Medical Policy and Clinical Guideline updates

These updates list the new and/or revised Medical Policies and Clinical Guidelines for Anthem. The implementation date for each policy or guideline is noted for each section. Implementation of the new or revised Medical Policy or Clinical Guideline is effective for all claims processed on and after the specified implementation date, regardless of date of service. Previously processed claims will not be reprocessed as a result of the changes. If there is any inconsistency or conflict between the brief description provided below and the actual policy or guideline, the policy or guideline will govern.

Federal and state law, as well as contract language, including definitions and specific contract provisions/exclusions, take precedence over Medical Policy and Clinical Guidelines (and Medical Policy takes precedence over Clinical Guidelines) and must be considered first in determining eligibility for coverage. The member’s contract benefits in effect on the date that the service is rendered must be used. This document supplements any previous Medical Policy and Clinical Guideline updates that may have been issued by Anthem. Please include this update with your provider manual for future reference.

Please note that Medical Policy, which addresses medical efficacy, should be considered before utilizing medical opinion in adjudication. Anthem’s Medical Policies and Clinical Guidelines are available at anthem.com. Select For Providers. Under the Provider Resources heading, select Policies, Guidelines & Manuals. Select your state. Then, select View Medical Policies & Clinical UM Guidelines.

Note: These updates may not apply to all administrative services only accounts as some accounts may have nonstandard benefits that apply.

To view Medical Policies and Clinical Utilization Management (UM) Guidelines applicable to members enrolled in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan (commonly referred to as the Federal Employee Program [FEP^®]), visit fepblue.org > Policies & Guidelines.

Medical Policy updates

New Medical Policy effective October 1, 2024

The following policy is new:

• RAD.00069 Absolute Quantitation of Myocardial Blood Flow Measurement

Revised Medical Policies effective October 19, 2024

The policies below were revised and might result in services that were previously covered but may now be found to be either not medically necessary and/or investigational:

• MED.00013 Parenteral Antibiotics for the Treatment of Lyme Disease
• SURG.00011 Allogeneic, Xenographic, Synthetic, Bioengineered, and Composite Products for Wound Healing and Soft Tissue Grafting