October 1, 2023

October 2023 Provider Newsletter

Contents

AdministrativeCommercialOctober 1, 2023

CAA: Maintain your online provider directory information

AdministrativeCommercialOctober 1, 2023

National Accounts 2024 Pre-certification list

AdministrativeCommercialMedicare AdvantageSeptember 15, 2023

Non-participating lab referrals

AdministrativeCommercialOctober 1, 2023

Drug fee schedule update

Digital SolutionsCommercialMedicare AdvantageMedicaidOctober 1, 2023

A way to help lower-income patients pay for internet service

Digital SolutionsCommercialMedicare AdvantageMedicaidOctober 1, 2023

PDM capability now available on Availity Essentials — retirement of previous intake channels January 1, 2024

Digital SolutionsMedicare AdvantageOctober 1, 2023

Personalized Match Phase 1

Digital SolutionsMedicare AdvantageOctober 1, 2023

Availity: Medicare provider-facing talking points and FAQ

Digital SolutionsCommercialMedicare AdvantageMedicaidOctober 1, 2023

Improvements to Secure Messaging through Claims Status and Payer Spaces

Education & TrainingCommercialOctober 1, 2023

New website for cancer caregivers

WebinarsCommercialMedicare AdvantageSeptember 22, 2023

You're invited: Thriving, not just surviving: Youth mental health in today's world

WebinarsMedicare AdvantageJune 30, 2023

Required training - Model of Care

WebinarsCommercialMedicare AdvantageOctober 1, 2023

Looking to earn CME credits? Check out the CME Engagement Hub!

Policy UpdatesCommercialOctober 1, 2023

Medical Policies and Clinical UM Guidelines update - September 2023

Policy UpdatesMedicare AdvantageSeptember 13, 2023

Clinical Criteria updates - June 2023

Medical Policy & Clinical GuidelinesCommercialOctober 1, 2023

Transition to Carelon Medical Benefits Management, Inc. site of care guidelines

Reimbursement PoliciesMedicaidOctober 1, 2023

Genetic Tests: Once per Lifetime 

Reimbursement PoliciesMedicare AdvantageOctober 1, 2023

Genetic Tests: Once per Lifetime 

NVBCBS-CDCRCM-038804-23-CPN38706

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

AdministrativeCommercialOctober 1, 2023

Enhanced outpatient facility editing for National Correct Coding Initiative: Medically Unlikely Edits (MUEs) 

Beginning with claims processed on and after November 15, 2023, we will update our claims editing process for outpatient facility claims by applying the Medicare National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) Medically Unlikely Edits. NCCI edits are Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) developed guidelines to promote national correct coding based on industry standards for current coding practices.

These edits provide an opportunity to shift certain existing back-end reviews to front-end adjudication for outpatient facility claims. While this may facilitate quicker claim adjudication, it may also cause claims to deny frequency unit limits tied to Medically Unlikely Edits (MUEs) if correct coding guidelines are not followed. For additional information, please visit CMS.gov and select the Medically Unlikely Edits page.

If you have questions about this communication or need assistance with any other item, contact your Provider Relationship Management representative.

MULTI-BCBS-CM-036615-23-CPN36574

AdministrativeCommercialOctober 1, 2023

CAA: Maintain your online provider directory information

The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2021 contains a provision that requires online provider directory information be reviewed and updated as needed at least every 90 days. Maintaining your online provider directory information is essential for members and healthcare partners to connect with you when needed. Please review your information frequently and let us know if any of your information we show in our online directory has changed.

Submit updates and corrections to your directory information by following the instructions on our Provider Maintenance web page. Online update options include:

  • Add/change an address location.
  • Name change.
  • Provider leaving a group or a single location.
  • Phone/fax number changes.
  • Closing a practice location.

Reviewing your information helps us ensure your online provider directory information is current. Through genuine collaboration, we can simplify access to care and help you deliver high-quality, equitable healthcare.

MULTI-BCBS-CM-038049-23-SRS38044

AdministrativeCommercialOctober 1, 2023

National Accounts 2024 Pre-certification list

The National Accounts 2024 Pre-certification list has been published. Please note, providers should continue to verify member eligibility and benefits prior to rendering services.

MULTI-BCBS-CM-035553-23-CPN35553

ATTACHMENTS (available on web): National Accounts 2024 Pre-certification list (pdf - 0.33mb)

AdministrativeCommercialMedicare AdvantageSeptember 15, 2023

Non-participating lab referrals

This is a reminder to ensure that you are referring Anthem members to participating labs. LabCorp is our preferred lab provider and offers a Single Source Solution to your testing needs. The relationship with LabCorp does not affect network hospital-based lab service providers, contracted pathologists, or contracted independent laboratories. Physicians may continue to refer to all par providers as they have in the past.

Not only does your Anthem agreement obligate you to refer to participating labs where available, but members will only receive their full benefits from participating providers. As a result, referring your patient and our member to a non-participating lab may expose them to a greater financial responsibility.

Unfortunately, there are certain non-participating labs that are offering to waive or cap co-payments, coinsurance, or deductibles to our members in order to increase their overall revenue. These practices undermine member benefits and may encourage over-utilization of services.

These billing practices are also questionable in their legality. Such a practice may present violations under state or federal anti-kickback laws.

For a listing of Anthem participating laboratories, please check our online directory. Go to anthem.com and choose Select Providers and Providers Overview. Then, select Find Resources in Your State and select Nevada. From the Provider Home tab, select the enter button from the blue box on the left side of page titled Find a Doctor.

Note: When searching for laboratory, pathology, or radiology services, under the field “I am looking for a”, select Lab/Pathology/Radiology; and then under the field Who specializes in, select Laboratories, Pathology, or Radiology as appropriate for your inquiry.

LabCorp is our preferred lab provider and offers a Single Source Solution to your testing needs:

LabCorp can provide services that range from routine testing, such as basic blood counts and cholesterol tests, to highly complex diagnosing of genetic conditions, cancers, and other rare diseases. LabCorp has specialized laboratories which cover the following areas of testing:

Allergy program

Cancer testing

Cardiovascular disease

Companion diagnostics

Dermatology

Diabetes

DNA testing

Endocrine disorders

Esoteric coagulation

Gastroenterology

Genetic testing

Genetic counseling

Genomics

Hla lab for national marrow donor program

Hematopathology

Infectious disease

Immunology

Liver disease

Kidney disease

Medical drug monitoring

Molecular diagnostics

Newborn screening

Pain management

Pathology expertise w/range of subspecialties

Pharmacogenomics

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis

Reproductive health

Obstetrics/gynecology

Oncology

Toxicology

Whole exome sequencing

Virology

Women’s health

Urology

Note: This relationship with LabCorp does not affect network hospital-based lab service providers, or contracted pathologists.

To find a LabCorp location near you, go to LabCorp.com or call one of the phone numbers below.

For information about specialized assays or about requirements for special collection kits and specimen handling, call LabCorp at 303-792-2600 or toll free at 888-LABCORP (888-522-2677).

*LabCorp is an independent company providing lab services on behalf ofthe health plan.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc. HMO products underwritten by HMO Colorado, Inc., dba HMO Nevada. Independent licensee(s) of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

NVBCBS-CRCM-036616-23, NVBCBS-CRCM-049317-24

AdministrativeCommercialOctober 1, 2023

Drug fee schedule update

Routinely, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issue revisions to the average sales price (ASP) fee schedules regarding drug pricing. To that end, CMS is supplying the fourth quarter fee schedule with an effective date of October 1, 2023. This will go into effect with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield on November 1, 2023. To view the ASP fee schedule, visit the CMS website.  

We are committed to a future of shared success.

MULTI-BCBS-CM-035784-23

Digital SolutionsCommercialMedicare AdvantageMedicaidOctober 1, 2023

A way to help lower-income patients pay for internet service

Having reliable internet access is an important part of life. The internet helps us find information and connect with people, including finding and connecting with healthcare providers via virtual visits. However, not everyone can afford it. We share a health vision with our care provider partners that means real change for consumers. Making the internet more accessible is one way we can improve the whole health of our communities.

The Affordable Connectivity Program can help.

