Posted in #reimbursement, HealthFirst, NY Providers, Payer Updates, Payers and CPT reinbursement, Training

HealthFirst Telehealth mental health modifier update

This update applies to HealthFirst following plan types: Medicaid, Personal Wellness Plan (HARP), and Medicaid Advantage.


Which services are affected?

Telehealth services done through a NY OMH licensed and or designated outpatient program.


Please refer to OMH modifier and rate code chart here.


Image via NYS OMH

To ensure the providers receive proper reimbursement, please make sure you go over payment rate changes and use the proper modifiers:

Modifier FQ- used for outpatient telehealth services, audio-only, for dual enrolled members.

Modofier 93- OMH providers – use this modifier for qualifying telehealth and audio-only mental health services, for members that are only enrolled in Medicaid.


The changes apply to the services performed on or after July 1st 2025.


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Posted in #reimbursement, HealthFirst, NY Providers, Prior Authorization Insurance Carrier Updates

Healthfirst removes some procedures off the prior auth list (2026)

For any DOS on Jan 1, 2026 and there after, Healthfirst will remove prior auth requirenment from the EviCore prior auth list.

Image via Healthfirst website

Please remember that member benefits (coverage vs non coverage) still applies.


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Posted in HealthFirst, NY Providers, Payer Updates, Training, Updates

HealthFirst: new vision insurance payer

HealthFirst members will no longer have coverage through Davis Vision and Superior Vision effective 1/1/24.


Optometry and Ophthalmology specialists that perform routine vision services and medical optometry services for HealthFirst members will now need to get contracted with the new vision insurance payer: EyeMed.


Starting 1/1/24, EyeMed will handle network management, prior authorization process, member and provider services, as well as claim payments for all routine services and medical optometry services (HealthFirst members)


Providers please contact EyeMed at EyeMedInFocus.com/Join to start the xontracting process.


Below please see the list (not all inclusive) of services that require prior authorization.

Not all inclusive

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