medical associates health plans and health choices health … · note: if equipment cannot be...
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MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HEALTH PLANS AND HEALTH CHOICES
HEALTH CARE SERVICES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL
POLICY TITLE: AUTHORIZATION AND REFERRAL MANAGEMENT
POLICY STATEMENT:
Requests for services requiring authorization are reviewed according to member contract or plan
documents and established MAHP HCS Guidelines. These guidelines are viewed and approved
annually by the CMO, UMC, QIC, and Clinic Board of Directors. Authorizations may be
initiated or removed as deemed necessary by MAHP.
PURPOSE:
To ensure MAHP’s resources are utilized to deliver quality care to members in the most
appropriate and cost effective setting. MAHP will arrange for specialty care outside of the plan
provider network when network providers are unavailable or inadequate to meet an enrollee’s
medical need. Services and subsequent payment are based on the member’s benefit plan
document.
DEFINITIONS:
1. Pre-service decisions: a request for services that requires approval by MAHP, in whole or in
part, before the service can be rendered; a service that must be approved in advance before it
is rendered.
2. Post-service decisions (retrospective decisions): a service or claim which has already been
rendered. Occurs when notification is after the fact of care/service/delivery. The need for
“retro-review” is most often created by late or non-notification.
3. Concurrent review decisions: a review conducted during the course of treatment. Included,
but not limited to concurrent review is the anticipation and planning for post hospital needs,
arrangement for post hospital or acute treatment follow-up and support, ongoing review for
required disciplines.
4. Urgent pre-service decisions: Requires immediate action, although it may not be a life-
threatening circumstance an urgent situation could seriously jeopardize the life or health of
the covered member or the ability of the member to regain maximum function or in the
opinion of a physician with knowledge of the claimant’s condition would subject the member
to severe pain. An urgent care condition is a situation that has the potential to become an
emergency in the absence of treatment.
5. Emergent: Sudden or unexpected onset of server symptoms which indicate an illness or
injury for which treatment may not be delayed without risking the member’s life or seriously
impairing the member’s health.
REFERRAL AND AUTHORIZATION SUBMISSION OPTIONS:
Referral and authorization requests may be submitted to Health Care Services Case Management
and/or Utilization Management Nurses via telephone, fax, or electronically from members,
attending practitioners and/or facilities. Requests can also be submitted through the Cerner
Message Center, MAHP-HCS Pool.
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MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HEALTH PLANS AND HEALTH CHOICES
HEALTH CARE SERVICES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL
REFERRAL REQUIREMENTS:
Commercial HMO, Community Health Plan (CHP) and IPlan: Referral authorizations are
required for any out of plan provider except for emergent care.
Medicare Smart and Community Health Plans: Referral authorizations are required for any out
of plan provider except for emergent care.
Point of Service (POS): Members have the option of utilizing two levels of benefits, authorized
or unauthorized. Members utilizing the authorized level of benefits are required to obtain a
referral from their in-network specialty care provider. Members may choose to obtain services
without a referral in or outside the MAHP network using their unauthorized benefits.
Medicare Freedom Plan: Members have the option of utilizing two levels of benefits, authorized
or unauthorized. Members utilizing the authorized level of benefits are required to obtain a
referral from their in-network specialty care provider. Members may choose to obtain services
without a referral outside the MAHP network using their unauthorized benefits.
Health Choices: Refer to specific plan document for referral requirements.
REFERRAL MANAGEMENT:
MAHP recommends that the referral request be obtained from an in plan provider of the same
specialty except on rare occasions. Only the initial consultative referral will be authorized
except when there is a predicted need for more visits or when the member is involved in an
ongoing process of care. In cases where a certain specialty is not available in-network, a
primary care provider may make the referral request for authorization to MAHP.
Following the initial consultation, additional referrals from the referring provider are required in
the following circumstances:
a. If the specialist wishes to provide additional services not originally requested on the
referral.
b. If the specialist refers member to a second specialist
c. If the specialty visits will exceed the number of visits initially authorized by MAHP
d. If the specialty visits require an extension beyond the referral thru date.