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a government program that helps families who may need assistance pay for internet access. Qualified households can receive:

Who is eligible for the program?

A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if:

    • Participates in certain government assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Social Security Income (SSI), the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, or others.
    • Participates in certain Tribal assistance programs, such as Head Start, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or others.
    • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
    • Already receives a Lifeline benefit (another government program providing discounts on internet and phone service).

How do my patients apply?

Your eligible patients can apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program online or by mail. They can also ask their current internet provider if they participate in the program. Please direct your patients to learn more at AffordableConnectivity.gov.

NVBCBS-CDCRCM-036090-23-CPN34208

Digital SolutionsCommercialMedicare AdvantageMedicaidOctober 1, 2023

PDM capability now available on Availity Essentials — retirement of previous intake channels January 1, 2024

As we continue our path to be your most valued partner in the industry, we will use the Provider Data Management (PDM) application on Availity Essentials* to verify and initiate care provider demographic change requests for all professional and facility care providers.** Going forward, Availity Essentials PDM is now the intake application for care providers to submit demographic change requests, including submitting roster uploads. Availity PDM will replace all current intake channels for demographic change requests and roster submissions as of January 1, 2024. New group/professional contract requests and provider additions to an existing group/professional contract must be submitted through Provider Enrollment application in Availity Essentials.

Benefits to our care providers using Availity PDM:

The Availity PDM application will ensure the following:

  • Attest and manage current provider demographic information.
  • Consistently updated data
  • Decreased turnaround time for updates
  • Compliance with federal and/or state mandates
  • Improved data quality through standardization
  • Increased provider directory accuracy

Choice and flexibility to select the option that works best for you:

Request data updates via either of the following options within Availity PDM:

  • Multi-payer platform option: Allows providers to make updates once and have that information sent to all participating health plans, submitting each change separately.
  • Roster Upload option: Allows providers to submit multiple updates within one spreadsheet via the Upload Rosters feature:
    • Upload Roster feature is currently only available and shared with Anthem.

Want to submit a roster using Availity PDM?

Now you can. Roster Automation is our new technology solution designed to streamline and automate provider data additions, changes, and terminations that are submitted using a standardized Microsoft Excel submission. Any provider, whether an individual provider/practitioner, group, or facility, can use Roster Automation today:***

1. Utilize the Roster Automation Standard Template:

    • For your convenience, there is a standard roster Excel document. Find it online here.

2. Follow the Roster Automation Rules of Engagement:

    • This reference document is available to ensure error-free submissions, driving accurate and more timely updates through automation. Find it online here.
    • More detailed instructions on formatting and submission requirements can also be found on the first tab of the Roster Automation Standard Template (User Reference Guide).

3. Upload your completed roster via the Availity PDM application.

What about the previous methods by which I have been submitting information?

While we are in the process of sunsetting our legacy intake channels, we will continue to process submissions received through current intake channels until December 31, 2023. Effective January 1, 2024, all PDM requests, including rosters, must be submitted via Availity PDM. As of this date, all provider demographic change requests, including rosters, will be rejected if submitted through any format/channel other than Availity PDM. New group/professional contract requests and provider additions to an existing group/professional contract must be submitted through Provider Enrollment application in Availity Essentials.

How to access the Availity PDM application

Log on to Availity.com and select My Providers > Provider Data Management to begin the attestation process. If submitting a roster, find the TIN/business name for which you want to verify and update information. Before you select the TIN/business name, select the three-bar menu option on the right side of the window, and select Upload Rosters (see screen shot below) and follow the prompts.

Availity administrators will automatically be granted access to PDM. Additional staff may be given access to Provider Data Management by your Availity administrator. To find your Availity administrator, go to My Account Dashboard > My Account > Organization(s) > Administrator Information.

Training is available:

  • Availity PDM application specific training: (Availity account is required for accessing these training options. If not registered yet, see end of article for registration details.)
    • Learn about and attend one of our live webinars by visiting here. (Note: You must log into Availity first, then select the link.)
    • View the Availity PDM quick start guide here. (Note: You must log into Availity first, then select the link.)

Not registered for Availity yet?

If you aren’t registered to use Availity Essentials, signing up is easy and 100% secure. There is no cost for your providers to register or to use any of our digital applications. Start by going to Availity.com and selecting New to Availity? Get Started at the top of the home screen to access the registration page.

If you have questions regarding registration, reach out to Availity Client Services at 800‑AVAILITY.

Start using Availity PDM today to improve your provider data management experience.

As a reminder, providers are responsible for the accuracy of the data they submit as well as submitting updates timely. If submitted updates or untimely updates result in claim denials or rejections, denials will stand.

** Exclusions:

  • Behavioral Health providers assigned to Carelon Behavioral Health, Inc.* will continue to follow the process for demographic requests and/or roster submissions, as outlined by Carelon Behavioral Health.
  • Any specific state mandates or requirements for provider demographic updates.

*** If any record requires credentialing, that record will be rejected, and must follow the Provider Enrollment application process.

* Availity, LLC is an independent company providing administrative support services on behalf of the health plan. Carelon Behavioral Health, Inc. is an independent company providing utilization management services on behalf of the health plan.

NVBCBS-CDCRCM-036135-23-CPN34756

Digital SolutionsMedicare AdvantageOctober 1, 2023

Personalized Match Phase 1

Find Care, the doctor finder and transparency tool in the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) online directory, provides Anthem members with the ability to search for in-network providers using the secure member website. This tool currently offers multiple sorting options, such as sorting providers based on distance, alphabetical order, and provider name.

Beginning in the second quarter of 2024 or later, an additional sorting option will be available for our Medicare Advantage members to search by provider performance called Personalized Match Phase 1. This sorting option is based on provider efficiency and quality outcomes, alongside member search radius. Providers with the highest overall ranking within the member’s search radius will be displayed first. Members will continue to have the ability to sort based on distance, alphabetical order, and provider name:

  • You may review a copy of the Personalized Match Phase 1 methodology that has been posted on Availity* – our secure Web-based provider tool – using the following navigation:   Go to Availity > Payer Spaces > Health Plan > Education & Reference Center > Administrative Support > Personalized Match Phase 1 Methodology.pdf.
  • If you have general questions regarding this new sorting option, please submit an inquiry via the web at Availity.
  • If you would like information about your quality or efficiency scoring used as part of this sorting option or if you would like to request reconsideration of those scores, you may do so by submitting an inquiry to Availity.

Anthem has expanded the scope of Personalized Match Phase 1 to include selected specialty providers and will continue to focus and expand our consumer tools and content to assist members in making more informed and personalized healthcare decisions.

* Availity, LLC is an independent company providing administrative support serviceson behalf of the health plan.

MULTI-BCBS-CR-032115-23-CPN27574

Digital SolutionsMedicare AdvantageOctober 1, 2023

Availity: Medicare provider-facing talking points and FAQ

Background:

We continue to focus and expand our consumer tools and content to assist members in making more informed and personalized healthcare decisions. Provider performance can vary widely in relation to efficiency, quality, and member experience. Our goal as your Medicare health plan partner is to ensure our members receive high-quality care that leads to improved member health outcomes across a wide range of variables.

Beginning January 1, 2023, we added a new sorting option on the FindCare tool for members to leverage when they are searching for a primary care provider. This sorting option, called Personalized Match Phase 1, is based on each provider’s score relative to their peers in the patient’s preferred mileage search radius. Providers are listed in order of their total score, though no individual scores appear within the tool or be visible to Medicare covered patients. The Personalized Match Phase 1 algorithm is based on quality and efficiency criteria to assist members in making more informed choices about their medical care. Other sorting options are still available on FindCare for our members.

