeding Difficulties

New

October 1, 2024

CG‑SURG-57

Diagnostic Nasal Endoscopy

Revised

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

MULTI-BCBS-CR-075680-24-CPN74692

Prior AuthorizationCommercialMarch 28, 2025

Streamline your workflow: Submit BH authorizations through Availity Essentials

Beginning May 9, save time and speed up care by submitting federal employee program (FEP) behavioral health (BH) preapprovals through Availity Essentials at https://Availity.com.

Accessing Availity Essentials for preapproval is easy

Ask your organization’s Availity Essentials administrator to ensure you have the Authorization role assignment so you can access the application. Then, log in at https://Availity.com, select Authorizations and Referrals, and navigate to the Patient Registration tab. If you do not already have an Availity Essentials account, you can create one at https://Availity.com.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

MULTI-BCBS-CM-079064-25

Prior AuthorizationMedicare AdvantageMarch 27, 2025

Outpatient preapproval update from Carelon Medical Benefits Management, Inc.

Effective for dates of service on and after July 1, 2025, the following non-emergency transportation code requires preapproval through Carelon Medical Benefits Management.

CPT® code

Description

A0425

Ground mileage, per statute mile

As a reminder, ordering and servicing providers may submit preapproval requests to Carelon Medical Benefits Management in one of several ways:

  • Visit Carelon Medical Benefits Management’s 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 via https://Availity.com.

If you have questions, please contact Carelon Medical Benefits Management via email at MedicalBenefitsManagement.guidelines@Carelon.com or visit https://guidelines.carelonmedicalbenefitsmanagement.com.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

MULTI-BCBS-CR-078792-25-CPN77989

Prior AuthorizationHoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for AgingMarch 14, 2025

Prior authorization requirement changes

Effective May 1, 2025

Effective May 1, 2025, the CPT® codes below will require prior authorization (PA). All covered services are contingent upon medical necessity and benefit coverage at the time of service.

The precertification lookup tool allows providers to search codes by the specific Medicaid line of business (Hoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and Indiana PathWays for Aging) to determine if a PA is required and which guideline is used for the case review. To access the precertification lookup tool at https://providers.anthem.com/in, select Precertification Lookup Tool under the Claims drop-down.

Contracted providers can also access the precertification look up tool via Availity Essentials at https://Availity.com. Log in, select Payer Spaces, then select the pre‑certification look up tool tile.

For assistance with questions regarding the PA requirement change, please call Provider Services at one of the phone numbers listed below:

  • Hoosier Healthwise — 866‑408‑6132
  • Healthy Indiana Plan — 844‑533‑1995
  • Hoosier Care Connect — 844‑284‑1798
  • Indiana PathWays for Aging — 833‑412‑4405

CUMG number

CUMG title

CPT codes

MCG: ACG: A-0326

Skin Substitute, Tissue-Engineered (Human Cellular), for Diabetic Foot Ulcer and Venous Ulcer

15271, 15273, 15275, 15277, Q4101, Q4106

MCG: MCR: NCD N2705

NCD Porcine Skin and Gradient Pressure Dressings

C9364, Q4102, Q4103, Q4118, Q4124, Q4130, Q4135, Q4136, Q4142, Q4166, Q4175

UM AROW A2025M2991

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

Providers who are contracted with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to serve Hoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Care Connect, and IN PathWays for Aging through an accountable care organization (ACO), participating medical group (PMG) or Independent Physician Association (IPA) are to follow guidelines and practices of the group. This includes but is not limited to authorization, covered benefits and services, and claims submittal. If you have questions, please contact your group administrator or your Anthem network representative.

INBCBS-CD-077528-25

Prior AuthorizationMedicare AdvantageMarch 6, 2025

Prior authorization requirement changes

Effective July 1, 2025, prior authorization (PA) requirements will change for the following code(s). The medical code(s) listed below will require PA by Anthem for Medicare Advantage members. Federal and state law, as well as state contract language and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services guidelines, including definitions and specific contract provisions/exclusions take precedence over these precertification rules and must be considered first when determining coverage. If the requirements are not met, those services may be deemed ineligible for payment. Providers may appeal online through Availity or by calling Provider Services with additional information which may include medical records.

