DOH Medicaid Update July 2006 Vol. 21, No. 8

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Effective June 28, 2006, New York State Medicaid began implementing a Pharmacy Preferred Drug Program (PDP). Detailed information was included in the June 2006 Medicaid Update, and is also available on the following websites:

http://NewYork.fhsc.com    or    or www.nyhealth.gov

Preferred Drug Program Frequently Asked Questions for Providers

General Questions

What is a Preferred Drug Program (PDP)?

A Preferred Drug Program (PDP) establishes a list of therapeutically effective drugs for which the Medicaid program will allow payment without a prior authorization (PA). Certain agents are considered "preferred" within a specific therapeutic class because of their clinical characteristics or because New York State will receive manufacturer rebates, which lowers the cost. Agents that are considered "non- preferred" continue to be available via prior authorization.

Which recipients are affected by this program?
Recipients, who receive pharmacy services through the Medicaid fee-for-service program, including those in Medicaid Managed Care, Medicare Part D and Child Health Plus A plans, are subject to this new program. Those in Family Health Plus and Child Health Plus B (the non-Medicaid Program) receive medications through their managed care plan, and are not affected.

How are the drugs chosen for the PDP?
Selected classes are reviewed by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee, which makes clinical recommendations to the State on which drug(s) to consider preferred and non-preferred in each PDP class.

How is a drug determined to be "preferred" or "non-preferred"?
The P&T Committee reviews extensive clinical reports and evidence to determine if any drug has been found in clinical studies to be more effective than others in the same class. If a drug is found more effective, it is considered preferred regardless of the price. If there is no evidence of any drugs being more effective than others in the class, then the Committee looks at the net cost to the State for all drugs in the class. Those that are more cost-effective are considered preferred. Note: All manufacturers are offered the opportunity to provide NYS with supplemental rebates which make their drug more competitively priced. Some manufacturers provide such rebates, and others do not.

Who is on the P&T Committee?
The P&T Committee consists of actively practicing physicians, pharmacists, a nurse practitioner and consumer advocates, and represents specialties such as mental health, geriatrics, internal medicine, HIV/AIDS, and pediatrics.

Is a non-preferred drug off the Medicaid formulary?
No, NYS Medicaid covers virtually all prescription drugs. There is no 'formulary' where certain drugs are not covered.

Questions on Using the PDP

Will patients currently taking drugs that are non-preferred be required to have prior authorization?

Patients who are currently prescribed a non-preferred drug may continue to use that prescription and remaining refills. When a new prescription is needed, the prescriber will need to change the patient's prescription to the preferred drug, or, if medically indicated, get prior authorization for the non-preferred drug with each subsequent prescription.

If I want my patient to get a non-preferred drug, what do I do?
Call the Medicaid Pharmacy Prior Authorization Call Center at 1-877-309-9493. The clinical call line for the PDP will be Option #1. Prescribers will need to respond to questions about the patient's medical need for a non-preferred drug to determine if it is medically necessary.

Is this the same automated system I use for Second Generation Antihistamines, Brand Medically Necessary Drugs and Proton Pump Inhibitors?
No, the PDP will use a live call line, not an automated system. But there is a single number to call for all Medicaid Pharmacy Prior Authorizations: 1-877-309-9493.

• press 1 if you are seeking approval for a non-preferred drug;
• press 2 for the automated (VIPS) system for other types of drug prior authorizations.

If I order a preferred brand name drug which has an A-rated generic, do I also have to get a PA through the Mandatory Generic Drug Program?
No. Preferred drugs do not need prior authorization, even if a generic is available. However, you will need to write "Brand Medically Necessary" and "Dispensed as Written" on the prescription.

What questions will I need to answer to get a prior authorization approved?
The following questions, at a minimum, will be asked regarding medical necessity:

1. Has the patient experienced an adverse drug reaction with a preferred drug?
2. Has the patient experienced a treatment failure with the preferred drug?
3. Is there a documented history of successful therapeutic control with a non-preferred drug and transition to a preferred drug is medically contraindicated?

(Selected drugs may have additional clinical questions). If the patient meets one or more of these criteria, the prior authorization will be approved. See the Worksheet for Prior Authorization.

If my patient doesn't meet your clinical criteria, will I be denied a PA?
We provide every opportunity for approval. If the patient doesn't meet the specific criteria, we will refer you to a physician or pharmacist here who will immediately discuss the specific case further with you. You can explain any special medical situations, and in most cases, that will enable an authorization.

How long does a PA last?
PAs last for the life of a prescription, which can be up to six months.

Can a PA be obtained by fax?
Yes, Prescribers can fax their requests to 1-800-268-2990. Fax forms may be obtained at the website https://newyork.fhsc.com/providers/PDP_forms.asp. A decision on a faxed request will be made within 24 hours. (Pharmacists cannot complete the PA process via FAX at this time.)

Can I call for more than one prior authorization request for the same patient or multiple patients, all in one call?
Yes.

