Posted in #unitedhealthcare, Payer Updates, Training, Updates

UHC Community Health (Several States) anti-emetic prior authorization update

This policy is effective Aug. 1, 2021, and applies to the following states, UHC Community Health Plan:

Arizona, Kentucky and Tennessee that require prior authorization for outpatient injectable chemotherapy.

There are 8 anti-emetic codes (see below) that will be added to the prior authorization list, for patients that have cancer diagnosis. (Prior authorization requirements for outpatient injectable chemotherapy are not affected by this addition.)


Providers can choose from the preferred products (see below):

Preferred products are Emend®, Kytril® and Zofran®. For more information about preferred products, see the medical policy listed below.

How to submit prior authorization:

If the member received anti-emetic drugs in an outpatient setting for a cancer diagnosis from May 1, 2021, through July 31, 2021, you DO NOT need to submit a prior authorization request until a new anti-emetic drug will be administered.

UHC Community Health Plan will authorize the anti-emetic drug the member was receiving prior to Aug. 1, 2021, and the authorization will be effective until Jan. 31, 2022, unless a change in treatment is needed.

Please complete all notifications online. Sign into the UnitedHealthcare Provider PortalOpens in a new windowopen_in_new using your One Healthcare ID and select the Prior Authorization and Notification tool. Once you are in the tool, select Oncology, and when prompted, answer the questions about the service type, member type and state. You can submit authorizations for anti-emetics on July 1, 2021, in advance of the Aug. 1, 2021, requirement.


Coverage determination guidelines

On July 1, 2021, the Medical Benefit Drug Policy titled Anti-Emetics for Oncology will be available at:

Prior to July 1, 2021, the policy can be accessed from:

#UHC, #UHCommunityhealth, #KYmedicaid, #AZmedicaid, #TNmedicaid, #aprepitant, #rolapitant, #netupitant, #cancer, #oncology

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Posted in BCBS Empire NY, Updates

Empire BCBS (NY) Voluntary Cancer Care Quality Program (changes 07/01/2021)

According to Empire BCBS NY: in order to align the program intention to support member care coordination and to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements surrounding the program, Empire BCBS is amending the approach for enhanced reimbursement that accompanies selection of ‘on-pathway’ chemotherapy drug regimens as part of the AIM Oncology/Cancer Care Quality Program. 

Starting 07/01/2021, authorization process for on-pathway drug regimens as part of the AIM Oncology/Cancer Care Quality Program chemotherapy, will be adjusted to reflect specific regiments and enhanced reimbursements, for the medical oncologists.

Which regiments are affected?

Only select oral and hormonal agents for which a monthly in-office visit may not be required.

For the complete list please click here.

Which Authorizations will be affected?

This will impact all authorizations submitted through the AIM authorization process on or after July 1, 2021, regardless of planned treatment dates. 

Which HCPCS codes will be affected?

Billable S-codes for treatment planning and care coordination management for cancer.

How will be the payment affected for the billable S-codes?

The optional enhanced reimbursement award will be reduced from a monthly award during each month of treatment to a single award to accompany treatment initiation (S0353)

AIM/Empire will continuously review the regimen library to ensure S-code award levels remain consistent with program goals regarding care coordination support. 

If you have any questions, please Contact your Empire network representative or your oncology provider engagement liaison for more information.

Click here for the full updated Cancer Treatment Planning and Care Coordination policy (Commercial Plans)

Posted in Insurance, Training, Updates

Aetna Better Health of Louisiana – Oncology Prior Auth Change

Retroactively effective to 11/01/2020- Aetna Better Health of Louisiana will no longer use Eviti for oncology decision support and treatment guidelines.

For medical benefit authorizations: A BHLA will process the requests following standard protocol. Providers should visit Prior Authorization Page for more information.

For Pharmacy Benefit Authorization: providers should submit the authorization following Pharmacy Authorization Guidelines

Questions and Support:

For questions, please contact LAProvider@AETNA.com or c all 1-855-242-0802 and follow the prompts.