A standing referral for a member to utilize a non-participating physician or provider may be
issued if requested by an in plan and/or by request of a member with approval from the MAHP
CMO. The CMO shall consider the following in making an authorization for a referral:
a. Proposed treatment plan
b. Diagnosis
c. Ability of an in plan provider to provide the requested services
d. Frequency of needed care from the non-participating provider and/or
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MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HEALTH PLANS AND HEALTH CHOICES
HEALTH CARE SERVICES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL
e. Continuity of care issues
Second and third opinions are covered when MAHP criteria are met.
a. Second opinions are covered according to the following:
The member has questions about the reasonableness or necessity of a recommended
surgical procedure;
The member has questions about a diagnosis or plan of care for a condition that
threatens loss of life, limb, or bodily function, or a serious chronic condition;
When a diagnosis is in doubt due to conflicting test results and the treating
practitioner is unable to diagnose the condition, or the clinical indications are
complex, unclear, or confusing;
When the current treatment plan is not improving the member’s condition;
When the member has attempted to follow a plan of care and has serious concerns
about the diagnosis or plan of care.
b. Third opinions are covered if the recommendations of the first and second physician
differ regarding the need for surgery or other major procedures/treatment.
c. All second and third opinions, whenever possible, should be provided in-network
and/or MAHP contracted provider and must be authorized by MAHP. (Unless
member has out-of-network benefits) Out-of-network second/third opinions may be
considered if there is no available or appropriate in-network/contracted provider and
must be authorized by MAHP’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) or assigned physician
reviewer.
d. Second or third opinions may include:
A history and physical exam of the member
All diagnostic testing should be forwarded to the second or third opinion provider
or brought along with member to consult.
Any additional diagnostic testing required for determining the need for surgery and/or treatment
will require prior approval by the MAHP CMO or assigned physician reviewer.
NOTE: Referrals do not permit an out of plan specialist to refer members to another out of plan
specialist for care. If this is necessary, patients must get a referral from their referring in plan
provider to see another out of plan specialist. This referral is not a guarantee of payment.
Payment is subject to eligibility on date of service, plan benefits, limitations and exclusions, pre-
existing condition limitations, and patient liability under the plan. Referrals are time sensitive so
any date change requires notification to MAHP to update the referral.
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION:
Inpatient Services: All elective inpatient hospital admissions should be communicated to MAHP
for prior-authorization. Emergency hospital inpatient admissions do not require prior-
authorization but should be called or faxed to MAHP within 48 hours of the admission, or as
soon as the member is physically able to provide information for authorization.
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MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HEALTH PLANS AND HEALTH CHOICES
HEALTH CARE SERVICES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL
Requests for Out-of-Area Urgent care require prior authorization. Emergent care will be
processed according to the limitations of the member’s contract or plan document, to the most
appropriate tier or at an in-network level.
Health plan members with students and/or dependents residing or attending school outside of the
MAHP service area may elect to participate in the “Care Package” program by completing the
attached form. (See appendix D) Participation in the program allows members to obtain in plan
benefits with requiring referral. If a member does not enroll their out-of-area dependent in the
“Care Package” program, only urgent and emergent coverage will be provided
Observation Services do not require prior authorization when provided at an in-network facility.
Authorization is required when services are being provided at an out-of-network facility and /or
when required per member’s plan contract or document. Services must be considered reasonable
and necessary to assess an outpatient condition to determine the need for inpatient admission or
discharge. Observation services should not be used for the convenience of the hospital, its
physicians, patients or patient’s families or while awaiting placement to another health facility.
Chiropractic services requested for MAHP and Health Choices members who do not have open
access coverage for chiropractic care, will require pre-certification according to the InterQual
Outpatient Rehabilitation & Chiropractic Criteria. All diagnostic tests, with the exception of x-
rays, and durable medical equipment must be ordered by the treating medical practitioner. Tests
not ordered by the treating medical practitioner will not be eligible for payment. NOTE: When
a MAHP Commercial and/or Health Choices member requires an authorized referral in order for
Chiropractic Services to be covered per their plan contract / document; the member must first
exhaust all internal resources prior to authorizing Chiropractic care, e.g. Physical Therapy,
Physiatrist, etc. Requests for chiropractic care outside of InterQual guidelines and/or extensions
beyond the suggested number of visits will be reviewed by physician reviewer.
