 Provider News New YorkJune 1, 2021 June 2021 NewsletterBeginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Nationally, seven percent of all claims are denied because they weren’t filed within the timely filing limits. At Empire BlueCross BlueShield (“Empire”), we want your claims to be received on time, so they get paid on time. One way to ensure your claim isn’t denied because it wasn’t received within timely filing limits is to follow-up with your clearinghouse on a regular basis.
When you send claims electronically through a clearinghouse, if errors are identified on the claims, they won’t get submitted for payment. Checking in regularly with your clearinghouse is key to identifying claims errors. This gives you the opportunity to correct claims quickly, avoiding delays in filing and running the risk of a claim denial because it wasn’t filed within the timely filing limit.
Have you confirmed the patient is an Empire member?
Another reason claims are delayed is because the claim was filed with Empire, but it should have been filed with another insurance company first. To make sure your claim is received on time, double check the member’s insurance information with each visit to your office confirming their primary insurance. To check the member’s eligibility or to get a digital copy of the member’s ID card, log onto Availity.com. From the Patient Registration tab use the Eligibility and Benefits Inquiry tool for a quick and easy search.
Checking your claims status.
It is easy to check your claim online to confirm we’ve received it. Log onto Availity.com and use the Claims & Payment tab for the Claims Status tool. You may also be able to check the claim to verify no adjustments are needed through the Claims Status Listing application located on the Payer Spaces home page.
The sooner you file the faster your claim is paid.
Filing your claim within the timely filing limits can eliminate claim denials. If your claim denies because it was filed late, Empire will deny the claim as outlined in your contract with us. It is important to note that the member cannot be billed for denied claims that were not filed timely.
Use these helpful tips when filing your claims because Empire understands that timely payments are as important as timely filing.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Easily update demographic changes and much more, by simply submitting your updates through Empire BlueCross BlueShield (“Empire”) online Provider Maintenance Form. Online update options include: add an address location, name change, tax ID changes, provider leaving a group or a single location, phone/fax numbers, closing a practice location.
Visit the Provider Maintenance Form landing page to review more.
Important information about updating your practice profile:
- Change request should be submitted using the online Provider Maintenance Form
- Submit the change request online. No need to print, complete and mail, fax or email demographic updates
- You will receive an auto-reply e-mail acknowledging receipt of your request and another email when your submission has been processed
- For change(s) that require submission of an updated IRS Form w-9 or other documentation, attach them to the form prior to submitting
You can check your directory listing on the Empire “Find Care”. The Find Care tool at Empire is used by consumers, members, brokers, and providers to identify in-network physicians and other health care providers supporting member health plans. To ensure Empire has the most current and accurate information, please take a moment to access Find Care. Go to empireblue.com > select Providers, under Provider Overview, choose Find Care. You can log in as a guest to view how you and your practice are being displayed.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Chances are that one out of every four patients you see in your office has low back pain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in the last three months, 25% of U.S. adults report having low back pain, making it second only to the common cold as a cause for lost work time and a primary reason for a doctor’s visit. 1 Back pain will usually go away on its own. About 90 percent of patients with low back pain recover within six weeks. 2 For this reason, the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) recommends avoiding imaging for patients when there is no indication of an underlying condition. In a study published by the CDC, Early imaging for acute low back pain, the findings indicated not only was early imaging not associated with better outcomes, it also indicated that certain early imaging (MRI) was associate with an increased likelihood of disability and its duration. 3
Watch this video to learn more
Take advantage of the Recommendation for Treating Acute Low Back Pain video located on the CDC website or use this link. The video also offers communications strategies to share with patients for effectively treating their low back pain.
HEDIS® Measure: Use of Imaging Studies for Low Back Pain (LBP)
Description: The percentage of members with a primary diagnosis of low back pain who did not have an imaging study (plain X-ray, MRI, CT scan) within 28 days of the diagnosis. The higher compliance score indicates appropriate treatment of low back pain.
Exclusions include cancer, recent trauma, IV drug abuse, neurologic impairment, HIV, spinal infection, major organ transplant and prolonged use of corticosteroids.
Coding Tips: This is a few of the approved codes for the diagnosis and services associated with the LBP measure. For a complete list, visit ncqa.org.
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CPT
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72010, 72020, 72052, 72100
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Imaging study
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ICD-10
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M47.898
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Other spondylosis, sacral and sacrococcygeal region
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ICD-10
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M48.08
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Spinal stenosis, sacral and sacrococcygeal region
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ICD-10
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M53.2X8
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Spinal instabilities, sacral and sacrococcygeal region
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ICD-10
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M54.40
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Lumbago with sciatica, unspecified side
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ICD-10
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M51.26 – M51.27
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Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar lumbosacral region
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ICD-10
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M54.30 – M54.32
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Sciatica, unspecified, right side, left side
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ICD-10
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M51.16-M51.17
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Intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy, lumbar region, lumbosacral region
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ICD-10
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M51.26-M51.27
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Intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar region, lumbosacral region
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ICD-10
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M51.36-M51.37
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Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region, lumbosacral region
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ICD-10
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M51.86-M51.87
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Other intervertebral disc disorders, lumbar region, lumbosacral region
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ICD-10
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M99.53
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Intervertebral disc stenosis of neural canal of lumbar region
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ICD-10
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S33.100A, S33.100D, S33.100S
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Subluxation of unspecified lumbar vertebra; initial, subsequent, sequela encounter
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ICD-10
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S33.5XXA
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Sprain of ligaments of lumbar spine; initial encounter
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ICD-10
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S33.6XXA
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Sprain of sacroiliac joint; initial encounter
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ICD-10
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S33.8XXA
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Sprain of other parts of lumbar spine and pelvis; initial encounter
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ICD-10
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S33.9XXA
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Sprain of unspecified parts of lumbar spine and pelvis; initial encounter
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ICD-10
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S39.002A, S39.002D, S39.002S
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Unspecified injury of muscle, fascia, and tendon of lower back; initial, subsequent, sequela encounter
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ICD-10
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S39.82XA, S39.82XD, S39.82XS
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Other specified injuries of lower back; initial, subsequent, sequela encounter
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Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Are you aware that you have two self-service learning centers where you can find training and educational materials that will help you learn about the transactions and tools you have access to on the Availity Portal?
- Availity Learning Center: Your resource for information related to multi-payer tools and transactions.
- Custom Learning Center:Your resource for information related to Empire tools that are accessed through the Availity Portal.
