Medical Policy and Coding Updates August 2024

  • Updates for both non-individual and individual plans

  • Effective October 20, 2024

    Updates to Carelon Medical Benefits Management Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines
    (formerly AIM Specialty Health).

    Effective for dates of service on and after October 20, 2024, the following updates will apply to the Carelon Medical Benefits Management, Inc. Radiology Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines. As part of the Carelon guideline annual review process, these updates are focused on advancing efforts to drive clinically appropriate, safe, and affordable health care services.

    Updates by section

    Brain Imaging

    • Added indications for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and amyloid beta positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in Alzheimer disease to address patients considering or receiving lecanemab

    Spine Imaging

    • Changed “Perioperative and Periprocedural Imaging” to “Postoperative and Postprocedural Imaging;” pre-procedure requests should be reviewed based on more specific indication

    Extremity Imaging

    • Separated criteria for osteomyelitis and septic arthritis into separate indications
    • Ultrasound or arthrocentesis as preliminary tests were placed only in the “septic arthritis” indication

    Vascular Imaging

    • Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) Head addition for chronic posterior circulation Stroke/TIA presentations (CTA/MRA neck already allowed, intracranial eval needed for full extent of anatomy)
    • Lower Extremity peripheral artery disease: Updated physiologic testing parameters and added allowance for ischemic signs/symptoms at presentation, in alignment with American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria
    • Suboptimal imaging option downgrades/removals in Brain, Head and Neck and Abdomen/Pelvis

    Effective for dates of service on and after October 20, 2024, the following updates will apply to the Carelon Medical Benefits Management, Inc. Cardiology Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines. As part of the Carelon guideline annual review process, these updates are focused on advancing efforts to drive clinically appropriate, safe, and affordable health care services.

    Updates by section

    Imaging of the Heart

    • Resting Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
      • Expanded frequency of echocardiographic evaluation in patients on mavacamten for treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
      • Expanded criteria for echocardiographic evaluation to allow a single screening for cardiac disease in patients undergoing evaluation for solid organ or hematopoietic cell transplant

    Effective for dates of service on and after October 20, 2024, the following updates will apply to the Carelon Medical Benefits Management, Inc. Genetic Testing Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines. As part of the Carelon guideline annual review process, these updates are focused on advancing efforts to drive clinically appropriate, safe, and affordable health care services.

    Updates by section

    Chromosomal Microarray Analysis

    • Clarified recommendations for Genetic Counseling
    • Clarified requirements for postnatal evaluation of individuals with:
      • Congenital or early onset epilepsy (before age 3 years) without suspected environmental causes
      • Autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, or intellectual disability with no identifiable cause (idiopathic)
    • Clarified prenatal evaluation of a fetus with a structural fetal anomaly noted on ultrasound

    Pharmacogenomic Testing

    • Added Apolipoprotein E (APOE) testing

    Polygenic Risk Scores renamed Predictive and Prognostic Polygenic Testing

    • Broadened guideline scope to include polygenic expression prognostic testing and multivariable prognostic genetic testing (essentially clarifications)
      • Moved these tests to exclusions as they are considered not medically necessary
    • Retitled guideline to Predictive and Prognostic Polygenic Testing to address the change in scope

    Somatic Testing of Solid Tumors

    • Clarified gene expression profiling is to guide adjuvant therapy for localized Breast Cancer

    Whole Exome and Whole Genome Sequencing

    • Expanded whole exome sequencing (WES) criteria to include congenital or early onset epilepsy (before age 3) without suspected environmental etiology and added other clarifications
    • Clarified well-delineated genetic syndrome in criterion for multiple anomalies
    • Clarified Genetic Counseling details for WES

    Effective for dates of service on and after October 20, 2024, the following updates will apply to the Carelon Medical Benefits Management, Inc. Radiation Oncology Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines. As part of the Carelon guideline annual review process, these updates are focused on advancing efforts to drive clinically appropriate, safe, and affordable health care services.

    Updates by section

    Radiation Therapy (excludes Proton)

    • Removed criteria for hyperthermia
    • Clarified inclusion criteria of the RTOG 1112 protocol

    Effective for dates of service on and after October 20, 2024, the following updates will apply to the Carelon Medical Benefits Management, Inc. Sleep Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines. As part of the Carelon guideline annual review process, these updates are focused on advancing efforts to drive clinically appropriate, safe, and affordable health care services.