All DME requests for items over $500 will be reviewed by the HCS Utilization Management
Nurse or Case Manager for appropriateness per the member’s contract/plan document and/or the
Health Care Services policies and procedures. If approval is given, an authorization is entered
into the system. Prior authorization for Health Choices requests are determined by each
individual plan document.
Note: If equipment cannot be supplied through the Health Plans’ network DME providers,
the Health Care Services Case Manager will work with providers to make arrangements to
obtain equipment. If the requested services are determined medically necessary, an
authorization is entered into the computer system to indicate coverage. The HCS Nurse will
negotiate fees when necessary.
The replacement of equipment is considered medically necessary only when documentation
shows that the current equipment/item is malfunctioning, cannot be refurbished and is no
longer under warranty.
See appendix A, B, C, and D for additional precertification and prior authorization requirements.
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MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HEALTH PLANS AND HEALTH CHOICES
HEALTH CARE SERVICES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL
Authorization, referral and denial decisions are made in a timely manner that accommodates the
clinical urgency of the situation. Decisions are communicated to the requesting provider and
facility verbally and in writing within standard time frames. See HCS Decision Timeframes and
Determination Policy.
A quarterly report of authorized and denied/redirected services and out of plan referrals will be
presented to the Utilization Management Committee.
Documentation of referral requests will be kept on file for a minimum of three years in the
MAHP information system.
Repeated non-compliance of the Health Plans’ practitioner to the prior authorization and referral
procedures may result in corrective action by the Chief Medical Officer.
Appendix A: Pre-Certification Guidelines for Medical Associates Clinic
Appendix B: Health Choices Prior Authorization Requirements
Appendix C: Expansion Network Pre-Certification requirements
Appendix D: MAHP Pre-Certification Guidelines for out of network requests
Appendix E: Copy of “Care Package” form
Manager of Utilization Management Date
Director of Health Care Services Date
Original: 12/2015 Revised: 03/2017 Revised: 11/2017 Revised: 04/2018
Revised: 07/2018 Revised: 08/2019 Revised: 11/2019
Appendix A: Prior Authorizations-Medical Associates Health Plans
Revised: 08/2018
Commercial HMO/Community Plan
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MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HEALTH PLANS AND HEALTH CHOICES
HEALTH CARE SERVICES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL
1. All In-patient stays require prior notification, with the exception of any in-patient services being provided
at Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque - no notification is necessary.
2. All skilled nursing stays require network provider following and prior authorization.
3. No authorization is needed for either same day surgeries or observations stays at in network facilities.
4. Sleep studies do not require authorizations when performed at in network facilities.
5. Specialty and Non-formulary medications, Remicade and other high dollar meds-utilize the Cerner
Message Pool
6. All Out of Plan referrals require prior auth, i.e. U/IA, UW - use Cerner Message Pool
7. CT’s/MRI’s/PET Scans being completed outside of MAC and utilizing a MAHP In-Plan Facility - no
authorization needed.
8. DME over $500 - use PA form from Internet
9. OT, PT, ST outside of MAC (Dubuque, Platteville or Galena) – treating facility responsible for Prior Auth.
10. InterStim procedure requires prior auth
11. Wireless Video Capsule endoscopy requires prior auth
12. Cologuard screening requires prior auth
13. Intone (DME over $500) requires prior auth
14. Home Health / Home infusion services require prior auth
15. Diabetic Education and Nutritional Counseling does not require authorization at in network facilities -
Diabetic Education available through Health Plan.
16. Genetic Testing, i.e. BRCA1 & BRCA2
Medicare (includes HMO, Community Plan and Freedom Plan)
1. All In-patient stays require prior notification, with the exception of in-patient services being provided at
Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque - no notification is necessary.
