Medicare AdvantageJune 30, 2021
Prior authorization requirement changes effective October 1, 2021, for codes A0426 and A0428
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem.
On October 1, 2021, prior authorization (PA) requirements will change for A0426 and A0428 covered by Empire BlueCross BlueShield. 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.
PA requirements will be added for the following codes:
- A0426 — ambulance service, advanced life support, nonemergency transport, level 1 (ALS 1)
- A0428 — ambulance service, basic life support, nonemergency transport (BLS)
Not all PA requirements are listed here. Detailed PA requirements are available to contracted providers by accessing the provider self-service tool on the Availity* Portal at https://www.availity.com or on the provider website at https://www.empireblue.com/medicareprovider > Login. Contracted and noncontracted providers unable to access Availity can call the Provider Services number located on the back of their patient’s member ID card for PA requirements.
PUBLICATIONS: July 2021 Newsletter
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