    Updates by section

    Sleep Disorder Management

    • Expanded definitions and terminology
    • Expanded documentation of hypoventilation
    • Expanded criteria for home and in-lab sleep studies
    • Added contraindication to automatic positive airway pressure titration for use of supplemental oxygen
    • Removed home sleep apnea testing as an option in medical necessity of multiple sleep latency test/maintenance of wakefulness test for suspected narcolepsy
    • Management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using Implanted Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulators (HNS):
      • Narrowed age range (raised lower limit to 13) for HNS in individuals with Down syndrome and OSA to align with age range suggested by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
    • Miscellaneous Devices section added:
      • Electronic positional therapy and neuromuscular electrical training of the tongue musculature are considered not medically necessary due to lack of high-quality evidence

    For questions related to guidelines, please contact Carelon via email at MedicalBenefitsManagement.guidelines@Carelon.com. Additionally, you may access and download a copy of the current and upcoming guidelines.

    Effective October 8, 2024

    Surgical Treatment of Femoral Acetabular Impingement, 7.01.592 PBC | Premera HMO
    New policy

    • Surgical treatment of femoral acetabular impingement is considered medically necessary when criteria are met.

    Effective August 2, 2024

    C3 and C5 Complement Inhibitors, 5.01.571  PBC | Premera HMO
    New policy

    • Confirmed granulocyte clone size updated to ≥ 15% for Soliris (eculizumab), Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz), and Empaveli (pegcetacoplan) for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)

    Evaluation of Biomarkers for Alzheimer Disease, 2.04.521  PBC | Premera HMO
    New policy

    • Measurement of biochemical markers of Alzheimer’s disease is considered investigational

    New medical policies

    No updates this month.

    Revised medical policies
    Effective July 1, 2024

    Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring, 6.01.592 PBC | Premera HMO
    Medically necessary criteria added

    • Decompression of facial nerve and resection of tumor involving the facial nerve added as indications

    Not medically necessary criteria added

    • During removal of spinal cord or dorsal root ganglion stimulators

    Note added

    • Clarify that when a baseline study is performed for a location that is considered not medically necessary, neither will be covered

    Interspinous Fixation (Fusion) Devices, 7.01.591  PBC | Premera HMO
    Renumbered

    • Added information within the Appendix previously but policy was not renumbered
    • Includes deletion of Intraoperative Monitoring, 7.01.138, as it is renumbered

    Minimally Invasive Approaches to Vertebral Fractures and Osteolytic Lesions of the Spine, 6.01.25  PBC | Premera HMO
    Title change

    • Policy title updated from “Percutaneous Vertebroplasty and Sacroplasty” to “Minimally Invasive Approaches to Vertebral Fractures and Osteolytic Lesions of the Spine”

    Medical necessity criteria updated

    • Policy content from Balloon Kyphoplasty, 6.01.38 (deleted) incorporated into this policy with a new title as indicated. There are no changes in criteria.

    Psychiatric and Other Specified Evaluations in Inpatient and Residential Behavioral Health Treatment, 3.01.521 PBC | Premera HMO
    Medical necessity criteria removed

    • Substance abuse disorder inpatient treatment requirement for a psychiatric evaluation extended from 1 to within 7 days of admission with no required ongoing evaluation
    • Policy changes are in alignment with 2024 InterQual

    Medical necessity criteria updated

    • Substance abuse disorder inpatient treatment requirement for a psychiatric evaluation extended from 1 to within 7 days of admission with no required ongoing evaluation

    Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a Treatment of Depression and Other Psychiatric/Neurologic Disorders, 2.01.526 PBC | Premera HMO
    Investigational criteria updated

    • Clarified that SAINT is also known as accelerated repetitive high-dose connectivity MRI-guided theta-burst stimulation including functional MRI personalized target development and including neuronavigation

    Not medically necessary criteria updated

    • Contraindications updated to indicate that a brain tumor history, repetitive or severe brain trauma/traumatic brain injury, or an unspecified brain lesion are not contraindications if there is documentation that a neurologist or neurosurgeon evaluated the individual and determined that the individual can safely undergo TMS.

