New York State Medicaid Update - August 2013 Volume 29 - Number 9

In this issue...

Policy and Billing Guidance

NYS Public Health Law: Duties of Providers of Mammography Services

A new NYS law designed to help improve breast cancer detection and prevention took effect in January 2013. NYS Public Health Law § 2404-c requires providers of mammography services to notify and inform their patients if a patient's mammogram demonstrates dense breast tissue.

The new law requires mammography providers to include the following notification in the summary of the mammography report provided to patients who are found to have dense tissue:

Your mammogram shows that your breast tissue is dense. Dense breast tissue is very common and is not abnormal. However, dense breast tissue can make it harder to find cancer on a mammogram and may also be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. This information about the result of your mammogram is given to you to raise your awareness. Use this information to talk to your doctor about your own risks for breast cancer. At that time, ask your doctor if more screening tests might be useful, based on your risk. A report of your results was sent to your physician.

NYS Medicaid Coverage Policy for Digital Mammography

The following information about Medicaid’s coverage of mammography services was originally published in the July 2008 Medicaid Update when the policy became effective and is being reprinted here for your convenience.

Mammography is the best available tool for early detection of breast cancer, when it is more effectively treated.¹ One drawback of standard film mammography is reduced sensitivity in women with radiographically dense breasts. Digital mammography allows the degree of contrast in the image to be manipulated so that contrast can be increased in the dense areas of the breast. The Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (DMIST) demonstrated that digital mammography was superior to film mammography for breast cancer screening in a subset of asymptomatic women.²

  • Women who are premenopausal or perimenopausal;
  • Women who are under age 50; and
  • Women who have radiographically dense breast tissue.

Final results from the Oslo II study in Norway showed that full-field digital mammography with independent double-reading yielded a significantly higher cancer detection rate than film mammography in a population-based screening program, whereas positive predictive values were comparable for the two imaging modalities.³

In the diagnostic setting, no data are available to suggest that any specific subgroup(s) may benefit from digital mammography rather than standard film mammography.

NYS MEDICAID COVERAGE (effective for dates of service on or after 7/1/08)

Screening Mammography

NYS Medicaid covers screening mammography by either film (CPT code 77057) or digital (HCPCS code G0202).

Diagnostic Mammography

NYS Medicaid covers diagnostic mammography by either film (CPT codes 77055 [unilateral], 77056 [bilateral]) or digital (HCPCS codes G0206 [unilateral], G0204 bilateral]).

Digital Mammography

MEDICAID CODING RULES (effective for dates of service on or after 7/1/08)

  1. Enhanced reimbursement is available for screening digital mammography, when medically indicated. Screening digital mammography should be reported with:
  2. G0202 Screening mammography, producing direct digital image, bilateral, all views Standard film screening mammography should be reported with: 77057Screening mammography; bilateral.
  3. Enhanced reimbursements are not available for the following diagnostic digital mammography codes. These codes will be priced at the same rate as 77055 and 77056, respectively. Diagnostic digital mammography should be reported with one of the following codes:
    • G0206 Diagnostic mammography, producing direct digital image, unilateral, all views.
    • G0204 Diagnostic mammography, producing direct digital image, bilateral, all views.
  4. Standard film diagnostic mammography should be reported with one of the following codes:
    • 77055 Mammography; unilateral.
    • 77056 Mammography; bilateral.
  5. When one of the above HCPCS codes for digital mammography (G0202, G0204, G0206) is reported, it is not permissible to simultaneously report any of the following CPT codes:
    • 77055 Mammography; unilateral.
    • 77056 Mammography; bilateral.
    • 77057 Screening mammography; bilateral.
  6. Additional reimbursement for computer-assisted detection is available for the following add-on codes in conjunction with film mammography codes, as indicated below:
    • 77051 computer-aided detection (computer algorithm analysis of digital image data for lesion detection) with further physician review for interpretation, with or without digitalization of film radiographic images; diagnostic mammography (use 77051 in conjunction with 77055, 77056).
    • 77052 computer-aided detection (computer algorithm analysis of digital image data for lesion detection) with further physician review for interpretation, with or without digitalization of film radiographic images; screening mammography (use 77052 in conjunction with 77057).