Availity Learning Center
Dive into the Availity Learning Center for training materials related to multi-payer functionality. Availity works with many payers to give you the most consistent experience available. For learning opportunities on basic capabilities that you access on behalf of multiple payers, the Availity Learning Center is your go-to source.
- From the secure Availity Portal home page select Help & Training > Get Trained to open the Learning Center catalog.
- Once you open the Availity Learning Center, you can enroll for new administrator and new user onboarding modules, other topic specific courses, and live webinars.
Custom Learning Center
Explore Empire’s Custom Learning Center application on Payer Spaces to increase your understanding of how Empire’s self-service digital tools function. The Custom Learning Center opens on the Catalog page where you will find videos and courses. Select Resources from the upper left corner of Custom Learning Center to access reference guides.
Use these self-service learning options to help you get up to speed quickly on Availity transactions and Empire digital tools.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Our digital-first initiative allows you to submit EDI corrected claims using the Availity Portal or through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). The corrected claims process begins when a claim has already been adjudicated. Multiple types of errors that occur can typically be corrected quickly with the options below. In accordance with the provider manual, the corrected claim must be received within the claim timely filing period.
Availity portal corrected claim submission
You can recreate a claim and submit it as a replacement or cancellation (void) of the original claim if we have already accepted the original claim for processing.
Follow these steps:
- In the Availity portal menu, select Claims & Payments, and then select ProfessionalClaim or Facility Claim, depending on which type of claim you want to correct.
- Enter the claim information, and set the billing frequency and payer control number as follows:
- Replacement of Prior Claim or Void/Cancel of Prior Claim
- Billing Frequency(or Frequency Type) field, in the Claim Information section (for professional and facility claims) or Ancillary Claim/Treatment Information section (for dental claims).
- Set the Payer Control Number (ICN / DCN)(or Payer Claim Control Number) field to the claim number assigned to the claim by Empire. You can obtain this number from the 835 ERA or Remittance Inquiry on Payer Spaces.
- Submit the claim.
EDI Corrected Claim Submission
Corrected claims submitted electronically must also have the applicable frequency code. A frequency code indicates the claim is a correction of a previously submitted and adjudicated claim. Providers should use one of the following:
- For corrected professional (837P) claims, use one the following frequency codes to indicate a correction was made to a previously submitted and adjudicated claim:
- 7 – Replacement of Prior Claim\Corrected Claim
- 8 – Void/Cancel Prior Claim
- For corrected institutional (837I) claims, use bill type frequency codes to indicate a correction was made to a previously submitted and adjudicated claim:
- 0XX7 — Replacement of Prior Claim
- 0XX8 — Void/Cancel Prior Claim
Please check with your practice management software vendor, billing service or clearinghouse for full details for submitting corrected claims.
We encourage you and your staff to use the digital methods available to submit corrected claims to save costs in mailing, paper, and your valuable time.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Availity offers digital solutions that can assist your organization in many ways by visiting the Availity Support Community.
Below are the different ways you can obtain support:
- Watch Demos
- Troubleshooting
- FAQs
- Support Requests
- Network Outages
- Release Notes
Log into Availity > Select Help & Training > Availity Support > Select the Organization, Continue and you will reach the Availity Support Community
Below are the actions you can do with a support ticket:
Open a support ticket
- Select the Contact Support menu
- On the Contact Support page, complete the fields in the Create Case section, and then select Start Case
- Complete the fields on the Contact Support page.
View
Select the My Support Requests tile
- Select a ticket to see more information about the ticket.
- To filter the tickets by their status, do one of the following:
- Select the Opentab to display your organization's open tickets.
- Select the Closedtab to view your organization's closed tickets.
- Select the Archivedtab to view your organization's archived tickets.
- Select Contact Supportto open a new support ticket.
Update
Once a support ticket has been created, you can update/edit information in the ticket.
- On the Support Tickets page, select the ticket you want to update.
- On the ticket detail page, select Edit Case.
- Update the information that you want
- When you've completed your changes, select Save.
Add Comments
You can add comments to provide additional information for a support ticket.
- On the Support Tickets page, select the ticket you want to add comments to.
- On the ticket detail page, type your comment in the Add comment field, and then select Comment. Comments display in the Case Comments section on the ticket detail page.
Attach Documentation
Use this feature to attach a file that could assist Availity in troubleshooting your issue. This feature supports most file types, including Word, Excel, and .jpg. If you receive an error message preventing you from uploading a specific file type, try saving the file in a different format.
- On the Support Tickets page, select the ticket you want to attach files to.
- In the Files section of the ticket details page, select Upload File to open the Add Attachment window
Change Status
You should change a support ticket's status when you want to perform functions such as close, re-open, or archive a support ticket.
- On the Support Tickets page, select the ticket whose status you want to change.
- On the ticket detail page, select Change Status.
- Select the status that you want from the Status field, and then select Save.
- Closed– Select this status to close the support ticket.
- Re-opened– Select this status to re-open the support ticket (Do not reopen a case to report a new issue, open a new case instead).
- Archived– Select this status to archive the support ticket. When you archive a ticket, it's moved from a closed queue to an archived queue. Archiving tickets helps keep your closed tickets queue manageable.
Contact Availity Client Services
If you need to speak with an Availity Client Services representative, call 1. 800.AVAILITY (282.4548).
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. A new copy feature that will significantly speed up your authorization workflow is now available on Interactive Care Reviewer (ICR). Submit multiple requests in a fraction of the time it takes to create an entire case. You can choose to create a duplicate case or select specific elements of a case to copy for a different patient*. The copy feature will be particularly useful for facility staff requesting multiple authorizations for inpatient emergent / urgent admissions and providers who request multiple authorizations for the same services.
You have two options for copying a submitted case:
1. Immediately copy a case you just submitted from the ICR dashboard. Select Click here from the blue bar message located at the top of the dashboard.
 2. Copy a case that has been submitted within 45 days from the ICR Case Overview Select the Copy Case button. 
The Case Type, Request Type, Place and Type of Service is duplicated onto the new case. You will be given the option to select the following case details to copy:
- Diagnosis Code and Procedure Code
- Inpatient length of stay
- Requesting provider and contact information
- Servicing facility
- Inpatient length of stay
- Servicing provider
Simply key in the patient details* and add the clinical details to complete the new case.
*Please note: To duplicate the authorization request, the new patient needs to be enrolled in the same state and health plan as the patient’s case that is being copied. Federal Employee Program (FEP) requests can be duplicated for any state.
Want to learn more about the new ICR copy feature?
Attend our monthly live webinar sessions: Introduction to Interactive Care Reviewer Register here
Or, view and download an illustrated job aid – Interactive Care Reviewer Copy Feature.