What if I have more questions?
If you have more questions, you can visit http://NewYork.fhsc.com or http://www.nyhealth.gov or call for assistance at: 1-877-309-9493.

Will more drug classes be added, and when?
It is anticipated that Phase II of the program will be implemented at the end of September 2006. This will include several additional drug classes. Your office will be notified of the additions to the Preferred Drug List. It will also be available on the Department's web site, prior to implementation.

Listed below is a "Quick List" for Phase I, which is an easy-to-use summary of the preferred drugs in each category effective June 28, 2006. Printt these sheets and keep them handy.

Also included in this article is the full listing of all drugs included in each class, with preferred and non-preferred drugs indicated.

ACE Inhibitors	Beta Blockers
PREFERRED DRUGS	PREFERRED AGENTS
Altace®	acebutolol
benazepril HCl	atenolol
benazepril HCl/HCTZ	betaxolol
captopril	bisoprolol fumerate
captopril/HCTZ	labetalol
enalapril maleate	metoprolol tartrate
enalapril maleate/HCTZ	nadolol
lisinopril	pindolol
lisinopril/HCTZ	propranolol
Mavik®	timolol maleate
moexipril HCl
Uniretic®	Bisphosphonates - Oral
	PREFERRED AGENTS
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers	Fosamax® Solution
PREFERRED AGENTS	Fosamax® Tablet
Benicar HCT®	Fosamax® Plus D
Benicar®
Cozaar®	Calcium Channel Blockers (DHP)
Diovan HCT®	PREFERRED AGENTS
Diovan®	Afeditab CR®
Hyzaar®	Dynacirc®
Micardis HCT®	Dynacirc CR®
Micardis®	felodipine ER
	isradipine
ACEI + Calcium Channel Blocker Combination	nicardipine HCl
PREFERRED AGENTS	Nifediac CC®
Lotrel®	Nifedical XL®
Tarka®	nifedipine
	nifedipine ER
	nifedipine SA
	Norvasc®
	Sular®

ACE Inhibitors	ACE Inhibitors
PREFERRED AGENTS	NON-PREFERRED AGENTS - PA Required Effective 6/28/06
Altace® benazepril HCl captopril enalapril maleate lisinopril Mavik® moexipril HCl	Accupril® Aceon® Capoten® fosinopril sodium Lotensin® Monopril® Prinivil® quinapril HCl Univasc® Vasotec® Zestril®
ACEI + Diuretic Combination	ACEI + Diuretic Combination
PREFERRED AGENTS	NON-PREFERRED AGENTS - PA Required Effective 6/28/06
benazepril HCl/HCTZ captopril/HCTZ enalapril maleate/HCTZ lisinopril/HCTZ Uniretic®	Accuretic® Capozide® fosinopril HCT Lotensin HCT® Monopril HCT® Prinzide® Quinaretic® Vaseretic® Zestoretic®
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers	Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
PREFERRED AGENTS	NON-PREFERRED AGENTS - PA Required Effective 6/28/06
Benicar® Cozaar® Diovan® Micardis®	Atacand® Avapro® Teveten®
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers + Diuretic	Angiotensin Receptor Blockers + Diuretic
PREFERRED AGENTS	NON-PREFERRED AGENTS - PA Required Effective 6/28/06
Benicar HCT® Diovan HCT® Hyzaar® Micardis HCT®	Atacand HCT® Avalide® Teveten HCT®
ACEI + Calcium Channel Blocker Combination	ACEI + Calcium Channel Blocker Combination
PREFERRED AGENTS	NON-PREFERRED AGENTS - PA Required Effective 6/28/06
Lotrel® Tarka®	Lexxel®
Beta Blockers	Beta Blockers CC
PREFERRED AGENTS	NON-PREFERRED AGENTS - PA Required Effective 6/28/06
acebutolol atenolol betaxolol bisoprolol fumerate labetalol metoprolol tartrate nadolol pindolol propranolol timolol maleate	Blocadren® Cartrol® Coreg®CC Corgard® Inderal LA® Inderal® InnoPran XL® Kerlone® Lopressor® Levatol® Sectral® Tenormin® Toprol XL®CC Trandate® Zebeta®
Bisphosphonates - Oral	Oral Bisphosphonates
PREFERRED AGENTS	NON-PREFERRED AGENTS - PA Required Effective 6/28/06
Fosamax®Solution Fosamax®Tablet Fosamax®Plus D	Actonel® Actonel®with Calcium Boniva®
Calcium Channel Blockers (DHP)	Calcium Channel Blockers (DHP)
PREFERRED AGENTS	NON-PREFERRED AGENTS - PA Required Effective 6/28/06
Afeditab CR® Dynacirc® Dynacirc CR® felodipine ER isradipine nicardipine HCl Nifediac CC® Nifedical XL® nifedipine nifedipine ER nifedipine SA Norvasc® Sular®	Adalat® Adalat CC® Cardene® Cardene SR® Plendil® Procardia® Procardia XL®

