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

FidelisCare-concurrent prior auth update for family and group therapy services.

This update will apply to any dos of Jan 1, 2026 and thereafter.

This update does not apply to SUD services/ providers that are certified as Article 32.

29-I providers are also excluded from the concurrent prior authorization requirenments.


Services affected:

Family Psychotherapy – CPT Code 90847

Group Psychotherapy – CPT Code 90853   

FidelisCare members have 30 visits per code/per calendar year.*

*Calendar year is defined as Jan 1st to Dec 31st


After the initial 30 visits the provider will have to submit a concurrent authorization request using the Family and Group Psychotherapy Form along with additional required information: (partial list)

1.Member and provider information, such as Member Full Name, ID and Date of Birth, Provider ID/TIN and Servicing Address
2. Type of service requested & CPT codes (Family Psychotherapy 90847 or Group Psychotherapy 90853)
3. First service date
4. Duration and intensity of requested services
5. Clinical goals, objectives, and rationale
6. Place of service (e.g. office)


7. A treatment plan with measurable goals
8. Recent progress notes
9. Recent psychiatric evaluation/biopsychosocial


In addition, please include the following:

1. How well does the individual cope with adversity, use supports, and community resources? 

2. Treatment & Recovery History

3. Engagement in Services and Recovery Status: Is member engaged in treatment?


How soon should the providers submit the concurrent authorization request?

Up to 30 days in advance of the 30th visit.


For a full list of required information please visit click here for FAQs.


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Posted in #reimbursement, NY Providers, Payer Updates, Payers and CPT reinbursement, Pharmacy (Various Insurance Payers), Training

Healthfirst Pharmacy Update Contrast agent reimbursement

The following information applies to the members in the following plans: Managed Medicaid Plans and Personal Wellness Plans (HARP)


Back in 2023, NYS DOH announced that there will be a change to the pharmacy benefits for MMC, HARP members- the pharmacy benefits will be covered but NYRx.

This change was finally implemented in April 2025.


To align closer with this policy Healthfist will NO LONGER reimburse separately for the the following contrast agents used in radiological testing.


Coding: the following codes are affected:

Images via Healthfirst website

NYS Medicaid Pharmacy website: information here


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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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