Find the job aid on the Custom Learning Center: From Availity’s home page select Payer Spaces | Empire BlueCross BlueShield tile | Custom Learning Center | Resources. To narrow the results, apply the Interactive Care Reviewer filter.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Effective for dates of service on and after September 12, 2021, the following updates will apply to the AIM Advanced Imaging Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines. Part of the AIM guideline annual review process, these updates are focused on advancing efforts to drive clinically appropriate, safe, and affordable health care services
Advanced Imaging of the Spine – updates by section
Congenital vertebral defects
- New requirement for additional evaluation with radiographs
Scoliosis
- Defined criteria for which presurgical planning is indicated
- Requirement for radiographs and new or progressive symptoms for postsurgical imaging
Spinal dysraphism and tethered cord
- Diagnostic imaging strategy limiting the use of CT to cases where MRI cannot be performed
- New requirement for US prior to advanced imaging for tethered cord in infants age 5 months or less
Multiple sclerosis
- New criteria for imaging in initial diagnosis of MS
Spinal infection
- New criteria for diagnosis and management aligned with IDSA and University of Michigan guidelines
Axial spondyloarthropathy
- Defined inflammatory back pain
- Diagnostic testing strategy outlining radiography requirements
Cervical injury
- Aligned with ACR position on pediatric cervical trauma
Thoracic or lumbar injury
- Diagnostic testing strategy emphasizing radiography and limiting the use of MRI for known fracture
- Remove indication for follow-up imaging of progressively worsening pain in the absence of fracture or neurologic deficits
Syringomyelia
- Removed indication for surveillance imaging
Non-specific low back pain
- Aligned pediatric guidelines with ACR pediatric low back pain guidelines
Advanced Imaging of the Extremities– updates by section
Osteomyelitis or septic arthritis; myositis
- Removed CT as a followup to nondiagnostic MRI due to lower diagnostic accuracy of CT
Epicondylitis and Tenosynovitis – long head of biceps
- Removed due to lack of evidence supporting imaging for this diagnosis
Plantar fasciitis and fibromatosis
- Removed CT as a followup to nondiagnostic MRI due to lower diagnostic accuracy of CT
- Added specific conservative management requirements
Brachial plexus mass
- Added specific requirement for suspicious findings on clinical exam or prior imaging
Morton’s neuroma
- Added requirements for focused steroid injection, orthoses, plan for surgery
Adhesive capsulitis
- Added requirement for planned intervention (manipulation under anesthesia or lysis of adhesions)
Rotator cuff tear; Labral tear – shoulder; Labral tear - hip
- Defined specific exam findings and duration of conservative management
- Recurrent labral tear now requires same criteria as an initial tear (shoulder only)
Triangular fibrocartilage complex tear
- Added requirement for radiographs and conservative management for chronic tear
Ligament tear – knee; meniscal tear
- Added requirement for radiographs for specific scenarios
- Increased duration of conservative management for chronic meniscal tears
Ligament and tendon injuries – foot and ankle
- Defined required duration of conservative management
Chronic anterior knee pain including chondromalacia patella and patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Lengthened duration of conservative management and specified requirement for chronic anterior knee pain
Intra-articular loose body
- Requirement for mechanical symptoms
Osteochondral lesion (including osteochondritis dissecans, transient dislocation of patella)
- New requirement for radiographs
Entrapment neuropathy
- Exclude carpal and cubital tunnel
Persistent lower extremity pain
- Defined duration of conservative management (6 weeks)
- Exclude hip joint (addressed in other indications)
Upper extremity pain
- Exclude shoulder joint (addressed in other indications)
- Diagnostic testing strategy limiting use of CT to when MRI cannot be performed or is nondiagnostic
Knee arthroplasty, presurgical planning
- Limited to MAKO and robotic assist arthroplasty cases
Perioperative imaging, not otherwise specified
- Require radiographs or ultrasound prior to advanced imaging
Vascular Imaging – updates by section
- Alternative non-vascular modality imaging approaches, where applicable
Hemorrhage, Intracranial
- Clinical scenario specification of subarachnoid hemorrhage indication.
- Addition of Pediatric intracerebral hemorrhage indication.
Horner’s syndrome; Pulsatile Tinnitus; Trigeminal neuralgia
- Removal of management scenario to limit continued vascular evaluation
Stroke/TIA; Stenosis or Occlusion (Intracranial/Extracranial)
- Acute and subacute time frame specifications; removal of carotid/cardiac workup requirement for intracranial vascular evaluation; addition of management specifications
- Sections separated anatomically into anterior/posterior circulation (Carotid artery and Vertebral or Basilar arteries, respectively)
Pulmonary Embolism
- Addition of non-diagnostic chest radiograph requirement for all indications
- Addition of pregnancy-adjusted YEARS algorithm
Peripheral Arterial Disease
- Addition of new post-revascularization scenario to both upper and lower extremity PAD evaluation
As a reminder, ordering and servicing providers may submit prior authorization requests to AIM in one of several ways:
- Access AIM’s ProviderPortalSM directly at providerportal.com. Online access is available 24/7 to process orders in real-time and is the fastest and most convenient way to request authorization.
- Access AIM via the Availity Web Portal at availity.com
- Call the AIM Contact Center toll-free number: 1-877-430-2288, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. ET.
For questions related to guidelines, please contact AIM via email at aim.guidelines@aimspecialtyhealth.com. Additionally, you may access and download a copy of the current and upcoming guidelines here.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Effective for dates of service on and after September 12, 2021, the following updates will apply to the AIM Musculoskeletal Program: Joint Surgery and Spine Surgery Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines. Part of the AIM guideline annual review process, these updates are focused on advancing efforts to drive clinically appropriate, safe, and affordable health care services.
Joint Surgery - updates by section
- Further defined criteria for home physical therapy
- Removed cognitive behavioral therapy as a conservative care modality for extremity
- Added indication for diagnostic arthroscopy
- Standardized Radiographic criteria to align with lateral release criteria
- Adhesive capsulitis - added history of trauma or post-operative contracture as a requirement
- Tendinopathy – Removed rotator cuff tear as a criterion for tenodesis/tenotomy in patients with a clinical exam who do not meet criteria for SLAP repair or have suggestive MRI findings
- Hip athroscopy - Removed complementary alternative medicine as not typically done for the hip
- Arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) - Removed age as an exclusion for FAIS but further define radiographic exclusions
- Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty/Partial Knee Replacement - Added degenerative change of the patellofemoral joint as a contraindication
- Arthroscopically assisted lysis of adhesions – added ligamentous or joint reconstruction criteria
- Added criteria for plica resection
Spine Surgery - updates by section
- Further defined criteria for home physical therapy
- Added standard conservative management requirement for instability to align with spinal stenosis indications
- Added New comprehensive indication for tethered cord syndrome
As a reminder. ordering and servicing providers may submit prior authorization requests to AIM in one of several ways:
- Access AIM’s ProviderPortalSM directly at providerportal.com. Online access is available 24/7 to process orders in real-time, and is the fastest and most convenient way to request authorization.