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REMEMBER: Drugs identified by NYS Medicaid as "Preferred" do not require Prior Authorization. If you prescribe the preferred drug, no additional action is necessary.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

1. Effective June 28, 2006, drugs identified by NYS Medicaid as non-preferred require prior authorization. A list of preferred and non-preferred drugs is available at http://www.nyhealth.gov and at http://newyork.fhsc.com
2. The prescriber, or an agent of the prescriber, must call the prior authorization call line to initiate a prior authorization.
3. Fax requests are permitted. A completed copy of the preferred drug program prior authorization fax request form, found on the reverse side of this page, should be sent to 1-800-268-2990. Fax requests may take up to 24 hours to process.
4. If calling for prior authorization of a non-preferred drug, the prescriber is not required to maintain any forms; however, the prescriber or their agent should be prepared to answer the questions below and document the drug name, the reason the non-preferred drug is being requested and the prior authorization number in the patient's medical record. (Note-prescribers are still required to maintain a copy of prior authorization worksheets for currently existing prior authorization programs (i.e., Zyvox, Serostim, mandatory generic) in the patient's medical record).
5. Prior authorization is required for each new prescription and is effective for the life of the prescription (up to five refills in six months).
   
   PRESCRIBER PROCEDURE
   
   • To initiate the prior authorization process, the prescriber must call the prior authorization phone line at 1-877-309-9493 and select Option "1" for Prescriber.
   • To obtain a prior authorization for a non-preferred drug, select Option "1" again. Please be prepared to provide the following information when calling:
     • Prescriber's Medicaid ID number or license number
     • Client's Medicaid ID number
     • Non-preferred drug name
   • The questions you will be asked will include the following:
     • Has the patient experienced a treatment failure with the preferred drug?
     • Has the patient experienced an adverse drug reaction with a preferred drug?
     • Is there a documented history of successful therapeutic control with a non-preferred drug and transition to a preferred drug is medically contraindicated?
   • If uncertain which selection to make or if assistance with the prior authorization process is required, select Option "3" for support.
6. Once authorization is given and a prior authorization number is obtained, the number must be written on the face of the prescription. Please be sure to include the "W" when writing prior authorization numbers for non-preferred drugs on the patient's prescription.

For billing questions, contact 1-800-343-9000. For clinical concerns or preferred drug program questions, contact 1-877-309-9493.
For Medicaid pharmacy policy and operations questions, call (518) 486-3209.

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All drugs that have been identified as non-preferred drugs must be prior authorized effective June 28, 2006. To request prior authorization via fax, please submit this form.
Fax requests may take up to 24 hours.

PATIENT INFORMATION	PRESCRIBER INFORMATION
Client Name:	Prescriber Name:
Client Medicaid ID # (2 letters, 5 numbers, 1 letter):	Provider ID Number (MMIS)__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ OR license NYS Physician /PA/Resident: 0 0 __ __ __ __ __ __ NYS Optometrist: U __ __ __ __ __ __ or V __ __ __ __ __ __ NYS Nurse Practitioner/Midwife: F __ __ __ __ __ NYS Dentist: 0 0 0 __ __ __ __ __ NYS Podiatrist: 0 0 0 0 __ __ __ __ OR Out-of-State License: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ (Use your state abbreviation in the first two spaces.)
Client Address:	Prescriber Address:
City:                       State:	City:                 State:
Home Phone:             Zip:	Office Phone #:            Office Fax #:         Zip:
Gender (circle): M     F   DOB:	Contact Person:

DIAGNOSIS AND MEDICAL INFORMATION
Non-Preferred Drug Name:	Strength and Route of Administration:	Frequency:
[  ] New Prescription OR Date Therapy Initiated:	Expected Length of Therapy:	Qty:
Height/Weight:	Drug Allergies:	Diagnosis:
Prescriber's Signature:		Date:

RATIONALE FOR REQUEST OF PRIOR AUTHORIZATION FORM CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT REQUIRED EXPLANATION
[ ]  Patient has experienced a treatment failure with a preferred drug.
[ ]  Patient has experienced an adverse drug reaction with a preferred drug.
[ ]  There is documented history of successful therapeutic control with a non-preferred drug and transition to a preferred drug is medically contraindicated.
[ ]  Other (please specify - if necessary, fax additional pages):

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The prescriber must initiate the prior authorization process.*

PHARMACY RESPONSIBILITY

• Call 1-877-309-9493 prior to dispensing to validate the prior authorization number. Select Option "2" for Pharmacy.
  • If the prior authorization number on the prescription ends with the letter "W," select Option "1" for prior authorization of non-preferred drugs. You will be asked to respond to the questions on the prior authorization worksheet. Please note: the "W" is used only to identify non-preferred drugs and is not a part of the prior authorization number. Do not enter the "W" when entering the prior authorization number.
  • If you are uncertain which selection to make or require assistance with the prior authorization process, select Option "3" for support.
• You will be provided confirmation that you have authorization to dispense the drug.
• Pharmacists may validate multiple prior authorizations during one telephone call.
• Use the same prior authorization number for refills - you do not need to call the prior authorization line again for refills of this prescription.