    New pharmacy policies

    No updates this month.

    Revised pharmacy policies
    Effective July 1, 2024

    Xolair (omalizumab), 5.01.513  PBC | Premera HMO
    Medical necessity criteria added
    Treatment of moderate to severe persistent asthma

    • May not be used in combination with Tezspire (tezepelumab)

    Medical necessity criteria added
    Treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

    • May not be used in combo with Dupixent (dupilumab) or Nucala (mepolizumab)

    ALK Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, 5.01.538  PBC | Premera HMO
    Medical necessity criteria added

    • Coverage of Alecensa (alectinib) expanded to include individuals with non-small cell lung cancer who require adjuvant treatment following tumor resection with tumors ≥ 4 cm or node positive

    Pharmacotherapy of Arthropathies, 5.01.550  PBC | Premera HMO
    Drugs added

    • Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk) (SC) and adalimumab-ryvk and (Simlandi unbranded) SC added as first-line agents

    Drugs added

    • Adalimumab-aaty (Yuflyma unbranded) SC added as a second-line agent

    Rituximab: Non-oncologic and Miscellaneous Uses, 5.01.556  PBC | Premera HMO
    Medical necessity criteria updated

    • Add preferred agents Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk) (SC) and Adalimumab-ryvk to the list of those which much be first tried and failed

    Pharmacologic Treatment of High Cholesterol, 5.01.558  PBC | Premera HMO
    Policy reformatted with no changes to policy statements except where noted
    Repatha (evolocumab)
    Medical necessity updated
    Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)

    • Repatha (evolocumab) coverage criteria age requirement changed  to 10 years of age or older per the updated prescribing information.
    • Repatha diagnostic criteria now requires the individual to meet specific criteria.

    Medical necessity updated
    Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)

    • Repatha (evolocumab) coverage criteria age requirement changed to 10 years of age and older per the updated prescribing information.
    • Repatha diagnostic criteria now requires the individual to meet specific criteria.

    Medical necessity added
    Primary hyperlipidemia

    • Repatha (evolocumab) coverage criteria now includes treatment of certain adults when all the following criteria are met.

    Praluent (alirocumab)
    Medical necessity updated
    Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)

    • Praluent (alirocumab) coverage criteria age requirement updated from 18 years to 8 years of age and per the updated prescribing information.
    • Praluent diagnostic criteria now requires individual to meet specific criteria.

    Medical necessity updated
    Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH)

    • Praluent diagnostic criteria now requires the individual has to meet specific criteria.

    Medical necessity updated
    Primary hyperlipidemia

    • Praluent (alirocumab) may be considered medically necessary to treat certain adults when prescribed by or in consultation with a cardiologist, endocrinologist, or a physician who focuses on the treatment of cardiovascular risk management and/or lipid disorders and other criteria are met.

    Leqvio (inclisiran)
    Medical necessity updated
    Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)

    • Leqvio diagnostic criteria now requires individual to meet specific criteria.

    Medical necessity updated
    Primary hyperlipidemia

    • Leqvio (inclisiran) is considered medically necessary to treat certain adults when prescribed by or in consultation with a cardiologist, endocrinologist, or a physician who focuses on the treatment of cardiovascular risk management and/or lipid disorders and other criteria are met.

    Nexletol (bempedoic acid) and Nexlizet (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe)
    Medical necessity criteria updated
    Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD)

    • Nexletol (bempedoic acid) and Nexlizet (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) now include age requirement of 18 years or older to the ASCVD criteria per the prescribing information.
    • Nexletol and Nexlizet coverage criteria include a quantity limit to the ASCVD criteria per the prescribing information.

    Medical necessity criteria update
    Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)

    • Nexlizet diagnostic criteria now requires the individual to meet additional criteria.

    Medical necessity criteria update
    Primary hyperlipidemia

    • Nexletol (bempedoic acid) and Nexlizet (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) may be considered medically necessary for treatment of certain adults when criteria are met.
    • Removed the initial authorization requirement for Nexletol (bempedoic acid) and Nexlizet (bempedoic acid and exetimibe) to use in combination with a high-intensity statin per the prescribing information update.