Personalized Match Phase 1 highlights:

  • We strive to make healthcare simpler, more affordable, and more accessible, and one of the ways to help achieve that goal is to ensure that consumers are connected with care providers who have strong track records delivering quality care.
  • Beginning on November 10, 2023, we will upgrade the online FindCare tool for Medicare members with a new sorting option called Personalized Match Phase 1, to match consumers with providers who perform well in efficiency and quality metrics within a certain geographical distance.
  • The new sorting option, known as Personalized Match Phase 1, will be the default for consumers who search for Medicare non-primary specialty care providers in FindCare.
  • We currently offer Personalized Match to Commercial consumer members. Personalized Match seeks to match consumers with documented health conditions with provider ranked based on cost effectively managing quality care. For example, if a consumer who has been given a diagnosis of diabetes conducts a search, they will be matched with providers whose patients are more likely to cost effectively manage similar patients with diabetes (for example, consistently receive recommended A1c tests A consumer who is a 60-year-old male would receive different Personalized Match provider rank order than a consumer who is a 30-year-old female). The goal is to move to this full Personalized Match solution in Medicare in the future. Personalized Match Phase 1 only analyzes providers’ quality and efficiency performance regardless of member characteristics for generating the sort order.
  • You may review a copy of the new sorting methodology which has been posted on Availity.*
  • If you have general questions regarding this new sorting option, please submit an inquiry via the web on Availity.
  • If you would like information about your scoring used for this sorting option or if you would like to request reconsideration of your score, you may do so by submitting an inquiry via the web on Availity.
  • This change is part of a greater effort to help improve access to high quality, affordable healthcare, which is essential to our customers.

FAQ

Why are we reimagining the strategy for evaluating non-primary specialty care providers?

There is variability in provider performance (efficiency, quality, experience), and we want to ensure all members receive high-quality care that leads to improved patient outcomes. The strategy aligns with the future direction of our specialty provider care strategy. This phase of the Medicare FindCare improvement utilizes measures related to appropriate practice (for example, overuse and underuse measures). We utilize a vendor, Motive Medical, to generate an overall Appropriate Practice Score at the NPI level, based on all CMS Fee-for-Service members.

How will I know my inquiry went through successfully once I submit?

An email will be sent to the inquirer acknowledging receipt of inquiry within two business days.

What is the turnaround time from when I submit my question to receiving an answer?

The goal is to have all questions answered within two business days. If further clarification is needed, or if detailed research is required, that time frame will be extended.

How will I receive my response?

An email will be sent with the required information back to the email address provided during the initial inquiry request.

How do I submit an inquiry?

Inquiries can be made at Availity site. There are three dropdown options for inquiry types. These are: 1) General Program Inquires, 2) Request a Copy of Your Provider Performance Scorecard, and 3) Provider Performance Scorecard Inquiries. An open text field is available to describe the nature of the inquiry in more detail.

What type of inquiries can I submit?

Any questions relating to Personalized Match Phase 1 that is not answered in this FAQ or by the Methodology document.

Do providers have any recourse if they feel their Provider Performance Scorecard is inaccurate?

If a provider disagrees with their Provider Performance Scorecard results, the provider can submit an inquiry at Availity site detailing their reasoning. We will determine the best course of action as needed, but potential outcomes could be a provider consultation, reanalysis, and potentially a rescoring of provider performance to be reflected in Personalized Match Phase 1 and the Provider Performance Scorecard.

What provider specialties are included in Personalized Match Phase 1?

For 2023, selected non-primary specialty care providers are included. We plan to potentially incorporate other provider specialties in future provider performance evaluations.

What measures are included in quality scoring and why were they included?

The quality measures selected for Personalized Match Phase 1 include underuse and overuse measures, within the appropriate practice domain. Measures vary by specialty and are available on request.

How are measures weighted?

Motive Medical considers three factors in weighting the importance of each measure as it impacts the overall NPI Appropriate Practice Score (APS):

  • Measure volume (for example, the number of instances a provider is eligible for measurement)
  • Cost differential (for example, the difference in cost between the inappropriate service chosen versus the cost of the appropriate alternative), and
  • Patient harm (for example, measures weigh more heavily if they have a stronger negative impact on the patient).

What measurement year and source are used in quality scoring?

Motive Medical’s Fall 2022 Refresh was used for quality scoring with varying claim periods by measure including dates from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021.

What are the inclusion criteria for quality scoring?

A non-primary specialist care provider must have at least three appropriateness measures with at least ten members in each measure (a few measures require 20 members) for the APS score to be calculated. If the provider does not meet this threshold, the APS score is not available.

The APS score can be described in the following steps:

  • Within each specialty, calculate the mean Motive Medical APS score to be used as the national-specialty benchmark.
  • For each non-primary care specialty provider, calculate an APS Observed to Expected (O/E) ratio, comparing the provider to the benchmark for the same specialty:
    • Provider’s APS / national-specialty benchmark.
  • The quality score is the provider’s APS O/E percentile ranking at the national-specialty level.

What factors go into your efficiency target?

The factors going into our efficiency target are the episodes of the members are assigned to provider specialty who has the highest cost within the episode for Surgery and Evaluation costs. The observed cost of an episode is the sum of provider’s total allowed costs. The expected or peer benchmark cost of an episode is the average cost of treating the same condition or procedure with the same severity level for all specialists in the same line of business, specialty and geographic area multiplied by number of provider’s volume. For ETGs the measure is at the condition level (diabetes, asthma) and for PEGs it’s the procedure level (knee replacement, lumbar fusions):

  • Observed cost: Total provider cost
  • Expected cost: Specialty average cost for same case mix * physician volume
  • Efficiency index = observed / expected 

How is your efficiency target set?

Efficiency scores from the condition ETG and PEG procedure (observed/expected ratio scores) are blended into one final efficiency score by weighing the percentage of all the dollars that are tied to procedures vs conditions. This ensures that the efficiency scores for proceduralists (surgeons) are based more heavily on the procedure episodes. This is the final blended efficiency score for the provider:

  • A minimum of 20 episodes that have benchmarks are required to calculate a condition efficiency or procedure efficiency score for the provider.
  • A 90% statistical confidence interval is computed around the provider’s final blended efficiency score to account for the level of statistical uncertainty around the point estimation. For example, a provider with a final blended efficiency score of 0.97 might have the following confidence interval: Upper confidence level (UCL) of 1.03, Lower Confidence level (LCL) of 0.91.  

Cost ratings are then assigned to providers and provider groups using confidence intervals, as shown below. The provider group cost ratings are used for TIN Designation while individual provider cost ratings are used for the Provider composite score.

 For high-cost cases, how do you normalize which can occur across different groups?

We exclude outlier episodes from the scoring, low cost and high-cost episodes are flagged by the software at Condition/Procedure, Severity, and Line of business level.

Provider specialties with quality measures:

  • Cardiac electrophysiology
  • Cardiac surgery          
  • Cardiology               
  • Colorectal surgery       
  • Endocrinology            
  • Gastroenterology         
  • General surgery          
  • Geriatric psychiatry     
  • Hand surgery             
  • Hematology               
  • Hematology/oncology      
  • Interventional cardiology
  • Medical oncology      
  • Nephrology   
  • Neurology                
  • Neurosurgery             
  • Obstetrics gynecology    
  • Ophthalmology            
  • Orthopedic surgery       
  • Otolaryngology        
  • Psychiatry              
  • Pulmonary disease        
  • Radiation oncology       
  • Rheumatology             
  • Surgical oncology        
  • Thoracic surgery         
  • Urology                  
  • Vascular surgery

* Availity, LLC is an independent company providing administrative support services on behalf of the health plan.

MULTI-BCBS-CR-032328-23-CPN32306

Digital SolutionsCommercialMedicare AdvantageMedicaidOctober 1, 2023

Improvements to Secure Messaging through Claims Status and Payer Spaces

We are committed to a future of shared success and therefore we are excited to announce improvements to Secure Messaging when checking claim status or when reaching out about a resolution to a previous inquiry.

What’s new?

In mid-October the process for Secure Messaging will change:

  • Through Claims Status:
    • When you select Secure Messaging from the Claims Status application, the screens will be updated, creating a better navigation and accessibility experience.
  • Through Payer Spaces:
    • The process for submitting your secure message will stay the same through Payer Spaces. However, you will no longer use the Resources tab link to access your replies. 
    • You will send secure messages and receive your replies in one single location through Payer Spaces:
      • Access Secure Messaging through the Payer Spaces under Applications tab.

As a reminder, to find your claims status fast, use the self-service Claim Status application on Availity.com.* Recent enhancements make it even easier and faster to get the information you are looking for. Access Claims Status from the Claims & Payments tab.