SUBMITTING A CLAIM

• After the prior authorization is complete, there will be a slight delay while the information is transmitted to our fiscal agent. Until that transfer occurs, the prescription cannot be adjudicated on-line. We recommend you wait approximately two minutes before you begin your electronic claim submission.
• When billing a prescription electronically, the prior authorization number must be entered into the prior authorization code field.
• No more than two claims requiring prior authorization numbers can be submitted for payment in one transaction. Refer to the ProDUR/ECC Provider Manual for complete instructions.
• For technical questions regarding electronic on-line claims adjudication call 1-800-343-9000.
• Prior authorization does not guarantee payment. Payment is subject to eligibility and other Medicaid guidelines.

*For information on acceptable conditions for an emergency supply and for prior authorization to dispense an emergency supply of a non-preferred drug, call 1-877-309-9493 and press Option "3" for technical support.

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The prescriber will obtain the prior authorization number and write it on the new prescription. Remember, prescriptions for non-preferred drugs will carry a prior authorization number ending with a "W." The "W" is used to alert pharmacy providers to select the non-preferred drug option when calling the prior authorization phone line. The "W" should not be included in the prior authorization field when submitting a claim. The prior authorization number for non-preferred drugs is an 11-digit number.

Be prepared with the following when you call.

PRIOR AUTHORIZATION NUMBER (11- digit)	__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
CLIENT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER - (2 letters, 5 numbers, 1 letter)	__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
PHARMACY MMIS NUMBER	__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
PHARMACY CATEGORY OF SERVICE (COS) - (0161, 0441, 0288) Free-standing pharmacies usually have a COS of 0441	__ __ __ __
PHARMACY TELEPHONE NUMBER	(__ __ __)- __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ Area Code
NDC (11-digit)	__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
QUANTITY (per fill)	__ __ __ __
NUMBER OF REFILLS	____

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To get a PA (prior Authorization) for the Preferred Drug List (ACE inhibitors, ARB's, Beta Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers and Bisphosphonates):

• Call (877) 309-9493
  • Select Option "1" if you are a Prescriber, or
  • Select Option "2" if you are a Pharmacy Provider"
• Then select Option "1" for NON-PREFERRED DRUGS

To get a PA for the Mandatory Generic Program, Proton Pump Inhibitors, Antihistamines, Serostim, Zyvox:

• Call (877) 309-9493
  • Select Option "1" if you are a Prescriber,or
  • Select Option "2" if you are a Pharmacy Provider
• Then select Option "2" for ALL OTHER DRUGS

To get a PA for Enterals:

• Call (866) 211-1736

To discuss POS (Point of Service) issues, billing problems such as payment questions or errors in pharmacy claims

Call (800) 343-900

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Pharmacy reimbursement for prescription drugs is limited to:

• the federal upper limit (FUL) for specific multiple source drugs, or
• the lower of the billing pharmacy's usual and customary price charged to the general public, or the estimated acquisition cost (EAC) established by the NYS Department of Health.

The following changes have been made to the EAC definitions which will affect pharmacy reimbursement for drugs provided on and after July 15, 2006:

• Sole or Multi-source Brand Drugs
  AWP of the prescription product minus thirteen and one-quarter percent (13.25%).
• Multi-source Generic Drugs
  The FUL if available or, if no FUL has been assigned by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the lower of AWP minus twenty percent (20%) or the State based maximum acquisition cost (SMAC), when established by the NYS Commissioner of Health.

In addition, the pharmacy reimbursement for specialized HIV pharmacies which meet specific programmatic and operational criteria will be defined as follows:

• Sole or Multi-source Brand Drugs
  AWP minus twelve percent (12%).
• Multi-source Generic Drugs
  The FUL, if available, or if no FUL has been assigned by the CMS, the lower of AWP minus twelve (12%) or SMAC, when established by the NYS Commissioner of Health.

Questions can be directed to the Medicaid Pharmacy Policy and Operations staff at 518-486-3209.

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This information supercedes information in previous issues of the Medicaid Update - June 2006 and the June 2006 Special Edition

Previously providers were notified that effective July 1, 2006, Medicaid was limiting its wrap-around coverage for drugs not covered by a Medicare Part D plan to four drug categories. However, due to recent legislative actions, the wrap-around program will continue to include all covered medications until January 1, 2007. As of that date, the wrap-around benefit will be limited to the following four categories of drugs:

1. atypical antipsychotics,
2. antidepressants,
3. antiretrovirals, and
4. anti-rejection drugs used in the treatment of tissue and organ transplants.

As with all Part D wrap-around claims, Medicaid should only be billed for these categories of drugs after billing Medicare Part B (when appropriate) or a Medicare Part D plan. NYS Medicaid still remains the payor of last resort.

NYS Medicaid continues to cover certain drugs which are excluded from the Part D benefit, such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, some prescription vitamins, and non-prescription (OTC) drugs which can be billed directly to NYS Medicaid.