NYS Medicaid Managed Care/Family Health Plus

Medicaid Managed Care/Family Health Plus benefits include coverage of medically necessary radiology services provided by qualified practitioners in the provision of diagnostic radiology, diagnostic ultrasound, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These services may only be performed upon the order of a qualified practitioner. Providers should contact the member’s Medicaid Managed Care/Family Health Plus Plan for specific coverage and prior authorization requirements.

Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program (MCTP): Breast, Cervical, Colorectal and Prostate Cancer

The Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program (MCTP) is a Medicaid program for eligible persons who are found to be in need of treatment for breast, cervical, colorectal or prostate cancer (and in some cases, pre-cancerous conditions of these cancers). Additional information about the MCTP can be found online at:http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/treatment/mctp/

New York State Department of Health Cancer Service Program (CSP)

The New York State Department of Health Cancer Service Program (CSP) provides free comprehensive breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening and diagnostic services to eligible New York State residents and facilitates patient enrollment into the New York State Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program. New York State residents may call the CSP toll-free referral line, 1-866-442-CANCER (2262), 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to be connected to the CSP in their area.

Questions? Contact the Division of Program Development and Management at (518) 473-2160.

References

  • (1) Smith RA, Cokkinides V, Eyre HJ. American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer, 2006. CA Cancer J Clin 2006;56:11-25.
  • (2) Pisano ED, Gatsonis C, Hendrick E, Yaffe M, Baum JK, Acharyya S, Conant EF, Fajardo LL, Bassett L, D'Orsi C, Jong R, Rebner M. Diagnostic Performance of Digital versus Film Mammography for Breast-Cancer Screening. NEJM 2005; 353;1773-1783
  • (3) Skaane P, Hofvind S, Skjennald A. Randomized Trial of Screen-Film versus Full-Field Digital Mammography with Soft Copy Reading in Population-Based Screening Program: Follow-up and Final Results of Oslo II Study. Radiology 2007; 244:708-717.

Mandatory Compliance Program Certification Requirement under 18 NYCRR §521.3(b) Recommendation for Self Assessment

THIS IS A REMINDER FROM THE NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF THE MEDICAID INSPECTOR GENERAL (OMIG) FOR ALL MEDICAID PROVIDERS WHO ARE SUBJECT TO THE NYS SOCIAL SERVICES LAW SECTION 363-d MANDATORY COMPLIANCE PROGRAM REQUIREMENT.

OMIG highly recommends that all Medicaid providers annually conduct a self-assessment of their compliance programs. A self-assessment will maximize a provide's opportunity to make improvements, corrections or refinements to their compliance programs prior to the December 2013 certification period. This article is a reminder that OMIG recommends that Medicaid providers conduct their self-assessment.

The following identifies Medicaid providers that must have compliance programs. If a Medicaid provider is required to have a compliance program, the Medicaid provider is also required to certify on OMIG's website at www.omig.ny.gov that its compliance program meets the requirements of applicable law and regulations. The certification must occur in December of each year.

The OMIG has actively enforced both Social Services Law § 363-d and Part 521, of Title 18 of the New York State Codes, Rules and Regulations, both entitled "Provider Compliance Programs," has been actively enforced by the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) since 2009. This regulation requires all Medicaid providers who fall under the following categories to certify in December of each year that they have adopted, implemented and maintained an effective compliance program.

  • Persons subject to the provisions of Articles 28 or 36 of the New York State Public Health Law;
  • Persons subject to the provisions of Articles 16 or 31 of the New York State Mental Hygiene Law; and,
  • Other persons, providers or affiliates who provide care, services or supplies under the Medicaid program, or persons who submit claims for care, services or supplies for or on behalf of another person or provider for which the Medicaid program is or should be reasonably expected by a provider to be a substantial portion of their business operations.

Under 18 NYCRR § 521.2 (b), "substantial portion" of business operations means any of the following:

  • 1) When a person, provider or affiliate claims or orders, or has claimed or has ordered, or should be reasonably expected to claim or order, at least $500,000 in any consecutive 12-month period from the Medical Assistance Program;
  • 2) When a person, provider or affiliate receives or has received, or should be reasonably expected to receive, at least $500,000 in any consecutive 12-month period directly or indirectly from the Medical Assistance Program; or
  • 3) When a person, provider or affiliate who submits or has submitted claims for care, services, or supplies to the Medical Assistance Program on behalf of another person or persons in the aggregate of at least $500,000 in any consecutive 12-month period.