For questions, contact your Provider Relationship Management representative or use Chat with Payer also available through Payer Spaces. 

* Availity, LLC is an independent company providing administrative support services on behalf of the health plan.

MULTI-BCBS-CDCRCM-035675-23-CPN35463

Education & TrainingCommercialOctober 1, 2023

New website for cancer caregivers

Fifty-three million Americans (more than one in five) are family caregivers. According to a new study, Caregiving in the U.S. 2020, caregivers face health challenges of their own. Nearly a quarter of caregivers find it hard to take care of their own health and say that caregiving has made their own health worse.  

Now, helpforcancercaregivers.org is here to help caregivers care for themselves. This interactive website, available 24/7, provides the information and resources that caregivers need to care for their own health and well-being. The website walks users through a brief survey and then provides a personalized Self-Care Guide to help them improve their health.

Studies show that family caregivers suffer from poorer physical health than those who do not have additional caregiving responsibilities. Studies have also found that:

  • Caregivers show higher levels of depression.
  • Caregivers suffer from high levels of stress and frustration — which can lead to burnout.
  • Stressful caregiving situations may lead to harmful behaviors, such as abusing drugs or alcohol.
  • Caregivers have an increased risk of heart disease.
  • Caregivers have lower levels of self-care. 
  • Chronic diseases of caregivers are often more difficult to manage.
  • Caregivers have an increased risk of sickness and premature death.

Evidence has also shown that education and intervention reduce caregiver strain, uncertainty, and helplessness and that information helps normalize the caregiver experience and enhances a sense of control. 

Caregivers for your patients can access Help for Cancer Caregivers at helpforcancercaregivers.org

MULTI-BCBS-CM-036949-23-CPN36922

WebinarsCommercialMedicare AdvantageSeptember 22, 2023

You're invited: Thriving, not just surviving: Youth mental health in today's world

This forum has moved from the original date of September 27, 2023 to October 19, 2023

Register today for the youth mental health forum hosted by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) and Motivo* for Anthem providers on October 19, 2023.

Thursday, October 19, 2023
3:30 to 5 p.m. Eastern time

This important event will address the critical need to engage young people in leading their mental health. By deepening the discussion on youth mental health, we can do our part to foster a culture of understanding and support for youth and young adults. Authentic conversations lead to reducing implicit bias and improving the health and wellbeing of all Americans and the communities in which we live and serve. 

Please join us to hear from a diverse panel of experienced professionals and young leaders as we explore the challenges experienced by today’s youth, amplify the experiences and ideas of young people, and equip attendees with practical tools and innovative approaches to create meaningful change.

Each forum will continue the exploration of ways we can reduce disparities in healthcare, demonstrate cultural humility, address, and deconstruct bias, have difficult and productive conversations, learn about valuable resources, increase inclusion, advance equity in healthcare.

Please register for this event by visiting this link

* Motivo is an independent company providing a virtual forum on behalf of the health plan.

MULTI-BCBS-CRCM-039386-23-CPN39367

WebinarsMedicare AdvantageJune 30, 2023

Required training - Model of Care

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

Training for SNP product for Anthem is self-paced and available at availity.com.*

The training must be completed by December 31, 2023.

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

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

Not registered for Availity Essentials?

Have your organization’s designated administrator register your organization for the Availity website:

  1. Visit availity.com to register.
  2. Select Register.
  3. Select your organization type.
  4. In the Registration wizard, follow the prompts to complete the registration for your organization.

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

* Availity, LLC is an independent company providing administrative support services on behalf of the health plan.

MULTI-BCBS-CR-022628-23, CPN22400, MULTI-BCBS-CR-039458-23-CPN39408

WebinarsCommercialMedicare AdvantageOctober 1, 2023

Looking to earn CME credits? Check out the CME Engagement Hub!

Overview

We’re committed to being actively involved with our care provider partners and going beyond the contract to create a real impact on the health of our communities. That’s why we offer care providers free continuing medical education (CME) sessions to learn best practices to overcoming barriers in achieving clinical quality goals and improved patient outcomes. 

Engagement Hub objectives:

  • Learn strategies to help you and your care team improve your performance across a range of clinical areas.
  • Apply the knowledge you gain from the webinars to improve your organization’s clinical quality.
  • Offer care providers a convenient way to earn CME credits at a time that works best for them. 
  • Each session in this series is approved for one American Academy of Family Physicians credit:
    • Browse the listing of free CME webinars.
    • Open the CME webinars in Google Chrome

MULTI-BCBS-CRCM-038423-23-CPN38131

Policy UpdatesCommercialOctober 1, 2023

Medical Policies and Clinical UM Guidelines update - September 2023

Change Notification 

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) is pleased to provide you with our updated and new Medical Policies. Anthem will also be implementing changes to our Clinical Utilization Management (UM) Guidelines that are adopted for Nevada. The Clinical UM Guidelines published on our website represent the Clinical UM Guidelines currently available to all plans for adoption throughout our organization. Because local practice patterns, claims systems, and benefit designs vary, a local plan may choose whether or not to implement a particular Clinical UM Guideline. The link below can be used to confirm whether or not the local plan has adopted the Clinical UM Guideline(s) in question. Adoption lists are created and maintained solely by each local plan.  

 

The major new policies and changes are summarized below. Please refer to the specific policy for coding, language, and rationale updates and changes that are not summarized below.

 

New Medical Policies effective for service dates on and after January 1, 2024:

  • SURG.00161  Nanoparticle-Mediated Thermal Ablation: This document addresses the use of nanoparticle-mediated thermal ablation to treat solid tumors. Nanoparticles are instilled into tumor tissue and then exposed to an energy source. Nanoparticle vibration induced by the energy source increases temperature to ablate the targeted tissue. Nanoparticle-mediated thermal ablation is purported to achieve homogeneous heat distribution in tumor tissue while protecting surrounding healthy tissue:
    • Considered investigational and not medically necessary for all indications
    • Prior authorization required effective January 1 ,2024

Revised Medical Policies and Clinical UM Guidelines effective January 1, 2024:

  • CG-ANC-06 Ambulance Services: Ground; Non-Emergent:
    • Revised medically necessary and not medically necessary statements regarding mileage
    • Revised not medically necessary statement to remove list of non-covered indications
  • CG-DME-31 Powered Wheeled Mobility Devices:     
    • Revised hierarchy and formatting in the medically necessary statement addressing power seating systems
    • Added new medically necessary and not medically necessary criteria to address power seat elevation systems when individuals meet criteria for (uneven) transfers
  • CG-GENE-16 BRCA Genetic Testing:           
    • Revised Clinical Indications to include homologous recombination deficiency pathways to PARP inhibitor criteria 
  • CG-GENE-22 Gene Expression Profiling for Managing Breast Cancer Treatment:       
    • Revised criteria regarding tumor size
  • CG-MED-59 Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Adults:
    • Revised Clinical Indications section to remove references to “life-limiting comorbidities”
  • CG-MED-66 Cryopreservation of Oocytes or Ovarian Tissue:
    • Revised medically necessary criteria for cryopreservation of mature oocytes to include: (1) medical and surgical treatment, gonadotoxic therapy and bilateral oophorectomy as possible causes of anticipated infertility; (2) Criterion which states “individual is a candidate based on ovarian reserve and likelihood for successful oocyte cryopreservation (for example, age 45 years or less)”
    • Revised criteria so cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is considered medically necessary when criteria are met
    • Revised not medically necessary statement to indicate cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is considered not medically necessary when the criteria above are not met
  • CG-SURG-101 Ablative Techniques as a Treatment for Barrett's Esophagus:
    • Revised formatting and hierarchy in the Clinical Indications section
    • Removed 1 year life expectancy from the Clinical Indications section
    • Removed requirement for absence of comorbid conditions from the medically necessary statement
  • CG-SURG-61 Cryosurgical, Radiofrequency or Laser Ablation to Treat Solid Tumors Outside the Liver:
    • Removed criteria that individual must a be high renal or surgical risk from the cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation criteria for clinically localized, suspected renal malignancies. 
  • CG-SURG-81 Cochlear Implants and Auditory Brainstem Implants:
    • Reformatted the medically necessary criteria for cochlear implants.
    • Revised cochlear implantation criteria to include unilateral sensorineural deafness (Published on 5/25/23).
  • CG-SURG-95 Sacral Nerve Stimulation and Percutaneous or Implantable Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence; Urinary Retention. Previously Titled: Sacral Nerve Stimulation and Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence, Urinary Retention:
    • Revised title.
    • Added medically necessary criteria for temporary SNS for urinary and fecal conditions.
    • Reformatted medically necessary criteria for permanent SNS for urinary and fecal conditions.
    • Revised the Clinical Indications section IV for percutaneous or implantable tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) to include implantable devices.
  • GENE.00052 Whole Genome Sequencing, Whole Exome Sequencing, Gene Panels, and Molecular Profiling:
    • Reformatted hierarchy for gene panel testing for inherited diseases, testing for cancer susceptibility, testing for cancer management, and molecular profiling for the evaluation of malignancies.
    • Revised panel testing criteria to remove 50 gene parameter.
    • Revised acute myeloid leukemia medically necessary statement to include “newly diagnosed or relapsed.”
    • Added circulating tumor DNA to scope of document (moved content from GENE.00049 into this document and added new criteria for prostate cancer and advance non-small cell lung cancer).
    • Revised molecular profiling criteria to remove “progressed following prior treatment” language.
    • Revised not medically necessary statement for Whole Exome Sequencing to address repeat testing."
  • MED.00004 Noninvasive Imaging Technologies for the Evaluation of Skin Lesions. Previously Titled: Technologies for the Evaluation of Skin Lesions (including Dermatoscopy, Epiluminescence Microscopy, Videomicroscopy and Ultrasonography):
    • Revised title.
    • Added additional technologies to investigational and not medically necessary section.
  • MED.00135 Gene Therapy for Hemophilia:   
    • Revised medically necessary statement on etranacogene dezaparvovec-drlb. 
    • Added medically necessary statement on valoctocogene roxaparvovec-rvox.
    • Revised first investigational and not medically necessary statement and deleted second investigational and not medically necessary statement (Published on 7/18/2023).
  • SURG.00121 Transcatheter Heart Valve Procedures:
    • Revised text and formatting in the medically necessary statement for transcutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
    • Revised medically necessary statement for transcatheter pulmonary valve to remove right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) conduit diameter criteria and added criteria for native and patched RVOT.
    • Added a new investigational and not medically necessary statement addressing TAVR cerebral protection devices.
    • Revised the investigational and not medically necessary statement regarding valve-in-valve repair to address replacement instead of repair.
  • TRANS.00025 Laboratory Testing as an Aid in the Diagnosis of Heart Transplant Rejection:  
    • Revised medically necessary criteria regarding the time frame for AlloMap testing post HT.
    • Removed the word, “Non Invasive” from the Investigational and not medically necessary statement about AlloSure Heart, AlloSeq cell-free DNA, MMDx Heart and myTAIHeart.
  • LAB.00030 Measurement of Serum Concentrations of Monoclonal Antibody Drugs and Antibodies to Monoclonal Antibody Drugs

Anthem Medical Policies and Clinical UM Guidelines are developed by our national Medical Policy and Technology Assessment Committee (MPTAC). The committee, which includes Anthem medical directors and representatives from practicing physician groups, meets quarterly to review current scientific data and clinical developments. 

All coverage written or administered by Anthem excludes from coverage, services, or supplies that are investigational and/or not medically necessary. A member’s claim may not be eligible for payment if it was determined not to meet medical necessity criteria set in Anthem’s Medical Policies. Review procedures have been refined to facilitate claim investigation.

Anthem’s Medical Policies and Clinical UM Guidelines

The complete list of our Medical Policies and Clinical UM Guidelines may be accessed by visiting Home | Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthcare Solutions. Under the Resources heading, select Policies and Guidelines, and then select Medical Policies and Clinical UM Guidelines.  

NVBCBS-CM-037821-23

Policy UpdatesMedicare AdvantageSeptember 13, 2023

Clinical Criteria updates - June 2023

Medical drug benefit Clinical Criteria updates

On August 19, 2022, September 12, 2022, November 18, 2022, February 24, 2023, May 19, 2023, June 12, 2023, and July 11, 2023, the Pharmacy and Therapeutic (P&T) Committee approved the following Clinical Criteria applicable to the medical drug benefit for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem). 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 providers in 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.
  • 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

Document number

Clinical Criteria title

New or revised

October 18, 2023

*CC-0243

Vyjuvek (beremagene geperpavec)

New

October 18, 2023

*CC-0242

Epkinly (epcoritamab-bysp)

New

October 18, 2023

*CC-0241

Elfabrio (pegunigalsidase alfa-iwxj)

New

October 18, 2023

CC-0228

Leqembi (lecanemab)

Revised

October 18, 2023

*CC-0061

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Analogs for the Treatment of Non-Oncologic Indications

Revised

October 18, 2023

*CC-0015

Infertility and HCG Agents

Revised

October 18, 2023

*CC-0062

Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonists

Revised

October 18, 2023

CC-0151

Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) 

Revised

October 18, 2023

*CC-0177

Zilretta (triamcinolone acetonide extended-release) 

Revised

October 18, 2023

CC-0149

Select Clotting Agents for Bleeding Disorders

Revised

October 18, 2023

CC-0032

Botulinum Toxin 

Revised

October 18, 2023

*CC-0002

Colony Stimulating Factor Agents

Revised

October 18, 2023

*CC-0001

Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents 

Revised

October 18, 2023

*CC-0174

Kesimpta (ofatumumab) 

Revised

October 18, 2023

*CC-0209

Leqvio (inclisiran) 

Revised

October 18, 2023

*CC-0011

Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) 

Revised

October 18, 2023

*CC-0005

Hyaluronan Injections - Medicare Only 

Revised

MULTI-BCBS-CR-036939-23-CPN36113

Medical Policy & Clinical GuidelinesCommercialOctober 1, 2023

Transition to Carelon Medical Benefits Management, Inc. site of care guidelines

Effective December 30, 2023, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) will transition the Clinical Criteria for site of care reviews to the following Carelon Medical Benefits Management* (Caralon) site of care guidelines to perform medical necessity and clinical appropriateness reviews for the requested site of care for certain procedures.

Program

Services

Carelon Guideline

CPT® code list links

Surgical

Routine outpatient surgical procedures across the following specialty services: gastroenterology (including upper and lower endoscopy), ophthalmology (such as cataract surgery), gynecology, dermatology, urology, pulmonary and musculoskeletal

Surgical Appropriate Use Criteria: Site of Service

https://tinyurl.com/8bruffkj

Radiology 

Routine outpatient CT and MRI imaging such as head, chest, and extremity imaging.

Advanced Imaging Appropriate Use Criteria: Site of Care

https://tinyurl.com/y45hsv5h

Musculoskeletal

Select musculoskeletal and pain procedures, including shoulder and knee arthroscopies and epidural injections.

Surgical Appropriate Use Criteria: Site of Care

https://tinyurl.com/3xujthte 

Rehabilitative Services

Routine outpatient speech, occupational, and physical therapy services

Outpatient Rehabilitative and Habilitative Services Appropriate Use Criteria: Site of Care

https://tinyurl.com/5dz92sp4

Note: These reviews do not apply to procedures performed on an emergent basis.

Carelon Medical Benefits Management also manages the musculoskeletal level of care review using The Carelon Musculoskeletal Appropriate Use Criteria: Level of Care for Musculoskeletal Surgery and Procedures guideline.  

Members included in the program

The new review criteria apply to all Anthem members currently participating in the above mentioned Carelon Medical Benefits Management programs. To determine if prior authorization by Carelon Medical Benefits Management is required for a member, contact the Provider Services phone number on the back of the member’s ID card. 

The following members are excluded: Medicare Advantage (individual and group),

Medicare, Medicare supplement, and the Federal Employee Program® (FEP).