2. All skilled nursing stays must have in plan provider following and require prior authorization.
3. No authorization is needed for either same day surgeries or observations stays at in network facilities.
4. Remicade and other high dollar meds – utilize the Cerner Message Pool
5. All Out of Plan referrals require prior auth, i.e. U/IA, UW – utilize Cerner Message Pool
6. Sleep studies do not require authorizations when performed at in network facilities.
7. CT’s/MRI’s/PET Scans being completed outside of MAC and utilizing a MAHP In-Plan Facility - no
authorization needed.
8. No authorization is needed for OT, PT, and ST when service is ordered by and provided by an in-plan
provider. Aquatic Therapy requires authorization.
9. DME over $500 – use prior authorization form located on Intranet
10. InterStim procedure requires prior auth
11. Wireless Video Capsule Endoscopy requires prior auth
12. Cologuard screening require prior auth
13. Intone (DME over $500) requires prior auth
14. Diabetic Education and Nutritional Counseling does not require authorization at in network facilities -
Diabetic Education available through Health Plan.
15. Genetic testing requires prior auth, i.e. BRCA1 & BRCA2
***DME items less than $500 that requires prior authorization are as follows:
Pulse oximeters
Seat lift mechanisms
CPM machines
Apnea Monitors
Diabetic shoes
Insulin pump supplies (Quarterly)
PT/INR Home Monitoring Device
The preferred MRI & CT unit is at the Medical Associates Clinic and members are to be directed to the Medical
Associates Campus for the MRI & CT’s to be performed whenever possible. MRI’s & CT’s performed outside
of Medical Associates Clinic are medically necessary when one of the following are met:
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MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HEALTH PLANS AND HEALTH CHOICES
HEALTH CARE SERVICES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL
1. Emergency/urgent situation
2. When a timely MRI or CT are not available at an in-plan facility
3. Member need – inability to travel due to illness, injury, physical disability etc.
4. Unable to obtain procedure at in-plan facility i.e. stereotactic MRI, CTA
In network facilities include: MAC, Mercy Dubuque and Dyersville, Finley Hospital, SW Health Center,
Memorial Hospital of Lafayette, Grant Regional, Midwest Medical Center in Galena, Jones Regional Medical,
Jackson County Public Hospital, Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics, Upland Hills Health-
Dodgeville, Guttenberg Municipal Hospital, Regional Medical Center, Crossing Rivers Medical Center, Central
Community Hospital, Tri-State Surgery.
Health Choices Prior Authorization Requirements Pre certification may be required and is not limited to the following, please contact Health Choices at (866) 390-
3872 or (563) 584-4783 for specific Plan requirements:
*** ALL groups require In-patient notification with the exception of in-patient services being provided at
Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque - no notification is necessary.
Bodine Electric – 990048
Pharmacy Benefits – Medical Associates Health Plans (ED med.- Benefit Exclusion)
All DME over $500
All Inpatient Admissions including Rehab and Long Term Acute Care
All Out of Network services and Referrals (except urgent and emergent)
Bariatric Surgery
Chemotherapy
Dental or oral surgical services
Enteral or parenteral feeding
Genetic Testing
High cost radiology tests (CT/CTA, MRI/MRA, PET Scan)
Home Health (nursing, therapy, home infusions, etc.)
Organ Transplants
Outpatient Therapies, i.e. physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy
(after 20 combined visits)
Panniculectomy
Prosthetics if purchase price is over $500
Reconstructive Surgery, including those resulting from accident or disease
Radiation Therapy
Reduction Mammoplasty
Residential Care Facility (Mental Health or Substance Abuse)
Skilled Nursing Facility
Surgical and non-surgical treatment of TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)
Wound VAC therapy
Dupaco – 990054 (Point of Service)
Pharmacy Benefits – MedOne 888-884-MED1
All DME over $500
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MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HEALTH PLANS AND HEALTH CHOICES
HEALTH CARE SERVICES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL
All Inpatient Admissions including Rehab and Long Term Acute Care
Bariatric Surgery
Chemotherapy
Cochlear Implants
Cosmetic/Reconstructive Surgery, including those resulting from accident or disease
Dental or oral surgical services
Enteral or parenteral feeding
High cost radiology tests (CT/CTA, MRI/MRA, PET Scan)
Home Health (nursing, therapy, home infusions, etc.)