Prior authorization requirements will be added for the following code(s):

Code

Description

0108U

Gastroenterology (Barrett's esophagus), whole slide‑digital imaging, including morphometric analysis, computer‑assisted quantitative immunolabeling of 9 protein biomarkers (p16, AMACR, p53, CD68, COX‑2, CD45RO, HIF1a, HER‑2, K20) and morphology, formalin‑fixed paraffin‑embedded tissue, algorithm reported as risk of progression to high‑grade dysplasia or cancer

0394U

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) (for example, perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid), 16 PFAS compounds by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‑MS/MS), plasma or serum, quantitative

0457U

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) (for example, perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid), 9 PFAS compounds by LC‑MS/MS, plasma or serum, quantitative

0479U

Tau, phosphorylated, pTau217

0480U

Infectious disease (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), metagenomic next‑generation sequencing (DNA and RNA), bioinformatic analysis, with positive pathogen identification

0482U

Obstetrics (preeclampsia), biochemical assay of soluble fms‑like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt‑1) and placental growth factor (PlGF), serum, ratio reported for sFlt‑1/PlGF, with risk of progression for preeclampsia with severe features within 2 weeks

0490U

Oncology (cutaneous or uveal melanoma), circulating tumor cell selection, morphological characterization and enumeration based on differential CD146, high molecular‑weight melanoma‑associated antigen, CD34 and CD45 protein biomarkers, peripheral blood

0491U

Oncology (solid tumor), circulating tumor cell selection, morphological characterization and enumeration based on differential epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), cytokeratins 8, 18, and 19, CD45 protein biomarkers, and quantification of estrogen receptor (ER) protein biomarker‑expressing cells, peripheral blood

0492U

Oncology (solid tumor), circulating tumor cell selection, morphological characterization and enumeration based on differential epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), cytokeratins 8, 18, and 19, CD45 protein biomarkers, and quantification of PD‑L1 protein biomarker‑expressing cells, peripheral blood

0495U

Oncology (prostate), analysis of circulating plasma proteins (tPSA, fPSA, KLK2, PSP94, and GDF15), germline polygenic risk score (60 variants), clinical information (age, family history of prostate cancer, prior negative prostate biopsy), algorithm reported as risk of likelihood of detecting clinically significant prostate cancer

0503U

Neurology (Alzheimer disease), beta amyloid (AB40, AB42, AB42/40 ratio) and tau‑protein (ptau217, np‑tau217, ptau217/np‑tau217 ratio), blood, immunoprecipitation with quantitation by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‑MS/MS), algorithm score reported as likelihood of positive or negative for amyloid plaques

0517U

Therapeutic drug monitoring, 80 or more psychoactive drugs or substances, LC‑MS/MS, plasma, qualitative and quantitative therapeutic minimally and maximally effective dose of prescribed and non‑prescribed medications

0518U

Therapeutic drug monitoring, 90 or more pain and mental health drugs or substances, LC‑MS/MS, plasma, qualitative and quantitative therapeutic minimally effective range of prescribed and non‑prescribed medications

0519U

Therapeutic drug monitoring, medications specific to pain, depression, and anxiety, LC‑MS/MS, plasma, 110 or more drugs or substances, qualitative and quantitative therapeutic minimally effective range of prescribed, non‑prescribed, and illicit medications in circulation

0915T

Insertion of permanent cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillation system component(s), including fluoroscopic guidance, and evaluation and programming of sensing and therapeutic parameters; pulse generator and dual transvenous electrodes/leads (pacing and defibrillation)

0916T

Insertion of permanent cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillation system component(s), including fluoroscopic guidance, and evaluation and programming of sensing and therapeutic parameters; pulse generator only

0917T

Insertion of permanent cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillation system component(s), including fluoroscopic guidance, and evaluation and programming of sensing and therapeutic parameters; single transvenous lead (pacing or defibrillation) only