Prior authorization requirements

Prior authorization requirements remain the same. For services scheduled to begin on or after December 29, 2023, care providers must contact Carelon Medical Benefits Management to obtain prior authorization. Requested services received on or after December 29, 2023, will be reviewed with the new Clinical Criteria.

Care providers may submit prior authorization requests to Carelon Medical Benefits Management at providerportal.com. Initiating a request and entering all the requested clinical information will provide an immediate determination 24/7.

For questions related to guidelines, please contact Carelon Medical Benefits Management via email at MedicalBenefitsManagement.guidelines@Carelon.com. Additionally, you may download a copy of the current and upcoming guidelines here.

* 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 Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc. HMO products underwritten by HMO Colorado, Inc., dba HMO Nevada. Independent licensee(s) of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

MULTI-BCBS-CM-038847-23

Reimbursement PoliciesCommercialOctober 1, 2023

Reimbursement policy update: After-Hours, Emergency, and Miscellaneous E/M Services – Professional

Beginning with dates of service on or after January 1, 2024, the After-Hours, Emergency, and Miscellaneous E/M Services – Professional reimbursement policy will also apply to facility providers. The intent of this policy is to reimburse professional providers for rendering urgent services outside of regular hours (“after hours” services) when such services are:

  • Billed on a CMS-1500 form.
  • Billed with an office place of service (POS 11).
  • Rendered between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends based on arrival time and not the actual time the service commenced.

The policy will not allow separate reimbursement for “after hours” codes 99050 or 99051 when:

  • Billed by facility providers.
  • Billed with POS 20 (urgent care facility).

The policy will be retitled After-Hours, Emergency, and Miscellaneous E/M Services – Professional and Facility.

For specific policy details, visit anthem.com and select For Providers. Under the Provider Resources heading, select Policies, Guidelines & Manuals. On the next screen, select the Select a State. Next, under the Reimbursement Policies heading, select Access policies.

MULTI-BCBS-CM-038560-23-CPN38439

Reimbursement PoliciesMedicaidOctober 1, 2023

Genetic Tests: Once per Lifetime 

New Reimbursement Policy 

Genetic Tests: Once per Lifetime
(Policy G-23002, effective 01/01/2024) 

Beginning with dates of service on or after January 1, 2024, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthcare Solutions (Anthem) will implement a new reimbursement policy titled Genetic Tests: Once per Lifetime. This policy identifies specific genetic tests allowed once in a member’s lifetime. During the member’s lifetime, the germline genotype will not change. However, the interpretation of the gene sequence may change due to recategorization of variants, or other factors. Repeat sequencing is not required for future interpretation of germline genotype, or re-analysis of previously sequenced data. 

The Related Coding section includes a Once per Lifetime Genetic Test coding list, which describes the genetic procedures that are limited to once per lifetime sequencing. Reinterpretation of the original results are not separately reimbursable. 

For additional information, please review the Genetic Tests: Once per Lifetime reimbursement policy at https://providers.anthem.com/nv.

NVBCBS-CD-033756-23-CPN29184

Reimbursement PoliciesMedicare AdvantageOctober 1, 2023

Genetic Tests: Once per Lifetime 

New Reimbursement Policy

Genetic Tests: Once per Lifetime
(Policy G-23002, effective 01/01/2024)

Beginning with dates of service on or after January 1, 2024, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) will implement a new reimbursement policy titled Genetic Tests: Once per Lifetime. This policy identifies specific genetic tests allowed once in a member’s lifetime. During the member’s lifetime, the germline genotype will not change. However, the interpretation of the gene sequence may change due to recategorization of variants, or other factors. Repeat sequencing is not required for future interpretation of germline genotype, or re-analysis of previously sequenced data.

The Related Coding section includes a Once per Lifetime Genetic Test coding list, which describes the genetic procedures that are limited to once per lifetime sequencing. Reinterpretation of the original results are not separately reimbursable.

For additional information, please review the Genetic Tests: Once per Lifetime reimbursement policy at https://www.anthem.com/medicareprovider.

MULTI-BCBS-CR-033765-23-CPN29184

PharmacyMedicare AdvantageSeptember 19, 2023

Medicare Part B precert expansion: Adstiladrin, Altuviiio, Idacio, Lamzede, Lunsumio, Rebyota, Signifor LAR, Syfovre, and Vivimusta

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield expands specialty pharmacy precertification list

The previous effective date was previously listed in error as October 1, 2023, this correct effective date is December 1, 2023.

Effective for dates of service on and after December 1, 2023, the specialty Medicare Part B drugs listed in the table below will be included in our precertification 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 precertification rules and must be considered first when determining coverage. Noncompliance with new requirements may result in denied claims.

HCPCS or CPT® codes

Medicare Part B drugs

J9029

Adstiladrin (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg)

C9399, J7199

Altuviiio (antihemophilic factor (recombinant)

C9399, J3490

Lamzede (velmanase alfa-tycv)

J9350

Lunsumio (mosunetuzumab-axgb)

J1440

Rebyota (fecal microbiota, live – jslm)

J2502

Signifor LAR (pasireotide)

C9151, C9399, J3490

Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) 

J9056

Vivimusta (bendamustine)

MULTI-BCBS-CR-023557-23-CPN23416

PharmacyCommercialOctober 1, 2023

Specialty pharmacy updates — October 2023

Specialty pharmacy updates for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) are listed below.

Prior authorization clinical review of non-oncology use of specialty pharmacy drugs is managed by Anthem’s medical specialty drug review team. Review of specialty pharmacy drugs for oncology use is managed by Carelon Medical Benefits Management, Inc.*

Important to note: Currently, your patients may be receiving these medications without prior authorization. As of the effective date below, you may be required to request prior authorization review for your patients’ continued use of these medications.

Including the National Drug Code (NDC) code on your claim will help expedite claim processing of drugs billed with a Not Otherwise Classified (NOC) code.

Prior authorization updates

Effective for dates of service on and after January 1, 2024, the following specialty pharmacy codes from current or new clinical criteria documents will be included in our prior authorization review process.

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

Clinical Criteria

Drug

HCPCS or CPT® code(s)

CC-0244*

Columvi (glofitamab-gxbm)

C9399, J3490, J3590, J9999

CC-0245

Izervay (avacincaptad pegol) 

C9399, J3490, J3590, J9999

CC-0246

Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab-noli)

C9399, J3490, J3590, J9999

* Oncology use is managed by Carelon Medical Benefits Management.

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

Step therapy updates

Courtesy notice — Effective for dates of service on and after October 1, 2023, updated step therapy criteria for iron agents found in the clinical criteria document for CC-0182 will be implemented. The preferred product list is being expanded to include Infed. Please refer to the clinical criteria document for details.

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

Quantity limit updates

Effective for dates of service on and after January 1, 2024, 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-0245

Izervay (avacincaptad pegol) 

C9399, J3490, J3590, J9999

CC-0246

Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab-noli)

C9399, J3490, J3590, J9999

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

MULTI-BCBS-CM-038617-23-CPN38572

PharmacyMedicare AdvantageSeptember 22, 2023

Medicare Part B precert expansion: Elfabrio, Epkinly, Qalsody, Vyjuvek, and Zynyz

Expanded specialty pharmacy precertification list

Effective for dates of service on and after January 1, 2024, the specialty Medicare Part B drugs listed in the table below will be included in our precertification 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 precertification rules and must be considered first when determining coverage. Noncompliance with new requirements may result in denied claims.

HCPCS or CPT® codes

Medicare Part B drugs

J3490, J3590

Elfabrio (pegunigalsidase alfa-iwxj)

C9399, J3490, J3590, J9999

Epkinly (epcoritamab-bysp)

J3490, J3590

Qalsody (tofersen)

J3490, J3590

Vyjuvek (beremagene geperpavec)

J9999

Zynyz (retifanlimab-dlwr)

MULTI-BCBS-CR-037831-23-CPN37401

PharmacyMedicaidSeptember 14, 2023

Notice of Material Amendment to Healthcare Contract: Prior authorization updates for medications billed under the medical benefit 

Effective November 1, 2023, the following medication codes will require prior authorization.

Please note, inclusion of a national drug code on your medical claim is necessary for claims processing.