Each compliance program must contain the eight elements required under SSL § 363-d and 18 NYCRR § 521.3 (c). Upon applying for enrollment in the Medical Assistance Program, and during the month of December each year thereafter, 18 NYCRR 521.3 (b) requires providers to certify to the Department of Health and OMIG that a compliance program meeting the requirements of the regulation is in place.

The regulation, certification form, and FAQs are available on the OMIG website at:
http://www.omig.ny.gov/compliance/certification

Additionally, New York State's Medicaid providers are advised to review OMIG's website and review the information and resources that are published under the Compliance Tab on OMIG's home page. The Compliance Library under the Compliance Tab provides copies of current forms, publications and other resources that could prove helpful in conducting a self-assessment and completing the certification form in December.

Finally, OMIG will be updating New York Medicaid's form for Provider Certification of Effective Compliance Programs during 2013 for use in December 2013. When the new form is available, it will be announced in a Medicaid Update and also on OMIG's website. The current form and the form for 2013 give the Medicaid provider the opportunity to provide information to OMIG that its compliance program does not meet the effectiveness requirements. OMIG expects to present a Webinar on the new certification form for 2014 in November 2013.

It is the Medicaid provider's responsibility to determine if:

  • a. it has a compliance plan that meets the requirements of under SSL § 363-d and 18 NYCRR § 521.3 (c) and;
  • b. its compliance program is effective. How the Medicaid provider assesses its compliance program will determine whether the Medicaid provider can certify that the compliance program is effective, or whether the Medicaid provider determines that its compliance program is not effective.

OMIG recommends that New York's Medicaid providers sign up for e-mail notices from OMIG by subscribing to OMIG's listserv. Anyone can become a subscriber at no cost by signing up on OMIG's home page. The listserv is a great way to keep informed of the introduction of new compliance tools and information on compliance.

If you have any questions, please contact the OMIG's Bureau of Compliance at (518) 408-0401 or by using the Bureau of Compliance's dedicated e-mail address at: compliance@omig.ny.gov.

NY Medicaid EHR Incentive Program

NY Medicaid EHR Incentive Program (PDF, 3KB, 1pg.)

PHARMACY UPDATE

Addressing the Risk of Cancer with Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

The New York State Medicaid Prescriber Education Program (NYSMPEP) is a collaboration between the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the State University of New York (SUNY). The NYSMPEP provides prescribers with an evidence-based, non-commercial source of the latest objective information about pharmaceuticals. In conjunction with the NYSMPEP, the Drug Information Response Center (DIRC) assists clinicians in the delivery of health care to their Medicaid patients by providing timely, evidence-based information on pharmacotherapy and serving as a resource for NYSMPEP academic educators in their outreach to prescribers. The DIRC prepared a response regarding the risk of cancer with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are commonly prescribed to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure. However, there have been concerns about their long term use.¹ In 2010, Sipahi et al conducted a meta-analysis of 9 clinical trials and found that ARBs were associated with an increase in incidence of new malignancy, particularly lung cancer and prostate cancer.² Following this, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) performed a drug safety review and reported no clear evidence existed to show an increased cancer risk with long term use of ARBs.¹ , ³ Dr. Thomas Marciniak, a senior FDA official, investigated this issue further, examining individual patient data from clinical trials.(4) In May 2013, Marciniak reported a 24% increase in lung cancer risk associated with ARB use and concluded that stronger warnings for ARB use are necessary, contrary to the 2010 FDA report. Despite this, the FDA issued a statement urging patients NOT to discontinue ARB usage.(5)

A search of the literature revealed several studies in which investigators sought to determine an association between ARB use and cancer. As mentioned previously, Sipahi et al conducted a meta-analysis, collecting data from 9 prospective trials, only 3 of which investigated cancer occurrence as an endpoint.2 All trials included patients taking ARBs and/or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) for ≥ year. ARB use was associated with a statistically significant increase in risk of new cancer occurrence (relative risk [RR] = 1.08, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.01-1.15, p = 0.016). ARBs were also associated with a higher risk of cancer compared to ACEIs (RR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00-1.16, p = 0.041). However, in examining individual cancer types (lung, prostate, and breast), in patients with no background ACEI use, significant associations between ARB use and incident cancer were not observed (RR = 1.50, 95% CI: 0.93-2.41, p = 0.097, RR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.97-1.41, p = 0.10, and RR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.74-1.32, p = 0.93, respectively). Four other studies were identified; all of these were retrospective cohort studies and included patients with varying exposure to ARBs.6-9 The study endpoints were disparate, including incidence of lung cancer, prostate cancer, and new-onset cancer (non-specified), and the results were conflicting.