- Access AIM via the Availity Web Portal at availity.com
- Call the AIM Contact Center toll-free number: 1-877-430-2288, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. ET.
For questions related to guidelines, please contact AIM via email at aim.guidelines@aimspecialtyhealth.com. Additionally, you may access and download a copy of the current and upcoming guidelines here.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Empire BlueCross BlueShield’s (“Empire”) pre-service clinical review of non-oncology specialty pharmacy drugs will be managed by Empire’s medical specialty drug review team. Oncology drugs will be managed by AIM Specialty Health (AIM), a separate company.
The following Clinical Criteria documents were endorsed at a Clinical Criteria meeting. To access the clinical criteria information please click here.
Revised Clinical Criteria effective August 1, 2021
The following clinical criteria were reviewed with no significant change to the medical necessity indications or criteria.
- ING-CC-0008 Subcutaneous Hormonal Implants
- ING-CC-0012 Brineura (cerliponase alfa)
- ING-CC-0013 Mepsevii (vestronidase alfa)
- ING-CC-0017 Xiaflex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum)
- ING-CC-0018 Lumizyme (alglucosidase alfa)
- ING-CC-0021 Fabrazyme (agalsidase beta)
- ING-CC-0022 Vimizim (elosulfase alfa)
- ING-CC-0023 Naglazyme (galsulfase)
- ING-CC-0024 Elaprase (idursufase)
- ING-CC-0025 Aldurazyme (laronidase)
- ING-CC-0028 Benlysta (belimumab)
- ING-CC-0029 Dupixent (dupilumab)
- ING-CC-0033 Xolair (omalizumab)
- ING-CC-0034 Hereditary Angioedema Agents
- ING-CC-0035 Duopa (carbidopa and levodopa enteral suspension)
- ING-CC-0041 Complement Inhibitors
- ING-CC-0044 Exondys 51 (eteplirsen)
- ING-CC-0049 Radicava (edaravone)
- ING-CC-0065 Agents for Hemophilia A and von Willebrand Disease
- ING-CC-0070 Jetrea (ocriplasmin)
- ING-CC-0073 Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor Therapy
- ING-CC-0077 Palynziq (pegvaliase-pqpz)
- ING-CC-0079 Strensiq (asfotase alfa)
- ING-CC-0081 Crysvita (burosumab-twza)
- ING-CC-0082 Onpattro (patisiran)
- ING-CC-0148 Agents for Hemophilia B
- ING-CC-0152 Vyondys 53 (golodirsen)
- ING-CC-0156 Reblozyl (luspatercept)
- ING-CC-0159 Scenesse (afamelanotide)
- ING-CC-0170 Uplizna (inebilizumab-cdon)
- ING-CC-0172 Viltepso (viltolarsen)
- ING-CC-0173 Enspryng (satralizumab-mwge)
- ING-CC-0188 Imcivree (setmelanotide)
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Beginning with claims processed on or after June 1, 2021, Empire BlueCross BlueShield (“Empire”) will enhance its claim editing systems to include an automated front end adjudication of claim edits.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Healthcare providers are often seen as trusted sources of medical information and are in a unique position to improve lives and community health. Research shows that a strong vaccination recommendation from a provider is the greatest motivator for people of all ages to vaccinate themselves and their family members against serious infectious diseases.
Let’s Vaccinate offers providers tools and strategies to aid in vaccinating people of all ages. This website will help your practice:
- Address disparities for vaccine-preventable diseases
- Identify and fill workflow gaps, including assessing vaccination status, enhancing vaccine communications, providing vaccine education, and improving vaccine management and administration in your office;
- Access up-to-date guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for vaccines; and
- Connect with your state immunization program, local immunization coalition or other vaccine advocates in your community to collaborate.
Keeping all patients healthy and safe requires the support and collaboration of the entire healthcare industry. So, together, let’s vaccinate.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Osteoporosis affects more than 50 million Americans. Treatment options are better and bone fractures are more preventable the sooner it is detected. Does your patient meet the criteria for a DEXA bone scan? Initial or repeat bone mineral density (BMD) measurement is not indicated unless the results will influence treatment decisions.
To assist providers in administrative requirements for bone mineral density (BMD) studies, the Federal Employee Program (FEP®) medical policy and utilization guidelines can be found on fepblue.org. The medical policy is titled, Medical Policy MPM 6.01.01, Bone Mineral Density Studies.
Below is an outline of this policy:
Policy Statement:
An initial measurement of central (hip/spine) BMD using dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) may be considered medically necessary to assess future fracture risk and the need for pharmacologic therapy in both women and men who are considered at risk for osteoporosis.
BMD testing may be indicated under the following conditions:
- Women age 65 and older, independent of other risk factors;
- Men age 70 and older, independent of other risk factors;
- Younger postmenopausal women with an elevated risk factor assessment; (see policy guidelines)
- Men age 50 to 70 with an elevated risk factor assessment; (see policy guidelines)
- Adults with a pathologic condition associated with low bone mass or increased bone loss;
- Adults taking a medication associated with increased bone loss.
Repeat measurement of central (hip/spine) BMD using dual x-ray absorptiometry for individuals who previously tested normal may be considered medically necessary at an interval not more frequent than every 3 to 5 years; the interval depends on an updated patient fracture risk assessment.
Repeat measurement of central (hip/spine) BMD using dual x-ray absorptiometry may be considered medically necessary at an interval not more frequent than every 1-2 years as follows:
- Individuals with a baseline evaluation of osteopenia (BMD T- score -1.0 to -2.5)
- Adults with a pathologic condition associated with low bone mass or increased bone loss;
- Adults taking a medication associated with increased bone loss.
Repeat measurement of central (hip/spine) BMD using dual x-ray absorptiometry may be considered medically necessary at an interval not more frequent than every 1-3 years in individuals who are receiving pharmacologic treatment for osteoporosis when the information will affect treatment decisions (continuation, change in drug therapy, cessation or resumption of drug therapy).