Visit the Clinical Criteria website to search for the following Clinical Criteria:

Clinical Criteria

HCPCS or CPT® code(s)

Drug name

CC-0072

Q5129

Vegzelma (bevacizumab-adcd)

CC-0107

Q5129

Vegzelma (bevacizumab-adcd)

What if I need assistance?

If you have questions about this communication or need assistance with any other item, contact your local Provider Relationship Management representative or call Provider Services at 844-396-2330.

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

NVBCBS-CD-026968-23-CPN25795

PharmacyMedicaidSeptember 14, 2023

Quarterly pharmacy formulary changes effective November 1, 2023

Quarterly pharmacy formulary change notice

The formulary changes listed in the table below were reviewed and approved at our second quarter 2023 Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee meeting.

Effective November 1, 2023, the changes outlined below apply to all Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthcare Solutions (Anthem) members. Remember to read the footnotes at the end of the table.

Effective for all patients on November 1, 2023

Therapeutic class

Drug

Revised status

Potential alternatives

ANTIHISTAMINES**

CETIRIZINE 5MG CHEWABLE

CETIRIZINE 10MG CHEWABLE

CETIRIZINE HCL 10 MG CAPSULE

CETIRIZINE 10MG TABLET

CETIRIZINE 1MG/ML SOLUTION/SYRUP

CETIRIZINE-PSEUDOEPHEDRINE 5-120MG TABLET

PREFERRED

N/A

ANTI-TNF-ALPHA - MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES**

HADLIMA 40/0.4ML INJECTION

HADLIMA 40/0.8ML INJECTION

PREFERRED WITH PA

N/A

ANTI-TNF-ALPHA - MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES**

AMJEVITA 10MG SYRINGE

PREFERRED WITH PA

N/A

HEMATOPOIETIC AGENTS**

UDENYCA 6MG/0.6 AUTOINJECTOR

PREFERRED WITH PA

N/A

PRENATAL
VITAMINS

VITA-PAC CAPSULE

NOT COVERED

NESTAB TABLETS RX

OTC PRENATALS

SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS
(SSRIS)**

PAROXETINE 10MG/5ML

PREFERRED

N/A

UM edits – Effective for all members no later than November 1, 2023

No changes in preferred/non-preferred status revision or addition to UM edit only.

ALS AGENTS

QALSODY 100 MG/15 ML VIAL INTRATHECAL SOLUTION

ADD PA AND QL 1 VIAL EVERY 4 WEEKS

ANALGESICS - ANTI-INFLAMMATORY*

COMBOGESIC (ACETAMINOPHEN 325 MG- IBUPROFEN 97.5MG) TABLET

ADD ST AND QL 12 TABLETS PER DAY

ANALGESICS - ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

ADVIL DUAL ACTION (IBUPROFEN 125 MG /ACETAMINOPHEN 250 MG) TABLET

ADD QL 6 TABLETS PER DAY

ANALGESICS - ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

MELOXICAM 7.5MG/5ML ORAL SUSPENSION

ADD QL 10 ML PER DAY

ANTIANXIETY AGENTS

BUSPIRONE 5 MG, 7.5 MG, 10 MG, 15 MG TABLET

REMOVE QL 3 TABLETS PER DAY

ANTIANXIETY AGENTS

BUSPIRONE 30 MG TABLET

REMOVE QL 2 TABLETS PER DAY

ANTIANXIETY AGENTS

HYDROXYZINE HYDROCHLORIDE 10 MG, 25 MG TABLET
HYDROXYZINE PAMOATE 25 MG, 50 MG, 100 MG CAPSULE

REMOVE QL 4 PER DAY

ANTIANXIETY AGENTS

HYDROXYZINE HYDROCHLORIDE 50 MG TABLET

REMOVE QL 8 TABLETS PER DAY

ANTIANXIETY AGENTS

HYDROXYZINE HYDROCHLORIDE 10 MG/5 ML SYRUP/SOLUTION

REMOVE QL 100 ML PER DAY

ANTIANXIETY AGENTS

MEPROBAMATE 200 MG AND 400 MG TABLET

REMOVE QL 4 TABLETS PER DAY

ANTI-CATAPLECTIC AGENTS

LUMRYZ PKG 4.5GM, 6 GM, 7.5 GM AND

9 GM

ADD PA AND QL LUMRYZ 4.5 G, 6 G, 7.5 G, 9 G (CARTON OF 7 PACKETS)- 4 CARTONS PER 28 DAYS
LUMRYZ 4.5 G, 6 G, 7.5 G, 9 G (CARTON OF 30 PACKETS)- 1 CARTON PER 30 DAYS

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

MIRTAZAPINE 7.5 MG, 15 MG

MIRTAZAPINE 30 MG, 45 MG TABLET
REMERON SOLTAB (MIRTAZAPINE ORALLY DISINTEGRATING TABLET) 15 MG, 30 ,45 MG TABLET
CELEXA (CITALOPRAM) 40 MG TABLET
LEXAPRO (ESCITALOPRAM) 20 MG TABLET
FLUOXETINE 60 MG TABLET
PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE/MESYLATE (PAXIL/PEXEVA) 20 MG TABLET
PAXIL CR (PAROXETINE EXTENDED-RELEASE) 12.5 MG TABLET

REMOVE QL/DOSE OP 1 TABLET PER DAY

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

CITALOPRAM 30 MG CAPSULE
FLUOXETINE (PROZAC) 10 MG CAPSULE
SERTRALINE 150 MG, 200 MG CAPSULE

REMOVE QL/DOSE OP 1 CAPSULE PER DAY

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

CELEXA (CITALOPRAM) 10 MG, 20 MG TABLET
LEXAPRO (ESCITALOPRAM) 5 MG, 10 MG TABLET
FLUOXETINE (PROZAC, SARAFEM) 10 MG TABLET
FLUVOXAMINE 25 MG, 50 MG TABLET
PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE/MESYLATE (PAXIL/ PEXEVA) 10 MG AND 40 MG TABLET
ZOLOFT (SERTRALINE) 25 MG, 50 MG TABLET

REMOVE QL/DOSE OP 1.5 TABLETS PER DAY

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

CITALOPRAM 10 MG/5 ML SOLUTION
ESCITALOPRAM 5 MG/5 ML SOLUTION

REMOVE QL 20 ML PER DAY

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

FLUOXETINE (PROZAC) 40 MG CAPSULE
FLUVOXAMINE EXTENDED-RELEASE 100 MG AND 200 MG CAPSULE

REMOVE QL 2 CAPSULES PER DAY

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

FLUOXETINE (PROZAC, SARAFEM) 20 MG TABLET/CAPSULE

REMOVE QL 4 TABLETS OR CAPSULES PER DAY

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

FLUOXETINE 20 MG/5 ML SOLUTION

REMOVE QL 20 ML PER DAY

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

FLUOXETINE WEEKLY DELAYED-RELEASE 90 MG CAPSULE

REMOVE QL 4 CAPSULES PER 28 DAYS

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

FLUVOXAMINE 100 MG TABLET

REMOVE QL 3 TABLETS PER DAY

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE/MESYLATE (PAXIL/PEXEVA) 30 MG TABLET
PAXIL CR (PAROXETINE EXTENDED-RELEASE) 25 MG, 37.5 MG TABLET
ZOLOFT (SERTRALINE) 100 MG TABLET

REMOVE QL 2 TABLETS PER DAY

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

PAXIL (PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE) 10 MG/5 ML SUSPENSION