0918T

Insertion of permanent cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillation system component(s), including fluoroscopic guidance, and evaluation and programming of sensing and therapeutic parameters; dual transvenous leads (pacing and defibrillation) only

0919T

Removal of a permanent cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillation system component(s); pulse generator only

0920T

Removal of a permanent cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillation system component(s); single transvenous pacing lead only

0921T

Removal of a permanent cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillation system component(s); single transvenous defibrillation lead only

0922T

Removal of a permanent cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillation system component(s); dual (pacing and defibrillation) transvenous leads only

0923T

Removal and replacement of permanent cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillation pulse generator only

0924T

Repositioning of previously implanted cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillation transvenous electrode(s)/lead(s), including fluoroscopic guidance and programming of sensing and therapeutic parameters

0925T

Relocation of skin pocket for implanted cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillation pulse generator

0926T

Programming device evaluation (in person) with iterative adjustment of the implantable device to test the function of the device and select optimal permanent programmed values with analysis, including review and report, implantable cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillation system

0927T

Interrogation device evaluation (in person) with analysis, review, and report, including connection, recording, and disconnection, per patient encounter, implantable cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillation system

0928T

Interrogation device evaluation (remote), up to 90 days, cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillation system with interim analysis and report(s) by a physician or other qualified health care professional

0929T

Interrogation device evaluation (remote), up to 90 days, cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillation system, remote data acquisition(s), receipt of transmissions, technician review, technical support, and distribution of results

0930T

Electrophysiologic evaluation of cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillator leads, including defibrillation‑threshold evaluation (induction of arrhythmia, evaluation of sensing and therapy for arrhythmia termination), at time of initial implantation or replacement with testing of cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillator pulse generator

0931T

Electrophysiologic evaluation of cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillator leads, including defibrillation‑threshold evaluation (induction of arrhythmia, evaluation of sensing and therapy for arrhythmia termination), separate from initial implantation or replacement with testing of cardiac contractility modulation‑defibrillator pulse generator

0933T

Transcatheter implantation of wireless left atrial pressure sensor for long‑term left atrial pressure monitoring, including sensor calibration and deployment, right heart catheterization, transseptal puncture, imaging guidance, and radiological supervision and interpretation

0934T

Remote monitoring of a wireless left atrial pressure sensor for up to 30 days, including data from daily uploads of left atrial pressure recordings, interpretation(s) and trend analysis, with adjustments to the diuretics plan, treatment paradigm thresholds, medications or lifestyle modifications, when performed, and report(s) by a physician or other qualified health care professional

0935T

Cystourethroscopy with renal pelvic sympathetic denervation, radiofrequency ablation, retrograde ureteral approach, including insertion of guide wire, selective placement of ureteral sheath(s) and multiple conformable electrodes, contrast injection(s), and fluoroscopy, bilateral

82542

Column Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry; Quantitative, Single Stationary & Mobile Phase

83921

Organic Acid, Single, Quantitative

93701

Bioimpedance‑derived physiologic cardiovascular analysis

A2027

Matriderm, per square centimeter

A2028

Micromatrix flex, per mg

A2029

Mirotract wound matrix sheet, per cubic centimeter

A4543

Supplies for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, for nerves in the auricular region, per month

A4544

Electrode for external lower extremity nerve stimulator for restless legs syndrome

E0738

Upper extremity rehabilitation system providing active assistance to facilitate muscle re‑education, includes microprocessor, all components and accessories

J9248

Injection, melphalan (Hepzato), 1 mg

L5783

Addition to lower extremity, user adjustable, mechanical, residual limb volume management system

L5841

Addition, endoskeletal knee‑shin system, polycentric, pneumatic swing, and stance phase control

Not all PA requirements are listed here. Detailed PA requirements are available on https://www.anthem.com/provider/individual-commercial/medicare-advantage under the Resources tab. Alternatively, contracted providers can access the information at https://Availity.com. Providers may also call Provider Services assistance with PA requirements.