Infertility – benefit limitations apply
IV Drug Therapy (In office or Hospital setting)
Organ Transplant
Panniculectomy
Radiation Therapy
Reduction Mammoplasty
Residential Care Facility
Skilled Nursing Facility
Wound VAC Therapy
Giese – 99038 (Point of Service)
Pharmacy Benefits – Medical Associates Health Plans
All DME over $500
All Inpatient Admissions including Rehab and Long Term Acute Care
Bariatric Surgery
Cosmetic/Reconstructive Surgery, including those resulting from accident or disease
Dental or oral surgical services
Dependents Out of Network (services paid in network with authorization from Health
Choices)
Enteral or parenteral feeding
Genetic Testing
Growth Hormones
Hemodialysis
Home Health (nursing, therapy, home infusions, etc.)
Hospice
Organ Transplants
Out of Network Referrals
Outpatient Therapies, i.e. physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy
(after 20 visits)
Panniculectomy
Residential Care Facility
Skilled Nursing Facility Services
Wound VAC Therapy
IBEW – Out of Network Benefits
Please contact Health Choices at (866) 390-3872 or (563) 584-4783 for specific Plan
requirements and Kunkel Care Solutions at (855) 558-2310 for Prior Authorization.
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MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HEALTH PLANS AND HEALTH CHOICES
HEALTH CARE SERVICES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL
Pharmacy Benefits – Medical Associates Health Plans
All DME over $500
All Inpatient Admissions
o Skilled Acute
o Long-term Acute Care
o Nursing Facilities
o Psychiatric and Substance Abuse
All Out of Network Referrals and Second and/or Third opinions
All Outpatient Surgeries
Bariatric Surgery
Chemotherapy
Cochlear Implants
Dental or oral surgical services
Diabetic Shoes, orthotics and/or modifications to the shoes
Dialysis
Enteral or parenteral feeding
Genetic Testing
High cost radiology tests (CT/CTA, MRI/MRA, PET Scan)
Home Health (nursing, therapy, home infusions, etc.)
Hospice
Infertility
Organ Transplants
Osseointegrated Implants
Outpatient Therapies, i.e. physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy
Reconstructive Surgery, including those resulting from accident or disease
Radiation Oncology
Reduction Mammoplasty
Residential Care Facility
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Wound VAC Therapy
Medical Associates Clinic – HC0006
Pharmacy Benefits – Medical Associates Health Plans
All DME over $500
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MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HEALTH PLANS AND HEALTH CHOICES
HEALTH CARE SERVICES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL
All Inpatient Admissions including Rehab and Long Term Acute Care
All Out of Network services and Referrals (except urgent and emergent)
Bariatric Surgery
Chiropractic Services
Cosmetic/Reconstructive Surgery, including those resulting from accident or disease
Dental or oral surgical services
Diabetic Shoes
Home Health (nursing, therapy, home infusions, etc.)
Hospice
Infertility (no coverage for IVF)
Insulin pumps and supplies (initial request and every 3 months after approval)
Organ Transplants
Outpatient Therapies not provided at Medical Associates Clinic, i.e. physical therapy,
speech therapy and occupational therapy
Panniculectomy
Reduction Mammoplasty
Residential Care Facility
Skilled Nursing Facility
Wound VAC therapy
MercyOne Dubuque– HC0005 (Point of Service)
Pharmacy – CVS/Caremark (800)552-8159
All DME over $500
All Inpatient Admissions including Rehab and Long Term Acute Care
All Out of Network Referrals
Bariatric Surgery
Dental or oral surgical services
Habilitation services
Mental Health Care and Substance Abuse – Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient,
Outpatient psychiatric testing, Residential Treatment
Organ Transplants
Pain Clinic (Finley)
Panniculectomy
Reconstructive Surgery, including those resulting from accident or disease
Radiation Oncology – Wendt Center Tier 2 with pre certification approval
Reduction Mammoplasty
Skilled Nursing Facility
Wound VAC Therapy
Rite Hite – 990036 (Point of Service)
Pharmacy Benefits – Medical Associates Health Plans (ED med.- Benefit Exclusion)
All DME over $500
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MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HEALTH PLANS AND HEALTH CHOICES
HEALTH CARE SERVICES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL
All Out of Network Referrals
Diagnostic Imaging – Ambulatory
o CT Angiogram
o CT Calcium Screening
o MRI of the heart
o Capsule Camera Endoscopy
o Virtual Colonoscopy
o Oncology related PET, CT, or MRI
Infusion Services – Home and Office
Inpatient Services (Medical, Surgical, Behavioral)
o Elective Admissions, Emergency Admissions, Skilled Nursing Facility
Admissions, Transplants
Outpatient Therapies (Visits in excess of 25 require Medical Necessity Review), i.e.
physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy
Residential Care Facility
Surgical Procedures – Ambulatory
o Abdominoplasty
o AICD and Biventricular device insertions
o AV Fistula or graft access for dialysis
o Bariatric (weight loss) Surgery
o Blepharoplasty
o Breast Reduction
o Excess skin removal arms, chest and legs
o Hysterectomy
o Maxillo-facial surgery
o Nasal Surgeries
o Orthopedic Surgeries with implants
o Panniculectomy
o Sclerotherapy
o Shock Wave Lithotripsy plantar fasciitis
o Spinal Surgeries
o UP3/UPPP – Uvulopalopharyngoplasty
o Varicose Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy, Stripping or Endovenous Ablation)
o Ventral Hernia Repair
o Back or neck procedures (Intradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty (IDET),
Percutaneous Radiofrequency Neurotomy, Artificial Intervertebral Disk
Implantation, Automated Percutaneous Lumbar Diskectomy (APLD)
Wound VAC Therapy
SWWI Schools – 990039
Pharmacy Benefits – Medical Associates Health Plans (ED med.- Benefit Exclusion)
All DME over $500
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MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HEALTH PLANS AND HEALTH CHOICES
HEALTH CARE SERVICES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL
All Inpatient Admissions including Rehab and Long Term Acute Care
Bariatric Surgery
Cochlear Implants
Hearing Aids – Children under 18 years of age.
Organ Transplants
Panniculectomy
Reconstructive Surgery, including those resulting from accident or disease
Residential Care Facility
Skilled Nursing Facility
Speech Therapy
Treatment of Sleep Apnea
Wound VAC Therapy
Appendix C: Pre certification may be required for the following, please contact Medical Associates Health Plans at (866) 821-
1365 or (563) 584-4885 for plan specific requirements:
All DME over $500
All Inpatient Admissions including Rehab and Long Term Acute Care
All Same Day Surgeries requiring an overnight stay
Apnea Monitors
Bariatric Surgery
Blepharoplasty
Chemotherapy
Cochlear Implants
CPM Machines
Dental or oral surgical services
Diabetic Shoes
Enteral or parenteral feeding
Gender Reassignment
Genetic Testing
High cost radiology tests (CT/CTA, HIDA Scan, MRI/MRA, PET Scan, Ultrasound)
Home Health (nursing, therapy, home infusions, etc.)
Hospice
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment
Hysterectomy (Vaginal or Abdominal)
Implantable Bone Conduction Hearing Device
Insulin pumps and supplies (initial request and every 3 months after approval)
Neuroablation
Nutritional Counseling, including Diabetic Education
Outpatient Therapies, i.e. physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy
Panniculectomy
PT/INR Home Monitoring Device
Pulse Oximeters
Reconstructive Surgery, including those resulting from accident or disease
Radiation Oncology
Reduction Mastectomy
Residential Care Facility
Rhinoplasty
Seat Lift Mechanisms
Skilled
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MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HEALTH PLANS AND HEALTH CHOICES
HEALTH CARE SERVICES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL
Sleep Studies
Joint Replacements
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Varicose Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy, Stripping or Endovenous Ablation)
Wound VAC therapy
Appendix D: MAHP pre-certification guidelines for out of network requests include and may not be limited to the following:
a. Routine care out-of-area is not a covered service. Routine care is defined as treatment for a condition
which the patient has prior to leaving the service area. Medicare members: authorization will be granted
for medical services when requested by treating in-network physician/provider for members with ongoing
medical needs who will be out of service area. Examples include pro times for members on blood
thinners, dialysis out of service area, physical therapy etc. An authorization for these services will be
entered into the information system.