Peripheral (lower arm, wrist, finger or heel) BMD testing may be considered medically necessary when conventional central (hip/spine) DXA screening is not feasible or in the management of hyperparathyroidism, where peripheral DXA at the forearm (i.e., radius) is essential for evaluation.
Dual x-ray absorptiometry of peripheral sites is considered investigational except as noted above.
BMD measurement using ultrasound densitometry is considered not medically necessary.
BMD measurement using quantitative computed tomography is considered investgational.
If you have any questions about Federal Employee benefits or medical policy information, please contact Customer Service at: 1-800-522-5566.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Prior authorization updates
Effective for dates of service on and after September 1, 2021, the following specialty pharmacy codes from current or new clinical criteria documents will be included in our prior authorization review process.
Please note, inclusion of National Drug Code (NDC) code on your claim will help expedite claim processing of drugs billed with a Not Otherwise Classified (NOC) code.
To access the Clinical Criteria information, click here.
Prior authorization clinical review of non-oncology use of specialty pharmacy drugs is managed by the medical specialty drug review team. Review of specialty pharmacy drugs for oncology use is managed by AIM Specialty Health® (AIM).
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Clinical Criteria
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HCPCS or CPT Code(s)
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Drug
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**ING-CC-0191
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J3490, J9999, C9399
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Pepaxto
|
|
**ING-CC-0192
|
J3490, C9399
|
Cosela
|
|
*ING-CC-0193
|
J3490, C9399
|
Evkeeza
|
|
*ING-CC-0194
|
J3490
|
Cabenuva
|
|
*ING-CC-0167
|
J9999, J3590, C9399
|
Riabni
|
Step Therapy updates
Effective for dates of service on and after July 1, 2021, the following specialty pharmacy codes from current or new clinical criteria documents will be included in our existing specialty pharmacy medical step therapy review process.
Inflectra is changing to preferred status effective July 1, 2021.
To access the Clinical Criteria information, click here.
Prior authorization clinical review of non-oncology use of specialty pharmacy drugs is managed by the medical specialty drug review team. Review of specialty pharmacy drugs for oncology use is managed by AIM Specialty Health® (AIM).
|
Clinical Criteria
|
Status
|
Drug(s)
|
HCPCS Codes
|
|
ING-CC-0062
|
Preferred
|
Inflectra
|
Q5103
|
|
ING-CC-0062
|
Preferred
|
Remicade
|
J1745
|
|
ING-CC-0062
|
Non-preferred
|
Avsola
|
Q5121
|
|
ING-CC-0062
|
Non-preferred
|
Renflexis
|
Q5104
|
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. As we previously communicated, Empire BlueCross BlueShield’s (“Empire”) Designated Specialty Pharmacy Network requires providers who are not part of the Designated Specialty Pharmacy Network to acquire certain select specialty pharmacy medications administered in the hospital outpatient setting through CVS Specialty Pharmacy.
This update is to advise of the following changes:
Effective for dates of service on and after June 30, 2021, the following specialty pharmacy medication will be added to the Designated Medical Specialty Pharmacy drug list. Accordingly, hospitals that are not in the Designated Specialty Pharmacy Network will be required to acquire this specialty medication administered in the hospital outpatient setting from CVS Specialty Pharmacy.
|
HCPCS
|
Description
|
Brand Name
|
|
Q5121
|
INJECTION, INFLIXIMAB-AXXQ, BIOSIMILAR 10MG
|
Avsola
|
Effective immediately, the following specialty pharmacy medications have been removed from the Designated Medical Specialty Pharmacy drug list:
|
HCPCS
|
Description
|
Brand Name
|
|
J0178
|
EYLEA
|
Eylea
|
|
J0588
|
INJECTION INCOBOTULINUMTOXIN 1 UNIT
|
Xeomin
|
|
J2353
|
INJ OCTREOTIDE DEPOT FORM IM 1MG
|
Sandostatin LAR Depot
|
|
J1930
|
SOMATULINE DEPOT
|
Somatuline Depot
|
To access the current Designated Medical Specialty Pharmacy drug list, please visit empireblue.com, select Providers, select Forms and Guides (under the Provider Resources column), scroll down and select Pharmacy in the Category drop down. The Designated Medical Specialty Pharmacy drug list may be updated periodically by Empire.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the terms and conditions to be included as a Designated Specialty Pharmacy Network provider, please contact your Empire Contract Manager. Thank you for your continued participation in the Empire networks and the services you provide to our members.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. For more information on copayment/coinsurance requirements and their applicable drug classes, drug lists and changes, prior authorization criteria, procedures for generic substitution, therapeutic interchange, step therapy or other management methods subject to prescribing decisions, and any other requirements, restrictions, or limitations that apply to using certain drugs, visit empireblue.com/pharmacyinformation. The commercial and marketplace drug lists are posted to the web site quarterly (the first of the month for January, April, July and October).
To locate Marketplace, scroll down to “Select Drug Lists.” This drug list is also reviewed and updated regularly as needed.
FEP Pharmacy updates and other pharmacy related information may be accessed at www.fepblue.org > Pharmacy Benefits.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. To provide you with better educational opportunities, we are collecting data to improve provider education offerings. We are also asking for preferences and topics of interest to ensure that we tailor the education experience to meet your needs. We value our providers, and we want to deliver educational content that is most convenient for you. Please take a moment to complete a brief survey, and remember — Your voice counts!
Select the survey below to begin: Provider education: Your Voice Counts
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Effective September 1, 2021, we will upgrade to the 25th edition of MCG care guidelines for the following modules: Inpatient & Surgical Care (ISC), General Recovery Care (GRC), Chronic Care (CC) and Recovery Facility Care (RFC). The below tables highlight new guidelines and changes that may be considered more restrictive.
