Guideline Updates Prior AuthorizationAnthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield | CommercialMay 31, 2023

Precertification list change notification for Virginia for September 1, 2023

Precertification responsibility

The ordering or rendering provider of service is responsible for completing the prior authorization process.

HMO plans

Services that require precertification will be denied if rendered without the appropriate prior authorization for in-network providers. HMO members may not have benefits for non-emergency services rendered outside of the network and are subject to review and may be denied.

PPO plans

Precertification for services requiring prior approval is highly recommended. If not completed in advance, a pre-payment review of the claim will occur and may result in a denial of claim reimbursement.

EPO plans

Precertification for services requiring prior approval is highly recommended. If not completed in advance, a pre-payment review of the claim will occur and may result in a denial of claim reimbursement. No out-of-network benefit is available with the exception of ER/urgent care and authorized services.

To request precertification with the Virginia plan:

  • Access Availity* at availity.com.
  • For maternity, medical, and/or surgical precertification, call the number listed on the back of the member’s ID card.
  • For mental health and substance use precertification, call 800-755-0851. Professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The following services will be added to precertification for the effective dates listed below.

Criteria

Criteria description

Effective date

DME.00011

Electrical stimulation as a treatment for pain and other conditions: surface and percutaneous devices

September 1, 2023

DME.00042

Electronic positional devices for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

September 1, 2023

DME.00048

Virtual reality-assisted therapy systems

September 1, 2023

DME.00049

External upper limb stimulation for the treatment of tremors

September 1, 2023

MED.00122

Wilderness programs

September 1, 2023

MED.00145

Digital therapy devices for treatment of amblyopia

September 1, 2023

OR-PR.00005

Upper extremity myoelectric orthoses

September 1, 2023

SURG.00121

Transcatheter heart valve procedures

September 1, 2023

TRANS.00035

Therapeutic use of stem cells, blood and bone marrow products

September 1, 2023

MED.00057

MRI-guided high intensity focused ultrasound ablation for non-oncologic indications

September 1, 2023

SURG.00103

Intraocular anterior segment aqueous drainage devices (without extraocular reservoir)

September 1, 2023

SURG.00118

Bronchial thermoplasty

September 1, 2023

SURG.00129

Oral, pharyngeal, and maxillofacial surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea or snoring

September 1, 2023

* Availity, LLC is an independent company providing administrative support services on behalf of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its affiliate HealthKeepers, Inc.

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PUBLICATIONS: June 2023 Provider Newsletter