Genetic Testing Management Partnership Implementation - Operations Update
The Genetic Testing Management (GTM) program includes new and revised medical policies, a new authorization request process, guidelines, and consistent preservice reviews for certain genetic testing services that will be applicable to both ordering and rendering provider partners.OncoHealth to Administer the Oncology Benefits Program - Operations Update
OncoHealth will administer Sentara Health Plans (SHP) Oncology Benefits Management Program.Quest Diagnostics - Operations Updates
Effective January 1, 2025, Quest Diagnostics will become the exclusive independent laboratory vendor for Commercial and Government programs.23-Hour Crisis Stabilization Services - Regulatory Update
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) is requiring that providers of 23-Hour Crisis Stabilization services obtain one of the following licenses: (i) MH Center-Based Crisis Receiving Center for Adults (02-040) and/or MH Center-Based Crisis Receiving Center Children and Adolescents (02-041). Providers of 23-Hour Crisis Stabilization are required to do all the following actions by December 2, 2024.Change In Enrollment Policy for Certain Dual Eligible Medicare-Medicaid Enrollees
Change In Enrollment Policy for Certain Dual Eligible Medicare-Medicaid EnrolleesReminder-Billing and Coding JW and JZ Modifiers
Sentara Health Plans complies with CMS requirements for the use of modifiers JW and JZ on single-dose container drugs.General Anesthesia Rendered in Place of Service 11 (Office)
Sentara Health Plans does not cover general anesthesia when rendered in place of service 11 (office).Inappropriate Use of JW Modifier
Sentara Health Plans will deploy an edit to review the inappropriate use of JW modifier (drug amount discarded/not administered to any patient). The JW modifier is only permitted to be used to identify discarded amounts from a single vial or single package drug or biological. It is inappropriate to append JW modifier to a multi-dose vial (MDV).Service Rates Increase for ABA Services
Effective September 1, 2024, Sentara Health Plans will increase commercial rates for ABA services to align with DMAS. Our contracting processes were modified to automatically apply rate changes as they are released.Authorization Requirement Removed for Electroconvulsive Therapy (90870)
Authorization requirements for Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) 90870 was removed. Providers should provide the service to members and file a claim for reimbursementModifier 51
Modifier 51 is used to indicate multiple procedures other than evaluation and management (E/M) services performed by the same provider on the same day. The Modifier 51 policy edit will be effective September 1, 2024.Telemonitoring Frequency Limits
On September 1, 2024, Sentara Health Plans will deploy a new edit on telemonitoring codes that includes a description that defines a time period where a code can only be billed within the designated time requirements.Skilled Nursing Facility Providers: Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC)
Sentara Health Plans policies align with the Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage and actions required to remain compliant with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Sentara Medicare Utilization Management (UM) would like to partner with our providers to ensure we are adhering to CMS regulations.Medicare Advantage Hospital Services Review Process: Two-Midnights Rule
The Two-midnight Benchmark, Medical Necessity CriteriaBehavioral Health Prior Authorization Requirement Removed (H0023 and H0006)
Effective July 1, 2024, Sentara Health Plans will no longer require prior authorization for: • Mental Health Case Management (H0023) • Substance Use Case Management (H0006)Sequela ICD 10 Billed as Primary Diagnosis Code
A new edit will be deployed, effective August 1, 2024, to review ICD 10 Sequela diagnosis codesAllergen Testing and Treatment
Effective Date: August 1, 2024First Source New Paper Claims Vendor
Beginning July 1, Sentara Health Plans will transition our paper claims processing functions to First Source, a third-party vendor responsible for the intake and processing of mailed claims.New Patient Visit
Effective Date: August 1, 2024Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Rental to Purchase
Effective August 1, 2024, Sentara Health Plans will deploy an edit to review DME rental costs. Sentara Health Plans adheres to the Department of Medical Assistance Services Appendix B to determine the allowable cost for rental and purchase allowances for DME items.