UM AROW A2024M2893

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

MULTI-BCBS-CR-076904-25-CPN76474

Reimbursement PoliciesCommercialApril 1, 2025

Clarification to reimbursement policy: Incident to Services and Billing Professional

In the July edition of Provider News, we announced an update to the Incident to Services and Billing Professional policy. For clarity, within the scope of this policy, the term nonphysician practitioner (NPP) applies to nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA).

For specific policy details, visit the reimbursement policy page.

To view the July article, visit Reimbursement policy update: Incident to Services — Professional ‑ Provider News.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

MULTI-BCBS-CM-076777-25

PharmacyCommercialMarch 27, 2025

Change to Prior Authorization Requirements

Specialty pharmacy updates — April 2025

Your patients may be receiving medications listed in the tables below without preapproval. As of July 1, 2025, you may need to request a preapproval review to ensure your patients’ continued use of these medications. Including the National Drug Code (NDC) on your claim will help us process claims more quickly for drugs billed with a not otherwise classified (NOC) code.

Preapproval updates

Effective for dates of service on or after July 1, 2025, the following specialty pharmacy codes from current or new clinical criteria documents will be included in our preapproval review process.

Access our Clinical Criteria to view the complete information for these preapproval updates.

Clinical Criteria

Drug

HCPCS or CPT® code(s)

CC-0272

Aucatzyl (obecabtagene autoleucel)

C9399, J9999

CC-0274*

Bizengri (zenocutuzumab-zbco)

C9399, J9999

CC-0041

Bkemv (eculizumab-aeeb)

Q5139

CC-0058

Bynfezia Pen (octreotide acetate)

C9399, J3490

CC-0041

Epysgli (eculizumab-aagh)

J3590

CC-0149

Hympavzi (marstacimab-hncq)

C9399, J3590

CC-0063

Imuldosa (ustekinumab-srlf)

J3590

CC-0063

Otulfi (ustekinumab-aauz)

J3590

CC-0063

Pyzchiva IV (ustekinumab-ttwe)

Q9997

CC-0063

Pyzchiva SC (ustekinumab-ttwe)

Q9996

CC-0063

Selarsdi (ustekinumab-aekn)

Q9998

CC-0128*

Tecentriq Hybreza (atezolizumab and hyaluronidase-tqjs)

C9399, J9999

CC-0276

Tryngolza (olezarsen)

C9399, J3490

CC-0273*

Vyloy (zolbetuximab-clzb)

C9399, J9999

CC-0063

Yesintek (ustekinumab-kfce)

J3590

CC-0275*

Ziihera (zanidatamab-hrii)

C9399, J9999

*Carelon Medical Benefits Management manages oncology use.

Note: Preapproval requests for certain medications may require additional documentation to determine medical necessity.

Step therapy updates

Effective for dates of service on or after July 1, 2025, the following specialty pharmacy codes from current or new clinical criteria documents will be included in our specialty pharmacy medical step therapy review process.

Access our Clinical Criteria to view the complete information for these step therapy updates.

Clinical Criteria

Status

Drug

HCPCS or CPT code(s)

CC-0063

Non-preferred

Imuldosa (ustekinumab-srlf)

J3590

CC-0063

Non-preferred

Otulfi (ustekinumab-aauz)

J3590

CC-0063

Non-preferred

Pyzchiva IV (ustekinumab-ttwe)

Q9997

CC-0063

Non-preferred

Pyzchiva SC (ustekinumab-ttwe)

Q9996

CC-0063

Non-preferred

Selarsdi (ustekinumab-aekn)

Q9998

CC-0063

Non-preferred

Wezlana IV (ustekinumab-auub)

Q5138

CC-0063

Non-preferred

Wezlana SC (ustekinumab-auub)

Q5137

CC-0072

Non-preferred

Ahzantive (aflibercept-mrbb)

J3590, C9399

CC-0072

Non-preferred

Enzeevu (aflibercept-abvz)

J3590, C9399

CC-0072

Non-preferred

Opuviz (aflibercept-yszy)

J3590, C9399

CC-0072

Non-preferred

Yesafili (aflibercept-jbvf)

J3590, C9399

CC-0072

Preferred

Pavblu (aflibercept-ayyh)

J3590, C9399

Note: Preapproval requests for certain medications may require additional documentation to determine medical necessity.