    Evkeeza (evinacumab-dgnb)
    Medical necessity criteria update
    Primary hyperlipidemia

    • Evkeeza (evinacumab-dgnb) coverage criteria age requirement changed from 12 years to 5 years of age and older per the prescribing information update.
    • Update the step therapy requirement from Praluent (alirocumab) and Repatha (evolocumab) to Repatha only as Repatha is the preferred PCSK9 in the policy for contracting reasons.

    Medical necessity criteria update
    homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH)

    • Evkeeza diagnostic criteria now requires the individual to meet one of the following: has an untreated LDL of >400 OR a treated LDL of 300 or greater or has genetic confirmation of two mutant alleles at the LDLR, apoB, PCSK9, or LDLRAP1 gene locus.
    • Removed the initial authorization requirement to use in combination with a high-intensity statin per the prescribing information update.

    Juxtapid (lomitapide)
    Medical necessity criteria update
    Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH)

    • Juxtapid (lomitapide) diagnostic now requires the individual to meet one of the following: has an untreated LDL of >400; or a treated LDL of 300 or greater; or has genetic confirmation of two mutant alleles at the LDLR, apoB, PCSK9, or LDLRAP1 gene locus.
    • Removed the initial authorization requirement to use in combination with a high-intensity statin per the prescribing information update.

    Generic pitavastatin
    Drug added
    Medical necessity criteria added

    • Generic pitavastatin added as a preferred alternative option in the HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (statins) coverage criteria.

    Roszet (rosuvastatin-ezetimibe), brand rosuvastatin-ezetimibe, and Vytorin (sinvastatin-ezetimibe)
    Medical necessity criteria removed

    • Removed the requirement from Roszet (rosuvastatin-ezetimibe), brand rosuvastatin-ezetimibe, and Vytorin (simvastatin-ezetimibe) coverage criteria per the prescribing information expansion.

    Evkeeza (evinacumab-dgnb), Juxtapid (lomitapide), Leqvio (inclisiran), Nexletol (bempedoic acid), Nexlizet (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe), Praluent (alirocumab), and Repatha (evolocumab)
    Reauthorization requirement removed

    • Removed the re-authorization requirement to continue using a maximum tolerated statin from Evkeeza (evinacumab-dgnb), Juxtapid (lomitapide), Leqvio (inclisiran), Nexletol (bempedoic acid), Nexlizet (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe), Praluent (alirocumab), and Repatha (evolocumab) per the prescribing information and guideline recommended use updates.

    Pharmacotherapy of Inflammatory Bowel Disorder, 5.01.563  PBC | Premera HMO
    Crohn’s disease
    Drugs added

    • Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk) (SC) and adalimumab-ryvk and (Simlandi unbranded) SC added as first-line agent

    Drug added

    • Adalimumab-aaty (Yuflyma unbranded) SC added as a second-line agent

    Drug added
    Medical necessity criteria added

    • Entyvio (vedolizumab) SC is considered medically necessary as a second-line agent when criteria are met

    Ulcerative Colitis
    Drugs added

    • Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk) (SC) and adalimumab-ryvk (Simlandi unbranded) SC added as first-line agents

    Drug added

    • Adalimumab-ryvk (Simlandi unbranded) SC added to the list of second-line TNF-α Inhibitors

    Pharmacotherapy of Miscellaneous Autoimmune Diseases, 5.01.564  PBC | Premera HMO
    Hidradenitis suppurativa
    Drugs added
    Medical necessity criteria updated

    • Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk) SC and adalimumab-ryvk (Simlandi unbranded) SC added as first-line agents

    Pyoderma gangrenosum
    Drugs added
    Medical necessity criteria updated

    • Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk) SC and adalimumab-ryvk (Simlandi unbranded) SC added as first-line agents

    Uveitis
    Drugs added
    Medical necessity criteria updated

    • Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk) (SC) and adalimumab-ryvk (Simlandi unbranded) SC added as first-line agents

    Drugs added
    Medical necessity criteria updated

    • Adalimumab-aaty (Yuflyma unbranded) SC added as a second-line agent

    Myasthenia Gravis
    Medical necessity criteria added

    • Added requirement that medication may not be used concurrently with Vyvgart (efgartigimod alfa-fcab), Vyvgart Hytrulo (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc), Soliris (eculizumab), Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz), or Zilbrysq (zilucoplan)