Questions can be directed to the Medicaid Pharmacy Policy and Operations staff at (518) 486-3209.

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The following Medicare Part D program information was distributed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on June 9, 2006. Please take note of this change.

During implementation of Medicare Part D, CMS provided a special contact phone line for pharmacists to assist in determining plan enrollment and Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) co-pay status. This pharmacist line (866-835-7595), has provided direct access to Medicare call service representatives (CSRs).

Beginning June 24, 2006, when pharmacists call the 1-866 pharmacist line, they will be directed to the standard 1-800 Medicare interactive voice response system. Medicare CSRs will continue to be available through this system, providing the same information and service for pharmacists as they do today.

To sign up for the Medicare Rx Update, please visit:

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/mailinglists/default.asp

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Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) announces a schedule of seminars to be offered to providers and their billing staff.

Seminar locations and dates are available at the eMedNY website. Registration is fast and easy.

Go to http://www.emedny.org/training/index.aspx to register for the eMedNY Training Seminar appropriate for your provider category and location.

If you are unable to access the internet to register, please contact CSC's call center at (800) 343-9000, to obtain a registration form.

You may also request seminar schedule and registration information by contacting CSC's Fax on Demand at (800) 370-5809. Please refer to these resources frequently for additional seminar offerings.

CSC representatives look forward to meeting with you at upcoming seminars!

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After February 21, 2006, Medicare required that gastric bypass surgery be performed in a facility certified by:

• The American College of Surgeons as a Level 1 Bariatric Surgery Center, or
• The American Society for Bariatric Surgery as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence (BSCOE).

If the surgery is performed in a facility that is not certified, Medicare will deny payment.

Because of this new Medicare requirement, there have been inquiries regarding Medicaid payment for gastric bypass surgery to dually-eligible individuals.

• If Medicare denies payment because the facility is not certified, Medicaid will not cover the surgery. Since Medicare is primary payer for the service and has imposed these limitations on delivery, we must adhere to their payment rules.

A copy of the decision memorandum is available online at:

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/viewdecisionmemo.asp?id=160

A list of approved facilities may be accessed at:

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareApprovedFacilitie/BSF/list.asp?

At this time, recipients who have Medicaid coverage only are not subject to these limitations.

UPDATED MEDICAID PROTOCOL FOR GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY

In addition to the protocol previously provided in the January 2005 Medicaid Update, we are including below a body-mass index qualification consistent with Medicare policy.

The Medicaid Program provides reimbursement for gastric bypass surgery that has been determined to be medically necessary under the following circumstances:

• Recipient body-mass index (BMI) of at least 35; and
• The service/procedure is an integral and necessary part of a course of treatment for an illness; and
• The patient's obesity was created by, or is aggravating or creating, pathological disorders; and
• Regular medical treatment including endocrine, nutritional, psychiatric and counseling services, as appropriate, have been provided to the patient for a period of 12-24 months and regular weighing of patient has indicated insignificant weight loss.

Note: Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to forego a medical treatment period when an urgent medical problem justifies surgery. No prior approval is required for this surgery. The detailed medical necessity for surgery must be documented in the patient's medical records.

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In past Medicaid Updates we pledged to keep you informed of the progress made by the New York State Department of Health (DOH) and Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) to realize recommended improvements in the State's long term health care system made by the Governor's Workgroup on Health Care Reform in its 2004 Report.

Accordingly, the following summary will provide an update on our most recent activities.

A Comprehensive Long-Term Care Medicaid Waiver

As mentioned in the June 2006 issue of the Medicaid Update, the Commissioner named a fourteen member Advisory Council, comprised of the Executive Directors and members of stakeholder organizations and government officials, who will meet later this summer to assist the Department in rebalancing the scope and delivery of long term care services.

The Council membership includes representatives of:

• The Broome County Community Alternative Systems Agency,
• Center for Disability Rights,
• Consumer Directed Choices,
• Healthcare Association of New York State,
• Home Care Association of New York State,
• New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging,
• New York Association on Independent Living,
• New York City Human Resources Administration,
• New York State Office for the Aging,
• Oneida County Office for the Aging & Continuing Care,
• Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy,
• Sick Kids Need Involved People (SKIP) of New York,
• Visiting Nurse Service of New York and,
• A consumer.

Subcommittees to the Council will be formed later to assist with the review of specific issues such as workforce development, housing, technology, etc.

The seven regional long term care collaboration sessions concluded successfully with nearly 1,000 consumers, advocates and government officials attending.

A summary report is coming soon to the Department's website!

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A non-competitive Request for Applications (RFA) was issued to local governments for contracts to startup/operate the POE in each county across the State.

As an immediate follow-up, NYSOFA and DOH held a joint Technical Assistance Seminar, on May 16, 2006, for Area Agency on Aging Directors and Local Department of Social Services' Commissioners.

• The Seminar focused on the RFA Application process and required POE Standards. Further meetings and assistance will be provided as the process continues.