Quantity limit updates

Effective for dates of service on or after July 1, 2025, the following specialty pharmacy codes from current or new clinical criteria documents will be included in our quantity limit review process.

Access our Clinical Criteria to view the complete information for these quantity limit updates.

Clinical Criteria

Drug

HCPCS or CPT code(s)

CC-0274

Bizengri (zenocutuzumab-zbco)

C9399, J9999

CC-0058

Bynfezia Pen (octreotide acetate)

C9399, J3490

CC-0063

Imuldosa (ustekinumab-srlf)

J3590

CC-0063

Otulfi (ustekinumab-aauz)

J3590

CC-0063

Pyzchiva IV (ustekinumab-ttwe)

Q9997

CC-0063

Pyzchiva SC (ustekinumab-ttwe)

Q9996

CC-0063

Selarsdi (ustekinumab-aekn)

Q9998

CC-0276

Tryngolza (olezarsen)

C9399, J3490

CC-0063

Yesintek (ustekinumab-kfce)

J3590

Carelon Medical Benefits Management, Inc. is an independent company providing utilization management services on behalf of the health plan.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

MULTI-BCBS-CM-079579-25-CPN78860

PharmacyMedicare AdvantageMarch 19, 2025

Medicare Part B preapproval expands with new drug additions

Effective for dates of service on and after July 1, 2025, the specialty Medicare Part B drugs listed below will be included in our preapproval review process.

Federal and state law, as well as state contract language and CMS guidelines, including definitions and specific contract provisions/exclusions, take precedence over these preapproval rules and must be considered first when determining coverage. Please follow the new requirements to ensure your claims are accepted.

HCPCS or CPT® codes

Medicare Part B drugs

C9399, J9999

Aucatzyl (obecabtagene autoleucel)

Q5139

Bkemv (eculizumab-aeeb)

J3590

Epysqli (eculizumab-aagh)

C9399, J3590

Hympavzi (marstacimab-hncq)

J3590

Imuldosa (ustekinumab-srlf)

J3590

Otulfi (ustekinumab-aauz)

Q9997

Pyzchiva IV (ustekinumab-ttwe)

Q9998

Selarsdi (ustekinumab-aekn)

C9399, J9999

Tecentriq Hybreza (atezolizumab and hyaluronidase-tqjs)

C9399, J9999

Vyloy (zolbetuximab-clzb)

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

MULTI-BCBS-CR-077630-25-CPN77426

PharmacyMedicare AdvantageFebruary 28, 2025

Important change to your patients’ specialty prescriptions

This article was updated on April 1, 2025 to correct the BioPlus telephone number to 833‑549‑2145.

Effective April 1, 2025, and upon member consent, specialty pharmacy prescriptions for our Group Retiree Solutions members currently being dispensed by CarelonRx Specialty Pharmacy will be transferred to BioPlus Specialty Pharmacy (BioPlus). Those of our members who will be affected received a letter in February explaining this transition.

Next steps:

  • If the member provides consent to move to BioPlus, they will receive a phone call from BioPlus to review important information related to their prescriptions.
  • If you have Group Retiree Solutions patients who choose to move their prescription, BioPlus will contact you to request new prescriptions, refills, or preapprovals.
  • If you have patients who choose not to move their prescription, no action is required.

Benefits of working with BioPlus

If your patients move to BioPlus, you can expect:

  • Faster approvals — know in two hours whether your patient is accepted for treatment.
  • Less paperwork for benefits verification and appeals.
  • More help with securing patient financial assistance.

We’re here to help

If you have questions, contact your provider relationship management representative or call BioPlus directly at 833‑549‑2145.

CarelonRx Specialty Pharmacy is an independent company providing pharmacy benefit management services on behalf of the health plan.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

MULTI-BCBS-CR-078432-25-CPN78340