    Pharmacologic Treatment to Reduce Serum Phosphorus, 5.01.598  PBC | Premera HMO
    Title changed from Phosphate Binders

    Drug added
    Medical necessity criteria added

    • Xphozah (tenapanor) is considered medically necessary when an individual is diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, is on dialysis and other policy criteria are met
    • Use of Xphozah (tenapanor) is investigational for any application outside of what is outline in the policy

    Medical Necessity Criteria for Pharmacy Edits, 5.01.605  PBC | Premera HMO
    Drug added
    Medical necessity criteria added

    • Libervant (diazepam) may be considered medically necessary for acute treatment of intermittent episodes of frequent seizures for those 2-5 years of age
    • The quantity is limited to 10 films per 30 days

    Pharmacologic Treatment of Psoriasis, 5.01.629  PBC | Premera HMO
    Drugs added
    Plaque psoriasis
    Medical necessity criteria updated

    • Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk) SC and adalimumab-ryvk (Simlandi unbranded) SC added to the list of first-line agents

    Medical necessity criteria updated

    • Use of Otezla (apremilast) oral for expanded from those aged 8 and over to those aged 6 and over

    Medical necessity criteria updated

    • Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk) SC and adalimumab-ryvk (Simlandi unbranded) SC added to the list of first-line agents that must be tried and failed to be eligible for a second-line agent

    Drug added
    Medical necessity criteria updated

    • Adalimumab-aaty (Yuflyma unbranded) SC added as a second-line agent

    Medical necessity criteria updated

    • Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk) SC and adalimumab-ryvk (Simlandi unbranded) SC added to the list of first-line agents that must be tried and failed to be eligible for a second-line agent

    Pharmacologic Treatment of Bladder Cancer, 5.01.632  PBC | Premera HMO
    Title changed from Adstiladrin® (nadofaragene firadenovecvncg)
    Drug added
    Medical necessity criteria added

    • Anktiva (nogapendekin alfa inbakicept-pmln) Intravesical to treat non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ is considered medically necessary when criteria are met
    • All other uses of not outlined in the policy are investigational

    Pharmacologic Treatment of Epidermolysis Bullosa, 5.01.635  PBC | Premera HMO
    Drug added
    Medical necessity criteria added

    • Filsuvez (birch triterpenes) may be considered medically necessary for the treatment of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) or junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) when criteria are met
    • May not be used concurrently with Vyjuvek (beremagene geperpavec-svdt) Topical
    • All other uses of not outlined in the policy are investigational

    Chronic Hepatitis B Antiviral Therapy, 5.01.636  PBC | Premera HMO
    Drug added
    Medical necessity criteria added

    • Viread (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) oral may be considered medically necessary for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection criteria are met
    • All other uses of not outlined in the policy are investigational

    Chimeric Antigen Receptor Therapy for Leukemia and Lymphoma, 8.01.63  PBC | Premera HMO
    Drug added
    Medical necessity criteria added

    • Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel) IV may be considered medically necessary for the treatment of lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma, relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), or relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma when criteria are met
    • All other uses of not outlined in the policy are investigational

    Chimeric Antigen Receptor Therapy for Multiple Myeloma, 8.01.66 PBC | Premera HMO
    Medical necessity criteria updated

    • Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel) coverage criteria updated to include treatment of certain adults with multiple myeloma who have tried two prior therapies.
    • Updated Carvykti (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) coverage criteria to include treatment of certain adults with multiple myeloma who have tried one prior therapy and lenalidomide.
    • All other uses of not outlined in the policy are investigational

    Measurement of Serum Antibodies, 2.04.516

    Balloon Kyphoplasty, 6.01.38
    Delete policy

    • Policy replaced with Minimally Invasive Approaches to Vertebral Fractures and Osteolytic Lesions of the Spine, 6.01.25 effective July 1, 2024.

    Added codes
    Effective July 1, 2024

    Adstiladrin (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg), 5.01.632  PBC | Premera HMO
    Now requires review for medical necessity and prior authorization.

    J9030

    Amniotic Membrane and Amniotic Fluid, 7.01.583 PBC | Premera HMO
    Now requires review for investigational.