Goal Length of Stay (GLOS) for Inpatient & Surgical Care (ISC)
|
Guideline
|
MCG Code
|
24th Edition GLOS
|
25th Edition GLOS
|
|
Aortic Coarctation, Angioplasty
|
S-152
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory
|
|
Cardiac Septal Defect: Atrial, Transcatheter Closure
|
W0016
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory
|
|
Esophageal Diverticulectomy, Endoscopic
|
S-445
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory
|
|
Gastrectomy, Partial - Billroth I or II
|
S-510
|
4 or 6 days postoperative
|
5 days postoperative
|
|
Hernia Repair (Non-Hiatal)
|
S-1305
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory
|
|
Pancreatectomy
|
S-1200
|
5 or 7 days postoperative
|
6 days postoperative
|
|
Pyloroplasty and Vagotomy
|
S-990
|
4 or 6 days postoperative
|
4 days postoperative
|
|
Cervical Laminectomy
|
W0097
|
2 days postoperative
|
Ambulatory or 2 days postoperative
|
|
Lumbar Diskectomy, Foraminotomy, or Laminotomy
|
W0091
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory
|
|
Removal of Posterior Spinal Instrumentation
|
S-530
|
1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
|
Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty
|
W0138
|
1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
|
Spine, Scoliosis, Posterior Instrumentation, Pediatric
|
W0156
|
4 days postoperative
|
3 days postoperative
|
|
Bladder Resection: Cystectomy with Urinary Diversion, Conduit or Continent
|
S-190
|
5 or 6 days postoperative
|
5 days postoperative
|
|
Prostatectomy, Transurethral Resection (TURP)
|
S-970
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory
|
|
Urethroplasty
|
S-1172
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory
|
New Guidelines for Recovery Facility Care (RFC)
|
Body System
|
Guideline Title
|
MCG - Code
|
|
Cardiology
|
Hypertension
|
M-5197
|
|
Cardiology
|
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
|
M-7087
|
|
Nephrology
|
Rhabdomyolysis
|
M-7095
|
|
Nephrology
|
Encephalopathy
|
M-7100
|
|
Thoracic Surgery
|
Rib Fracture
|
M-5545
|
To view a detailed summary of customizations click on this link, scroll down to other criteria section and select Customizations to MCG Care Guidelines 25th Edition.
For questions, please contact the Provider Services at 1-800-450-8753.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Well-child visits and vaccinations are essential services
In May 2020, the CDC released a report showing a drop in routine childhood vaccinations as a result of COVID-19; a result of stay-at-home orders and concerns about infection during well-child visits. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC recommend the continuation of routine childhood vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting they are essential services.
To encourage well-visits and vaccinations, here are some extra steps you can take to ensure visits are as safe as possible for both patients and staff. They include:
- Scheduling sick visits and well-child visits during different times of the day.
- Asking patients to remain outside until it’s time for their appointment to reduce the number of people in waiting rooms.
- Offering sick visits and well-child visits in different locations.
It is important to identify those children who have missed immunizations and well-child visits to schedule these essential in-person appointments. To help, the CDC has published vaccine catch-up guidance on their website.
Help your patients earn rewards
For additional encouragement, Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus (Empire) members can earn $25 or more in gift cards for completing vaccines and/or well visits through our Healthy Rewards program. Please encourage your patients to enroll in the program on the Empire website so they can earn rewards for these activities.
See chart below:
|
Empire
|
Childhood Immunization Status Combo 3 (CIS-3)
|
Immunizations for Adolescents
Combo 2 (IMA-2)
|
Child and Adolescent Well Care Visits (WCV)
|
|
Ages
|
0 to 1 (before 2nd birthday)
|
11 to 12 (before
13th birthday)
|
3 to 17
|
|
Reward amount
|
$25
|
$25
|
$25
|
Patients can enroll online at https://mss.empireblue.com/ny or by calling 888-990-8681 (TTY 711).
Helpful information for keeping babies and children healthy:
Childhood Immunization Status (CIS) Combination 10 HEDIS® measure requires that all children are immunized by their 2nd birthday:
- Four DTap (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis)
- Three IPV (polio)
- One MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Three HiB (H influenza type B)
- Three Hep B (hepatitis B)
- One VZV (chicken pox)
- Four PCV (pneumococcal conjugate)
- One Hep A (hepatitis A)
- Two or three RV (rotavirus)
- Two influenza (flu)
Billing codes:
- MMR:
- CPT®: 90707, 90710
- ICD-10-CM:0-4, B05,81, B05.89, B05.9
- Mumps:
- ICD-10-CM:0-3, B26.81-85, B26.89, B26.9
- Rubella:
- ICD-10-CM:-00-02, B06.09, B06.81-82, B06.89, B06.9
- Rubella antibody:
- Hepatitis A:
- CPT: 90633
- ICD-10-CM:0, B15.9
- Influenza:
- CPT: 90655, 90657, 90662, 90673, 90685, 90686-90689
- HCPCS: G0008
- Rotavirus vaccine (RV):
- CPT: 90681 (two-dose), 90680 (three-dose)
Children should be fully immunized by [13] years of age to meet the Immunization for Adolescents (IMA) Combination 2 HEDIS measure:
- One meningococcal vaccine (MCV) injection between 11 and 13 years of age
- One tetanus, diphtheria toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap/Td) between 10 and 13 years of age
- Two or three HPV vaccines between 9 and 13 years of age
Billing codes:
- Meningococcal:
- Tdap:
- HVP:
Please refer to the Empire HEDIS coding booklet for coding guidelines.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus has contracted with Aspire Health* to provide in-home and virtual palliative care services to our Medicaid members facing advanced illness.
Aspire offers a solution to the fragmented and expensive care that patients so often experience during the last chapter of life. By working with community physicians to enroll and serve these vulnerable patients in their homes, Aspire helps patients to increase their overall comfort, increase their satisfaction with both their PCP and their health plan, and minimize the risk of unnecessary or unwanted hospitalizations.
The typical Aspire patient:
- Is usually in the most chronically ill sector of the physician’s patient population with high emergency room or hospitalization use.
- Confronts multiple illnesses, such as:
- Chronic heart failure.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Advanced cancers.
-
- Geriatric frailty.
- Chronic or end-stage renal disease.
- Chronic liver disease.
- Cerebrovascular accidents.
- Other neurologic illnesses.
- May see multiple providers, or frequently seek care in emergency rooms and hospitals.
- May have limited family support or have family caregivers with their own health concerns.
- Receives care that is both high-cost and low-value, often resulting in frequent hospitalizations for uncontrolled symptoms and/or exacerbations of chronic disease.
The Aspire team works to align medical care with a patient’s goals and values. Through patient and caregiver support, education and expert symptom management with an interdisciplinary team accessible 24/7, Aspire enables patients to avoid unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
Aspire’s model is built around a philosophy of co-management. After each Aspire visit, a patient’s PCP and pertinent specialists receive a clinical visit summary via secure eFax to facilitate coordination of care, and Aspire’s local clinical leadership is available to communicate with providers around the clock.
For more information or to refer one of your patients to the Aspire program, please call Aspire’s 24/7 Patient and Referral Hotline at 877-702-6863 or visit aspirehealthcare.com.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Managing illness can be a daunting task for our members. It is not always easy to understand test results, know how to obtain essential resources for treatment, or know who to contact with questions and concerns.
Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus is available to offer assistance in these difficult moments with our Complex Care Management program. Our care managers are part of an interdisciplinary team of clinicians and other resource professionals there to support members, families, PCPs, and caregivers. The complex care management process utilizes the experience and expertise of the care coordination team to educate and empower our members by increasing self-management skills. The complex care management process can help members understand their illnesses and learn about care choices to ensure they have access to quality, efficient healthcare.
Members or caregivers can refer themselves or family members by calling the Member Services number located on their ID card. They will be transferred to a team member based on the immediate need. Physicians can refer their patients by contacting us telephonically or through electronic means at www.empireblue.com/nymedicaiddoc. We can help with transitions across levels of care so that patients and caregivers are better prepared and informed about healthcare decisions and goals.
You can contact us by phone at 833-869-5890. Case Management business hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Our utilization management (UM) decisions are based on the appropriateness of care and service needed, as well as the member’s coverage according to their health plan. We do not reward providers or other individuals for issuing denials of coverage, service, or care. Nor do we make decisions about hiring, promoting, or terminating these individuals based on the idea or thought that they will deny benefits. In addition, we do not offer financial incentives for UM decision makers to encourage decisions resulting in underutilization. Our medical policies are available on our provider website at https://www11.empireblue.com/ny_search.html.
You can request a free copy of our UM criteria from Provider Services at 800-450-8753. Providers can discuss a UM denial decision with a physician reviewer by calling us toll free at the number listed below. To access UM criteria online, go to https://www11.empireblue.com/ny_search.html.
We are staffed with clinical professionals who coordinate our members’ care and are available 24/7 days a week to accept precertification requests. Secured voicemail is available during off-business hours. A clinical professional will return your call within the next business day. Our staff will identify themselves by name, title, and organization name when initiating or returning calls regarding UM issues.
You can submit precertification requests by:
- Faxing to 800-964-3627.
- Calling us at 800-450-8753.
- The Availity* Portal at availity.com.
Have questions about utilization decisions or the UM process?
Call our Clinical team at 410-981-4050 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. The delivery of quality healthcare requires cooperation between patients, their providers, and their health care benefit plans. One of the first steps is for patients and providers to understand their rights and responsibilities. Therefore, in line with our commitment participating practitioners and members in our system, Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus has adopted a Members’ Rights and Responsibilities Statement, which is located within the provider manual.
If you need a physical copy of the statement, call Provider Services at 800-450-8753.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. Effective September 1, 2021, Empire BlueCross BlueShield will upgrade to the 25th edition of MCG* care guidelines for the following modules: inpatient and surgical care (ISC), general recovery care (GRC), chronic care (CC), recovery facility care (RFC), and behavioral health care (BHC). The below tables highlight new guidelines and changes that may be considered more restrictive.
Goal length of stay (GLOS) for inpatient and surgical care (ISC)
|
Guideline
|
MCG Code
|
24th Edition GLOS
|
25th Edition GLOS
|
|
Aortic Coarctation, Angioplasty
|
S-152
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory
|
|
Cardiac Septal Defect: Atrial, Transcatheter Closure
|
W0016
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory
|
|
Esophageal Diverticulectomy, Endoscopic
|
S-445
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory
|
|
Gastrectomy, Partial - Billroth I or II
|
S-510
|
4 or 6 days postoperative
|
5 days postoperative
|
|
Hernia Repair (Non-Hiatal)
|
S-1305
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory
|
|
Pancreatectomy
|
S-1200
|
5 or 7 days postoperative
|
6 days postoperative
|
|
Pyloroplasty and Vagotomy
|
S-990
|
4 or 6 days postoperative
|
4 days postoperative
|
|
Cervical Laminectomy
|
W0097
|
2 days postoperative
|
Ambulatory or 2 days postoperative
|
|
Lumbar Diskectomy, Foraminotomy, or Laminotomy
|
W0091
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory
|
|
Removal of Posterior Spinal Instrumentation
|
S-530
|
1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
|
Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty
|
W0138
|
1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
|
Spine, Scoliosis, Posterior Instrumentation, Pediatric
|
W0156
|
4 days postoperative
|
3 days postoperative
|
|
Bladder Resection: Cystectomy with Urinary Diversion, Conduit or Continent
|
S-190
|
5 or 6 days postoperative
|
5 days postoperative
|
|
Prostatectomy, Transurethral Resection (TURP)
|
S-970
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory
|
|
Urethroplasty
|
S-1172
|
Ambulatory or 1 day postoperative
|
Ambulatory
|
New Guidelines for Behavioral Health Care (BHC) and Recovery Facility Care (RFC)
|
Body System
|
Guideline Title
|
MCG - Code
|
|
Withdrawal Management
|
Withdrawal Management, Adult: Inpatient Care
|
B-031-IP
|
|
Withdrawal Management
|
Withdrawal Management, Adult: Intensive Outpatient Program
|
B-031-IOP
|
|
Withdrawal Management
|
Withdrawal Management, Adult: Outpatient Care
|
B-031-AOP
|
|
Withdrawal Management
|
Withdrawal Management, Adult: Partial Hospital Program
|
B-031-PHP
|
|
Withdrawal Management
|
Withdrawal Management, Adult: Residential Care
|
B-031-RES
|
|
Cardiology
|
Hypertension
|
M-5197
|
|
Cardiology
|
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
|
M-7087
|
|
Nephrology
|
Rhabdomyolysis
|
M-7095
|
|
Nephrology
|
Encephalopathy
|
M-7100
|
|
Thoracic Surgery
|
Rib Fracture
|
M-5545
|
Customizations to MCG care guidelines 25th edition
Effective September 1, 2021, the following MCG care guideline 25th edition customization will be implemented:
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), W0174 (previously ORG: B-801-T) - Revised Clinical Indications for Procedure and added the following:
- Need for acute TMS treatment, up to six weeks
- Acute treatment course needed as indicated by (a) initial course of treatment for major depressive disorder (severe), or (b) relapse of symptoms after remission
- Continuation of acute treatment, up to six months
- TMS is considered not medically necessary for all other indications not listed above, including but not limited to, the following:
- Maintenance TMS treatment
- Continuation of acute TMS treatment for longer than six months
- TMS treatment of conditions other than major depressive disorder (severe), including but not limited to, the following: Alzheimer's disease, Anxiety disorders, Bipolar depression, Neurodevelopmental disorders, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Peripartum depression, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Substance use disorders, Tourette's syndrome.