How You Can Follow the Process

You can find copies of all published reports documenting our progress and keep up to date on upcoming meetings, requests for information, and opportunities for related State contracts on the DOH and NYSOFA websites at:

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Changes have been made to the Dispensing Validation System (DVS) which affects prior authorizations obtained for Durable Medical Equipment (DME), Orthotics, Prosthetics and Prescription Footwear.

These changes include:

• Authorization numbers are now valid for 180 daysfrom the date authorization is obtained, and
• Authorizations may be cancelled within 90 daysof original issue date, if the need arises.

Authorizations received for pharmacy and medical supply items remain valid for only five days, and must be cancelled within 24 hours when the need arises.

Questions? Please contact CSC Provider Services at (800) 343-9000.

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The Medicaid program encourages practitioners to copy and distribute the following information to their patients and to share it with their colleagues.

The Department of Health has made a commitment to provide assistance to Medicaid recipients who want to stop smoking.

• There is clear evidence that smoking and tobacco cessation will lead to better health.

Below are some of the free programs and resources available to assist in efforts to stop smoking:

REGIONAL TOBACCO CONTROL COALITIONS

Region	Program	Telephone Number	County/Counties Served
Capital North	South Adirondack Tobacco Free Coalition 36 Phila St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866	(518) 581-1230	Saratoga, Warren, Washington
	Project ACTION 427 Guy Park Ave. Amsterdam, NY 12010	(518) 841-7123	Hamilton, Fulton, Montgomery
	Adirondack Tobacco Free Network 133 Margaret St. Plattsburgh, NY 12901	(518) 565-4993	Clinton, Essex, Franklin
Capital South	Rural Three for Tobacco Free Communities One Atwell Road Cooperstown, NY 13326	(607) 547-7639	Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie
	Rip Van Winkle Tobacco Free Coalition 389 Fairview Ave. Hudson, NY 12534	(518) 822-0999	Columbia, Greene
	Capital District Tobacco Free Coalition 3 Winners Circle Suite 300 Albany, NY 12205	(518) 459-4197	Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady
Central North	Cayuga County Tobacco Free Coalition 188 Genesee St. Suite 208 Auburn, NY 13021	(315) 252-0097	Cayuga
	T-PACC Jefferson Suite 404 A 200 Washington Ave. Watertown, NY 13601	(315) 836-1560	Jefferson, Lewis
	Tobacco Free Network of Oswego County 157 West First St. Oswego, NY 13126	(315) 343-2344	Oswego
	Tobacco Free Madison County 3059 Seneca Turnpike Canastota, NY 13032	(315) 697-3947	Madison
	Tobacco Free Onondaga County 421 Montgomery St. 9th Floor Syracuse, NY 13202	(315) 435-3280	Onondaga
	St. Lawrence Tobacco Free Coalition 80 State Highway 310 Suite 2 Canton, NY 13617	(315) 386-2325	St. Lawrence
Central South	Tobacco Free Partners at Cortland & Tompkins Counties Room B25, 60 Central Ave. Cortland, NY 13045	(607) 758-5501	Cortland, Tompkins
	Broome/Tioga PREVENT Coalition 225 Front St. Binghamton, NY 13905	(607) 778-3068	Broome, Tioga
	Chenango Community Partnership for Tobacco Control 24 Conkey Avenue Norwich, NY 13815	(607) 337-4105	Chenango
Central	Smoke Free Mohawk Valley 83 E. Main St. Mohawk, NY 13407	(315) 866-1004	Herkimer, Oneida
New York City	NYC Coalition for a Smoke Free City 2 Lafayette St. 21st Floor New York, NY 10007	(212) 442-3205	Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond, Queens
Hudson Valley	Pow'r Against Tobacco Coalition 35 Orchard St. White Plains, NY 10603	(914) 949-2150	Putnam, Orange, Westchester, Rockland
	Smokefree Dutchess 387 Main St. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601	(845) 486-3559	Dutchess
	Sullivan Co. Tobacco Free Coalition 11 Hamilton Ave. Monticello, NY 12701	(845) 794-8080	Sullivan
	TFAC Tobacco Free Action Coalition of Ulster 741 Grant Ave. Lake Katrine, NY 12449	(845) 943-6070	Ulster
Western Buffalo	Tri-County Tobacco Control Coalition 7 N. Erie St., Hall Clothier Bldg. Mayville, NY 14757	(716) 484-3325	Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany
	Smoke Free NOW 430 E. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020	(585) 815-1871	Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming
	Erie-Niagara Tobacco-Free Coalition Elm and Carlton Streets Buffalo, NY 14263	(716) 845-3407	Erie, Niagara
Western Rochester	Tobacco Action Coalition of the Finger Lakes 1595 Elmwood Ave. Rochester, NY 14620	(585) 442-4260	Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, Yates
	Smoking and Health Action Coalition of Monroe County 1595 Elmwood Ave. Rochester, NY 14620	(585) 442-4260	Monroe
	Southern Tier Tobacco Awareness Coalition PO Box 858. Corning, NY 14830	(607) 937-9922	Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben
	Livingston Co. Tobacco Control Coalition PO Box 4 Mt. Morris, NY 14510	(585) 243-7524	Livingston

The New York State Medicaid program is committed to assisting all Medicaid recipients who would like to stop tobacco use.