    Q4311, Q4312, Q4313, Q4314, Q4315, Q4316, Q4317, Q4318, Q4319, Q4320, Q4321, Q4322, Q4323, Q4324, Q4325, Q4326, Q4327, Q4328, Q4329, Q4330, Q4331, Q4332, Q4333

    ASAM Criteria: Services Reviewed for Medical Necessity, 10.01.532  PBC | Premera HMO
    Now requires review for medical necessity.

    H0008, H0009, H0010, H0011

    Folate Antimetabolites, 5.01.617  PBC | Premera HMO
    Now requires review for medical necessity and prior authorization.

    J8611, J8612

    Gene Therapies for Thalassemia, 5.01.42  PBC | Premera HMO
    Now requires review for medical necessity and prior authorization.

    J3393

    Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, 5.01.591 PBC | Premera HMO
    Now requires review for medical necessity and prior authorization.

    J3263

    Laboratory Testing Investigational Services, 2.04.520  PBC | Premera HMO
    Now requires review for investigational.

    0450U, 0451U, 0457U, 0458U, 0462U, 0463U, 0468U, 0470U, 0472U

    Leadless Cardiac Pacemakers, 2.02.515  PBC | Premera HMO
    Now requires review for investigational.

    C1605

    Medical Necessity Criteria for Pharmacy Edits, 5.01.605  PBC | Premera HMO
    Now requires review for medical necessity and prior authorization.

    J7355

    Non-covered Experimental/Investigational Services, 10.01.533  PBC | Premera HMO
    Now requires review for investigational.

    0867T, 0868T, 0869T, 0870T, 0871T, 0872T, 0873T, 0874T, 0875T, 0877T, 0878T, 0879T, 0880T, 0881T, 0882T, 0883T, 0887T, 0888T, 0889T, 0890T, 0891T, 0892T, 0893T, 0894T, 0895T, 0896T, 0897T, 0898T, 0899T, 0900T

    Non-covered Services and Procedures, 10.01.517  PBC | Premera HMO
    Now covered as part of the standard benefit.

    96161

    Pharmacologic Treatment of Neuropathy, Fibromyalgia, and Seizure Disorders, 5.01.521  PBC | Premera HMO
    Now requires review for medical necessity and prior authorization.

    J7336

    Pharmacologic Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease, 5.01.640  PBC | Premera HMO
    Now requires review for medical necessity and prior authorization.

    J3394

    Pharmacotherapy of Arthropathies, 5.01.550  PBC | Premera HMO
    Now requires review for medical necessity and prior authorization.

    J3247

    Pharmacotherapy of Inflammatory Bowel Disorder, 5.01.563  PBC | Premera HMO
    Now requires review for medical necessity and prior authorization.

    J2267

    Pharmacotherapy of Thrombocytopenia, 5.01.566  PBC | Premera HMO
    Now requires review for medical necessity and prior authorization.

    J7171

    Use of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factors (G-CSF), 5.01.551  PBC | Premera HMO
    Now requires review for medical necessity and prior authorization.

    J9361

    Carelon® Management Genetic Testing
    Now reviewed by Carelon® for medical necessity and prior authorization.

    0020M, 0452U, 0453U, 0454U, 0456U, 0460U, 0461U, 0465U, 0466U, 0467U, 0469U, 0471U, 0473U, 0474U, 0475U

    Revised codes
    Effective July 1, 2024

    Pharmacotherapy of Multiple Sclerosis, 5.01.565  PBC | Premera HMO
    Now requires review for medical necessity, including site of service and prior authorization.

    J2329

    Removed codes
    Effective July 1, 2024

    Laboratory Testing Investigational Services, 2.04.520  PBC | Premera HMO
    No longer requires review.

    81382

    Measurement of Serum Antibodies to Selected Biologic Agents, 2.04.516
    No longer requires review.

    80145, 80230, 80280

  • Updates for non-individual plans only

  • No updates this month.
    No updates this month.
  • Updates for individual plans only

  • No updates this month.

    No updates this month.

    No updates this month.

    No updates this month.

  • Updates for federal employee plans only

  • Effective October 8, 2024

    Surgical Treatment of Femoral Acetabular Impingement, 7.01.592 PBC
    New policy

    • Surgical treatment of femoral acetabular impingement is considered medically necessary when criteria are met.

    No updates this month.

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