In summary, based on the available data, there is a lack of evidence demonstrating a significant association between ARBs and cancer. However, Marciniak's findings suggest that further investigation is necessary. Per the FDA, discontinuation of ARBs is not advised at this time.5 However, clinicians should be aware of the possible increase in cancer risk with ARB use and assess patients for other potential risk factors.

For the complete response to this drug information request, please visit: http://nypep.nysdoh.suny.edu/dirc.

To contact an NYSMPEP academic educator in your area, please visit: http://nypep.nysdoh.suny.edu/contactus.

References:

1) FDA Drug Safety Communication: Ongoing safety review of the angiotensin receptor blockers and cancer. Food and Drug Administration Web site. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm218845.htm. Accessed August 6, 2013.

2)Sipahi I, Debanne SM, Rowland DY, Simon DI, Fang JC. Angiotensin-receptor blockade and risk of cancer: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Lancet Oncol. 2010;11(7):627-636.

3) FDA Drug Safety Communication: No increase in risk of cancer with certain blood pressure drugs—Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs). Food and Drug Administration Web site. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm257516.htm. Accessed August 6, 2013.

4) Dispute flares inside FDA over safety of popular blood-pressure drugs. Wall Street Journal Web site. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324682204578515172395384146.html. Accessed August 6, 2013.

5) FDA to patients: Do not stop taking your angiotensin receptor blocker blood pressure medication without talking to a healthcare professional. Food and Drug Administration Web site. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm354856.htm. Accessed August 6, 2013.

6) Pasternak B, Svanstrom H, Callreus T, Melbye M, Hviid A. Use of angiotensin receptor blockers and the risk of cancer. Circulation. 2011;123(16):1729-1736.

7) Rao GA, Mann JR, Bottai M, et al. Angiotensin receptor blockers and risk of prostate cancer among United States veterans. J Clin Pharmacol. 2013;53(7):773-778.

8) Rao GA, Mann JR, Shoaibi A, et al. Angiotensin receptor blockers: are they related to lung cancer? J Hypertens. 2013;31(8):1669-1675.

9) Bhaskaran K, Douglas I, Evans S, van Staa T, Smeeth L. Angiotensin receptor blockers and risk of cancer: cohort study among people receiving antihypertensive drugs in UK General Practice Research Database. BMJ. 2012;344:e2697.

Billing Medicaid Fee-for-Service for Practitioner-Administered Drugs

This article outlines New York State Medicaid's fee-for-service coverage policy and billing guidelines for practitioner-administered drugs provided in non-facility/office based settings and in Article 28 clinics.

Coverage:

New York State Medicaid's policy for coverage of practitioner-administered drugs provided via subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous methods in a practitioner's office or an Article 28 clinic is as follows:

  • Practitioner-administered drugs are covered for FDA approved indications and those recognized off-label indications supported in the Official Compendia (the American Hospital Formulary Service Drug Information; United States Pharmacopeia-Drug Information (or its successor publications); and the DRUGDEX Information System).
  • In the absence of an approved FDA indication or support from the Compendia, an approved Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocol is required. Documentation must be maintained in the patient's medical record.
  • Drugs are not covered for experimental or investigational use.
  • Practitioner-administered drugs are to be billed to Medicaid at their acquisition cost by invoice.
  • Practitioner-administered drugs that have been FDA approved, but that do not yet have assigned HCPCS codes, should be billed to Medicaid (at their acquisition cost by invoice) using the appropriate unlisted J-code (i.e., J3490 - Unlisted Drugs; J3590 – Unlisted Biologics; J9999 - Not otherwise classified, Antineoplastic Drugs). The claim should be submitted on paper. Documentation of medical necessity, the infusion record, and a copy of the invoice must accompany the claim.