REMOVE QL 30 ML PER DAY

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

ZOLOFT (SERTRALINE) 20 MG/ ML SOLUTION

REMOVE QL 10 ML PER DAY

ANTIHYPERTENSIVES

GUANFACINE 1 MG AND 2 MG TABLET

REMOVE QL/ DOSE OP 1 TABLET PER DAY

ANTINEOPLASTICS AND ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES

KISQALI (RIBOCICLIB) 200 MG TABLET

UPDATE QL 21 TABLETS PER 28 DAYS

ANTINEOPLASTICS AND ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES

KISQALI (RIBOCICLIB) 400 MG TABLET

ADD QL 42 TABLETS PER 28 DAYS

ANTINEOPLASTICS AND ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES

KISQALI (RIBOCICLIB) 600 MG TABLET

ADD QL 63 TABLETS PER 28 DAYS

ANTINEOPLASTICS AND ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES

KISQALI FEMARA CO-PACK (RIBOCICLIB/LETROZOLE) 600 MG/2.5 MG TABLET

UPDATE QL 91 TABLETS PER 28 DAYS

ANTINEOPLASTICS AND ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES

KISQALI FEMARA CO-PACK (RIBOCICLIB/LETROZOLE) 400 MG/2.5 MG TABLET

UPDATE QL 70 TABLETS PER 28 DAYS

ANTINEOPLASTICS AND ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES

KISQALI FEMARA CO-PACK (RIBOCICLIB/LETROZOLE) 200 MG/2.5 MG TABLET

UPDATE QL 49 TABLETS PER 28 DAYS

ANTINEOPLASTICS AND ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES

VERZENIO (ABEMACICLIB) 50 MG, 100 MG, 150 MG, 200 MG TABLET

UPDATE 56 TABLETS PER 28 DAYS

ANTINEOPLASTICS AND ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES

MEKINIST (TRAMETINIB) 4.7 MG SOLUTION/BOTTLE

ADD QL 40 ML PER DAY

ANTINEOPLASTICS AND ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES

ERLEADA (APALUTAMIDE) 240 MG TABLET

ADD QL 1 TABLET PER DAY

ANTINEOPLASTICS AND ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES

TAFINLAR (DABRAFENIB) 10 MG TABLETS FOR ORAL SUSPENSION

ADD QL 15 TABLETS PER DAY

ANTINEOPLASTICS AND ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES

ZYNYZ 500 MG/ 20 ML VIAL

ADD PA AND QL 500 MG EVERY 28 DAYS

BETA BLOCKERS

ACEBUTOLOL 200 MG CAPSULE

REMOVE QL 6 CAPSULES PER DAY

BETA BLOCKERS

ACEBUTOLOL 400 MG

REMOVE QL 3 CAPSULES PER DAY

BETA BLOCKERS

TENORMIN (ATENOLOL) 25 MG, 50 MG,

100 MG TABLET
BETAXOLOL 20 MG TABLET
BISOPROLOL 10 MG TABLET
TOPROL XL (METOPROLOL SUCCINATE ER) 200 MG TABLET
BYSTOLIC (NEBIVOLOL) 20 MG TABLET

REMOVE QL/DOSE OP 2 TABLETS PER DAY

BETA BLOCKERS

BETAXOLOL 10 MG TABLET
BISOPROLOL 5 MG
BYSTOLIC (NEBIVOLOL) 2.5 MG, 5 MG, 10 MG

REMOVE DOSE OP 1 TABLET PER DAY

BETA BLOCKERS

TOPROL XL (METOPROLOL SUCCINATE ER) 25 MG
METOPROLOL TARTRATE 25 MG

REMOVE QL 16 TABLETS PER DAY

BETA BLOCKERS

TOPROL XL (METOPROLOL SUCCINATE ER) 50 MG
LOPRESSOR (METOPROLOL TARTRATE) 50 MG

REMOVE QL 8 TABLETS PER DAY

BETA BLOCKERS

TOPROL XL (METOPROLOL SUCCINATE ER) 100 MG
LOPRESSOR (METOPROLOL TARTRATE) 100 MG

REMOVE QL 4 TABLETS PER DAY

BETA BLOCKERS

KAPSPARGO SPRINKLE (METOPROLOL SUCCINATE ER) 25 MG CAPSULE

REMOVE QL 16 CAPSULE PER DAY

BETA BLOCKERS

KAPSPARGO SPRINKLE (METOPROLOL SUCCINATE ER) 50 MG CAPSULE

REMOVE QL 8 CAPSULES PER DAY

BETA BLOCKERS

KAPSPARGO SPRINKLE (METOPROLOL SUCCINATE ER) 100 MG CAPSULE

REMOVE QL 4 CAPSULES PER DAY

BETA BLOCKERS

KAPSPARGO SPRINKLE (METOPROLOL SUCCINATE ER) 200 MG CAPSULE

REMOVE QL 2 CAPSULES PER DAY

BETA BLOCKERS

METOPROLOL TARTRATE 37.5 MG TABLET

REMOVE QL 10 TABLETS PER DAY

BETA BLOCKERS

METOPROLOL TARTRATE 75 MG TABLET

REMOVE 5 TABLETS PER DAY

DIURETICS

ALDACTONE (SPIRONOLACTONE) 25 MG, 50 MG TABLET

REMOVE QL 2 TABLETS PER DAY

DIURETICS

ALDACTONE (SPIRONOLACTONE) 100 MG

REMOVE QL 4 TABLETS PER DAY

DIURETICS

ALDACTAZIDE (SPIRONOLACTONE/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE) 25 MG/25 MG

UPDATE DOSE OP TO QL 2 8 TABLETS PER DAY

DIURETICS

CAROSPIR (SPIRONOLACTONE ORAL SUSPENSION) 25 MG/5 ML

REMOVE QL 20 ML PER DAY

ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC AGENTS - MISC.

SOGROYA (SOMAPACITAN-BECO) 15 MG/1.5 ML PREFILLED PEN

ADD QL 4 PENS PER 28 DAYS

GASTROINTESTINAL AGENTS - MISC.

VOWST (FECAL MICROBIOTA SPORES, LIVE - BRPK)

ADD PA AND QL 12 CAPSULES PER FILL: ONE TIME ONLY

HEMATOPOIETIC AGENTS

UDENCYA (PEGFILGRASTIM-CBQV) 6 MG/0.6 ML PREFILLED SYRINGE OR AUTOINJECTOR

ADD QL 2 SYRINGES OR AUTOINJECTORS PER 28 DAYS

MIGRAINE PRODUCTS*

RIZAFILM (RIZATRIPTAN) 10 MG ORAL FILM

ADD QL 6 FILMS PER 30 DAYS

MIGRAINE PRODUCTS

ELYXYB (CELECOXIB ORAL SOLUTION) 120 MG/4.8 ML (25 MG/ML)

ADD QL 9 BOTTLES (43.2 ML) PER 30 DAYS

MIGRAINE PRODUCTS

ZAVZPRET (ZAVEGEPANT) 10 MG NASAL SPRAY

ADD ST AND QL 1 SPRAY PER DAY: 8 SPRAYS (DEVICES) PER 30 DAYS

RESPIRATORY AGENTS - MISC.

KALYDECO (IVACAFTOR) 5.8 MG* AND 13.4 MG

ADD QL 2 PACKETS PER DAY

RESPIRATORY AGENTS - MISC.

TRIKAFTA (ELEXACAFTOR/TEZACAFTOR/IVACAFTOR 80 MG/40 MG/60 MG AND IVACAFTOR 59.5 MG) GRANULES AND TRIKAFTA (ELEXACAFTOR/TEZACAFTOR/IVACAFTOR 100 MG/50 MG/75 MG AND IVACAFTOR 75 MG) GRANULES

ADD QL 1 CARTON (56 PACKETS) PER 28 DAYS

URINARY ANTISPASMODICS

OXYBUTYNIN 2.5 MG TABLETS

ADD 3 TABLETS PER DAY

URINARY ANTISPASMODICS

OXYBUTYNIN 5 MG/5 ML SOLUTION

ADD 20 ML PER DAY


* This change will be implemented once the medication is on the market.
** This change will be implemented ASAP.

What action do I need to take?

Please review these changes and work with your Anthem patients to transition them to formulary alternatives. If you determine preferred formulary alternatives are not clinically appropriate for specific patients, you will need to obtain prior authorization (PA) to continue coverage beyond the applicable effective date.

What if I need assistance?

We recognize the unique aspects of patients’ cases. If for medical reasons your Anthem patient cannot be converted to a formulary alternative, call our Pharmacy department at 844-396-2330 and follow the voice prompts for pharmacy PA. You can find the Preferred Drug List on our provider website at https://mediproviders.anthem.com/nv.

If you need assistance with any other item, call Provider Relationship Management at 844-396-2330.

NVBCBS-CD-037127-23