Medicaid covers both prescription and over-the-counter smoking cessation agents.

For information on New York State Medicaid's Smoking Cessation Policy, please call (518) 486-3209 or visit the following websites:

http://www.nysmokefree.com

http://www.nyhealth.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/update/medup-q-s.htm#smok.

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Are you a nursing home provider outside of New York City?

What if you need to request transportation for a resident whose county of fiscal responsibility is New York City?

Call (800) 343-9000 with the following information:

• eMedNY identification number of the:
  • client,
  • your facility, and
  • transportation provider;
• first and last dates of transport; and
• number of round trips requested.

Questions? Please call the Provider Resources Unit at (518) 474-9219.

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Effective for dates of service on or after August 1, 2006, the following procedure codes are active for Medicaid payment for services provided by physician and ordered ambulatory providers:

Code	Description	Fee
77301	Intensity modulated radiotherapy plan, including dose- volume histograms for target and critical structure partial tolerance specifications	$103.60
77418	Intensity modulated treatment delivery, single or multiple fields/arcs, via narrow spatially and temporarily modulated beams, binary, dynamic MLC, per treatment session	$63.70

As appropriate, physicians may bill for the global procedure alone or with modifier -26 for professional component. Ordered ambulatory providers may bill with modifier -TC if providing the technical component portion of the procedure.

Claims must be submitted on a paper claim for manual review and must include an appropriate diagnosis code and attached documentation specifying the need for high precision radiation therapy. Claims for children must include clinical notes demonstrating that the benefit of Intensity Modulated Radiation Treatment (IMRT) outweighs the potential risk of second malignancy (see Hall, 2006).

Questions? Please contact the Division of Medical Review and Provider Enrollment at (518) 474-8161.

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eMedNY has the capability to give you some choices about how often pending claim information is reported on your weekly remittances.

• It is important to note that when a claim is first pended, it will ALWAYS appear on that week's remittance statement (paper or electronic).

For electronic remittances, pended claims appear on the supplemental file delivered along with the HIPAA compliant 835 or 820.

Three Options for Paper Remittances

You can choose from any of the three following pended claim delivery options:

1. FIRST REMIT ONLY: This option would report pending claims in ONLY the first "new pend" remittance and not appear again until the status changes to a paid or denied claim, or
2. CUMULATIVE EVERY FOURTH WEEK: This option would report pending claims in the first "new pend" remittance and again every fourth weekly cycle.
   
   The fourth cycle references weekly cycle numbers that are divisible by four (for example 1484, 1488, 1492 and so on). This means that every fourth cycle a provider would receive a cumulative list of all claims pending at that point in time, regardless of when a claim was first pended, or
3. EVERY WEEK: This option would report a cumulative list of all pending claims on every weekly remittance.

Two Options for Electronic Remittances

You can choose from either of the two following pended claim delivery options:

1. FIRST REMIT ONLY: This option would report pending claims in ONLY the first "new pend" remittance and not appear again until the status changes to a paid or denied claim, or
2. EVERY WEEK: This option would report a cumulative list of all pending claims on every weekly remittance.

How Can You Request a Different Remittance Delivery Option for Pended Claims?

To request a change in the delivery method for pended claims, providers need to complete the PENDED CLAIM RECYCLE REQUEST FORM.

You may request a copy of the form and instructions by calling CSC's Fax-on-Demand System at (800) 370-5809 and ordering document number 3017 or visit:

http://www.emedny.org/info/ProviderEnrollment/index.html

For information on which type of pended claim reporting an individual Provider is currently receiving, or for other questions, please contact the eMedNY Call Center at (800) 343-9000.

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Electronic remittance statements are delivered to your eMedNY eXchange or FTP account two and a half weeks earlier than the paper remittances!

• If you elect to start receiving electronic remittances, this would allow you to perform reconciliations and any associated resubmissions or adjustments two and a half weeks sooner than currently possible with paper remittances.

Software Needed

eMedNY electronic remittances are sent in HIPAA-compliant 835 (or 820 for Managed Care plans) format, so software is needed to process or interpret these remittances. Each electronic remittance is delivered with a supplementary file, which provides the New York Medicaid edit error codes for denied and pended claims.

If you are looking for software, there are 64 software vendors listed online that offer a variety of solutions. For the listed vendors, please go to:

http://www.emedny.org/HIPAA/Vendors/NYSDOH%20SOFTWARE%20VENDOR%20LIST.pdf.

If you are interested in finding out more about electronic remittances, we suggest that you contact some of these vendors to find out what solutions are offered and at what cost.