To view a detailed summary of customizations, visit this link, scroll down to other criteria section and select Customizations to MCG Care Guidelines 25th Edition.
For questions, please contact the provider services at the number on the back of the member’s ID card.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. The Medical Policies, Clinical Utilization Management (UM) Guidelines and Third Party Criteria below were developed and/or revised to support clinical coding edits. Note, several policies and guidelines were revised to provide clarification only and are not included. Existing precertification requirements have not changed. Please note: The Medical Policies and Clinical UM Guidelines below are followed in the absence of Medicare guidance.
Please share this notice with other members of your practice and office staff.
To view a guideline, visit
https://www.empireblue.com/provider/policies/clinical-guidelines/search/
Notes/updates:
Updates marked with an asterisk (*) notate that the criteria may be perceived as more restrictive.
- *CG-LAB-17 - Molecular Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel (GIPP) Testing for Infectious Diarrhea in the Outpatient Setting
- Outlines the medical necessity and not medically necessary criteria for multiplex PCR-based panel testing of gastrointestinal pathogens for infectious diarrhea in the outpatient setting
- *ANC.00008 - Cosmetic and Reconstructive Services of the Head and Neck
- Added otoplasty using a custom-fabricated device, including but not limited to a custom fabricated alloplastic implant, as cosmetic and not medically necessary
- *CG-OR-PR-04 - Cranial Remodeling Bands and Helmets (Cranial Orthotics)
- Removed condition requirement from reconstructive criteria and replaced current diagnostic reconstructive criteria with criteria based on one of the following cephalometric measurements: the cephalic index, the cephalic vault asymmetry index, the oblique diameter difference index, or the cranioproportional index of plagiocephelometry
- *CG-SURG-78 - Locoregional and Surgical Techniques for Treating Primary and Metastatic Liver Malignancies
- Added TACE using immunoembolization (for example, using granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor GM-CSF) as not medically necessary for all liver-related indications
- *CG-SURG-82 - Bone-Anchored and Bone Conduction Hearing Aids
- Revised audiologic pure tone average bone conduction threshold criteria for unilateral implant for bilateral hearing loss
- Added not medically necessary statement for when medical necessity criteria have not been met and clarified not medically necessary statement regarding replacement parts or upgrades
- Added bone conduction hearing aids using an adhesive adapter behind the ear as not medically necessary for all indications
- CG-GENE-22 - Gene Expression Profiling for Managing Breast Cancer Treatment
- A new Clinical Guideline was created from the content contained in GENE.00011. There are no changes to the guideline content and the publish date is April 7, 2021.
- CG-GENE-23 - Genetic Testing for Heritable Cardiac Conditions
- A new Clinical Guideline was created from the content contained in GENE.00007 and GENE.00017. There are no changes to the guideline content and the publish date is April 7, 2021
- CG-SURG-110 - Lung Volume Reduction Surgery
- A new Clinical Guideline was created from the content contained in SURG.00022. There are no changes to the guideline content and the publish date is June 25, 2021
AIM Specialty Health®* Clinical Appropriateness Guideline updates. To view AIM guidelines, visit the AIM Specialty Health page.
- The Small Joint Surgery Guideline has been revised and will be effective on March 14, 2021.
- The following Guidelines have been revised and will be effective on June 4, 2021:
- Imaging of the Spine
- Imaging of the Extremities
- Vascular Imaging
- Joint Surgery
- Spine Surgery
Medical Policies
On February 11, 2021, the Medical Policy and Technology Assessment Committee (MPTAC) approved the following Medical Policies applicable to Empire BlueCross BlueShield (Empire). These guidelines take effect June 4, 2021.
|
Publish date
|
Medical Policy number
|
Medical Policy title
|
New or revised
|
|
4/7/2021
|
*ANC.00008
|
Cosmetic and Reconstructive Services of the Head and Neck
|
Revised
|
|
2/18/2021
|
SURG.00121
|
Transcatheter Heart Valve Procedures
|
Revised
|
|
2/18/2021
|
SURG.00145
|
Mechanical Circulatory Assist Devices (Ventricular Assist Devices, Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices and Artificial Hearts)
|
Revised
|
Clinical UM Guidelines
On February 11, 2021, the MPTAC approved the following Clinical UM Guidelines applicable to Empire. These guidelines were adopted by the medical operations committee for Empire members on February 25, 2021. These guidelines take effect June 4, 2021.
|
Publish date
|
Clinical UM Guideline number
|
Clinical UM Guideline title
|
New or revised
|
|
4/7/2021
|
*CG-LAB-17
|
Molecular Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel (GIPP) Testing for Infectious Diarrhea in the Outpatient Setting
|
New
|
|
2/18/2021
|
CG-GENE-21
|
Cell-Free Fetal DNA-Based Prenatal Testing
|
Revised
|
|
4/7/2021
|
CG-MED-26
|
Neonatal Levels of Care
|
Revised
|
|
2/18/2021
|
CG-MED-87
|
Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Scans for Noncardiovascular Indications
|
Revised
|
|
4/7/2021
|
*CG-OR-PR-04
|
Cranial Remodeling Bands and Helmets (Cranial Orthotics)
|
Revised
|
|
2/18/2021
|
CG-SURG-55
|
Intracardiac Electrophysiological Studies (EPS) and Catheter Ablation
|
Revised
|
|
4/7/2021
|
CG-SURG-71
|
Reduction Mammaplasty
|
Revised
|
|
4/7/2021
|
*CG-SURG-78
|
Locoregional and Surgical Techniques for Treating Primary and Metastatic Liver Malignancies
|
Revised
|
|
4/7/2021
|
*CG-SURG-82
|
Bone-Anchored and Bone Conduction Hearing Aids
|
Revised
|
|
4/7/2021
|
CG-SURG-97
|
Cardioverter Defibrillators
|
Revised
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Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. The Group Retiree Medicare Advantage membership is experiencing a high volume of enrollment, and as we continue to grow, we wanted to send these reminders for our PPO plans for Empire BlueCross BlueShield (Empire). Group Retiree Medicare Advantage memberships may include the National Access Plus benefit, which allows retirees to receive services from any provider, as long as the provider is eligible to receive payments from Medicare and accepts the member’s PPO plan. These PPO plans also offer benefits that original Medicare doesn’t cover, including an annual routine physical exam, hearing, vision, chiropractic care, acupuncture, LiveHealth Online * and SilverSneakers ®. *
If you are already part of our Medicare Advantage PPO network, thank you. The attached FAQ will be helpful as you grow your practice and serve members who may be new to our Group Retiree PPO plans.
Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem. |