b. Routine lab work regularly scheduled to occur is not covered while out of the service area unless
medically necessary to maintain the member’s health. An exception can be made and an authorization
entered into the system.
c. Eye exams for students will be authorized if the patient is having acute symptoms such as headaches or
blurry vision. Routine eye exams will be authorized out-of-area if no appointment within the Health
Plans’ service area can be made for the patient within a four-week period. Payment will be made
according to the contract limitations.
d. Elective procedures such as, but not limited to repeat pap smears in follow-up to previous abnormal pap
smears, colposcopies are not covered out-of-area. If it is felt to be more urgently needed, a copy of pap
smear report will be obtained for review by the Chief Medical Officer.
e. Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases for student’s out-of-area will be approved for initial evaluation
with a request for a treatment plan from the treating practitioner. Upon review of the treatment plan,
subsequent follow-up visits will be authorized based upon the reasonableness of the treatment plan, with
the understanding that the student will follow-up with a Health Plans’ provider upon return to the service
area.
f. Follow-up care will be authorized as necessary, when it is not reasonable for the patient to return to the
service area and/or a considerable unsuccessful attempt has been made to obtain an appointment for the
patient upon return to the service area. If an appointment can be arranged for the patient in the service
area, but the patient refuses, the visit will not be authorized out-of-area.
g. Allergy injections – College students will be directed to Student Health facilities. Authorizations will
need to be entered for claims to pay. Adults needing allergy injections out of the services area will
require an In-Plan Physician referral indicating medical necessity and time frame needing approval. An
authorization will be entered when medically indicated.
h. Vaccination Exception: Meningitis Vaccine is covered for college students at Student Health
Departments. Hepatitis B Vaccine is covered for college students at Student Health Departments (if
covered in contract). No referral is necessary. Schools are to submit bills to the Health Plans for
reimbursement.
i. Physical Therapy may be authorized out-of-area when in follow-up to treatment initiated by a
participating practitioner and the treating provider requests authorization for the service. Physical
Therapy will be authorized in follow-up to treatment initiated by non-participating practitioners out-of-
area when the incident/illness/injury occurs while out of the Health Plans’ service area.
j. Requests for mental health/chemical dependency services by all enrollees will be directed to their
designated mental health triage group i.e. HMO (open access) members are referred to Medical Associates
HCS Department. HCS Policy Mental Health / Chemical Dependency Access Standards is utilized to
determine coverage on non-participating providers. Information is entered into MAHP’s computer system
and treatment plans are requested as needed.
k. Members receiving kidney dialysis and who have a short-term need (two weeks or less) out of the services
area my request consideration of coverage for kidney dialysis while out of the service area. Requests
should be provided by the treating Nephrologist with pertinent information such as, treating facility and
length of stay. The Case Manager may authorize dialysis when appropriate.
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Appendix E:
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MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HEALTH PLANS AND HEALTH CHOICES
HEALTH CARE SERVICES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL
Appendix F:
Suggested Guidelines for Outpatient Nutrition Visits
The below guidelines are suggested number of visits for nutritional counseling. Approving additional
visits over the suggested amount should be based medical necessity, the provider’s plan of care, the
dietician and member needs. Visits can be spanned over a 3 month period of time.
Low Cholesterol Diet 2 visits
Lower Cholesterol with other modifications* 2 visits
Sodium Restriction Diet 2 visits
Sodium Restriction with other modifications* 2 visits
Diabetic Diet 2 visits
Diabetic Diet with other modifications* 3 visits
Gestational Diabetes 2 visits
Hypertriglyceridemia 1 visit
Hypertriglyceridemia with other modifications* 2 visits
Eating Disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia) 4 visits
High Fiber Diet 1 visit
Low Residue 1 visit
Low Fat (gallbladder) 1 visit
FODMAP Diet (IBS diet) 2 visits
*Modifications could include a combination of one or more dietary needs (i.e. Sodium, low cholesterol,
low carb, high fiber)