When negotiating with vendors it is important to ask about the level of support the vendor will offer and the cost associated with updates to the software solution you choose.

Be sure that the vendor's solution will include processing the 835 and the associated supplementary file.

Requesting Electronic Remittances

After you have selected a software solution, your next step is to request electronic remittances. The Electronic Remittance Request Form is available online at:

http://www.emedny.org/info/ProviderEnrollment/Provider%20Maintenance%20Forms/Electronic%20Remittance%20Request%20Form.pdf

You must have an ePACES or FTP account prior to signing up for electronic remittances.

• If you need information about signing up for ePACES or FTP, please go to http://www.emedny.org, or contact the eMedNY Call Center.

Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) also offers the option of receiving both paper and electronic versions of the same remittances for up to four weeks to allow migration from paper to the electronic remittance with complete confidence.

• If you wish to receive this benefit, please contact CSC and request a "DUAL REMITTANCE" application.

Questions? Please call the CSC eMedNY Call Center at (800) 343-9000.

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What is "United We Ride?"

United We Ride is an interagency federal government initiative that supports states and their localities in developing coordinated human service delivery systems.

Staff from the Department of Health support this initiative, and work with representatives from the State Department of Transportation, Office for the Aging, Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, and Office Temporary and Disability Assistance to implement United We Ride in New York State.

In 2005, New York was one of 33 states to receive a planning grant to improve coordination relative to this initiative. United We Ride activities are currently underway in Albany County.

What is Human Service Transportation?

Human service transportation includes a broad range of transportation service options designed to meet the needs of transportation for disadvantaged populations including older adults, disabled persons and/or those with lower income.

What is Coordinated Transportation?

Coordinating individual human service transportation programs makes the most efficient use of limited transportation resources by avoiding duplication caused by overlapping individual program efforts and encouraging the use and sharing of existing community resources.

In communities where coordination is made a priority, citizens benefit from more extensive service, lower costs and easier access to transportation.

Coordination can lead to significant reductions of operating costs (per trip) for transportation providers.

Where can I send an idea for coordinated transportation in my community?

We are always open to new ideas! Please mail, email, fax, or call, with your suggestions to the New York State Medicaid Transportation Program.

Mail:	New York State Medicaid Transportation Program 99 Washington Avenue, Suite 720 Albany, New York 12210
Email:	medtrans@health.state.ny.us
Call:	(518) 474-9219
Fax:	(518) 473-5508 Attn: Medicaid Transportation

Where can I obtain more information?

For more information, please visit http://www.unitedweride.gov/, or contact the Medicaid Transportation Program.

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Missing Issues?
The Medicaid Update, now indexed by subject area, can be accessed online at the New York State Department of Health website: http://www.nyhealth.gov/medicaid/program/update/medup-index.htm
Hard copies can be obtained upon request by emailing: MedicaidUpdate@health.state.ny.us or by calling (518) 474-9219.

Do You Suspect Fraud?
If you suspect that a recipient or a provider has engaged in fraudulent activities, please call the fraud hotline at: 1-877-87FRAUD. Your call will remain confidential.

As a Pharmacist, Where Can I Access the List of Medicaid Reimbursable Drugs?
The list of Medicaid reimbursable drugs is available at: http://www.eMedNY.org/info/formfile.html

Questions About an Article?
For your convenience each article contains a contact number for further information, questions or comments.

Do You Want Information On Patient Educational Tools and Medicaid's Disease Management Initiatives?
Contact Department staff at (518) 474-9219.

Questions About HIPAA?
Please contact CSC Provider Services at (800) 343-9000.

Address Change?
Questions should be directed to CSC at (800) 343-900, option 5.

Patient Eligibility
Call the Touchtone Telephone Verification System (800) 997-1111, (800) 225-3040 or (800) 343-9000.

Fee-for-service Provider Enrollment
A change of address form is available at:
http://www.emedny.org/info/ProviderEnrollment/Provider%20Maintenance%20Forms/6101-Address%20Change%20Form.pdf.

Rate-based/Institutional Provider Enrollment
A change of address form is available at:
http://www.emedny.org/info/ProviderEnrollment/Provider%20Maintenance%20Forms/6106-Rate%20Based%20Change%20of%20Address%20Form.pdf

Billing Question? Call Computer Sciences Corporation:
Provider Services (800) 343-9000.

Comments and Suggestions Regarding This Publication?
Please contact the editor, Timothy Perry-Coon at MedicaidUpdate@health.state.ny.us or via telephone at (518) 474-9219 with your concerns.

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The State Department of Health welcomes your comments or suggestions regarding the Medicaid Update.

Please send suggestions to the editor, Timothy Perry-Coon:

NYS Department of Health
Office of Medicaid Management
Bureau of Program Guidance
99 Washington Ave., Suite 720
Albany, NY 12210
(e-mail MedicaidUpdate@health.state.ny.us)

The Medicaid Update, along with past issues of the Medicaid Update, can be accessed online at the New York State Department of Health web site:http://www.health_care/medicaid/program/update/main.htm