Acquisition:

Practitioners and Article 28 clinics are required to:

  • Purchase the drug
  • Administer the drug to the Medicaid patient
  • Bill Medicaid for the drug

If a drug is to be administered in a practitioner's office or clinic setting, it is not appropriate for the practitioner to write a prescription for the patient to obtain the drug at a pharmacy. These drugs typically require special care, storage and handling by a medical professional.

REIMBURSEMENT POLICY

Office-Based Practitioners:

  • Reimbursement for practitioner-administered drugs furnished by office-based practitioners to their patients is based on the acquisition cost by invoice of the drug dose administered to the patient.
  • Providers are required to report the NDC on all drug claims, including Medicare/Medicaid crossover claims.

Article 28 Clinics:

APGs

  • Physician administered drugs provided during an Article 28 clinic encounter are included in the APG payment to the facility.
  • Drug APGs have assigned weights, which are set to reimburse the average units/dosage billed for each APG.
  • Providers are expected to bill for each drug on a single claim line and identify the units provided on that line.
  • Providers should report the NDC on all drug claims, including Medicare/Medicaid crossover claims.
  • Drugs obtained at 340B prices must be reported with the "UD" modifier. The NDC should not be reported on 340B associated drug claims.
  • Practitioner-administered drugs that have been carved-out of the APG payment methodology are to be billed as Ordered Ambulatory services. Information on how to determine if a drug is carved out of APGs can be found at:
  • The Ordered Ambulatory fee schedule can be found at:

Ordered Ambulatory Services:

  • Practitioner-administered drugs that have been carved out of APGs are to be billed as Ordered Ambulatory services using the published Medicaid fee schedule.
  • Drugs ordered by private practitioners, not affiliated with the hospital or diagnostic and treatment center where the drug is being administered, should also be billed as Ordered Ambulatory services.
  • Providers are to bill Medicaid at the actual acquisition cost by invoice to the provider, net any manufacturer discounts and/or other price reductions.
  • Clinics billing for Ordered Ambulatory practitioner-administered drugs should submit the claim following the General Professional Billing Guidelines. Instructions can be found at:
    https://www.emedny.org/ProviderManuals/AllProviders/General_Billing_Guidelines_Professional.pdf
  • Clinics should not report an APG rate code when billing for Ordered Ambulatory practitioner-administered drugs.
  • Providers are required to report the NDC on all drug claims, including Medicare/Medicaid crossover claims. The only exception is for drugs obtained at 340B prices.
  • Drugs obtained at 340B prices must be reported with the "UD" modifier. The NDC should not be reported on 340B associated drug claims.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

National Drug Code (NDC):

  • The Medicaid Program is required to collect federal rebates on all practitioner-administered drugs. To identify drugs for rebate purposes, the National Drug Code (NDC) information must be present on all claims, including Medicare/Medicaid crossover claims.
  • All providers (hospitals, outpatient departments, diagnostic/treatment centers, office-based practitioners, pharmacies, DME providers, etc.) must report the NDC on all practitioner administered drug claims including Medicare/Medicaid crossover claims.
  • Failure to report the NDC will result in the claim being denied.
  • The NDC can be found on the drug invoice and/or packaging information.
  • Drugs obtained at 340B prices are the only exception to the NDC reporting requirement. Drugs obtained at 340B prices must be reported with the "UD" modifier.

340B Reporting Requirements:

  • 340B associated drug claims do not require that an NDC be reported.
  • The "UD" modifier, rather than the NDC, should be reported with all 340B associated drug claims.
  • Providers are reminded to bill Medicaid at the actual acquisition cost by invoice to the provider, net any manufacturer discounts and/or other price reductions.
  • For additional information, see the Medicaid Update (December 2007 and April 2008) articles titled 'National Drug Code Required on Medicaid Claims' and 'Coming Soon: Easy Identification of 340B Priced Claims' for details at the following links:

http://nyhealth.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/update/2007/index.htm.

http://nyhealth.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/update/2008/index.htm.

Billing Instructions:

Instructions for submitting claims on paper and electronically can be found in the December 2008 Medicaid Update at the following link.

http://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/update/2008/2008-12.htm#bil

Questions:

Medicaid fee-for-service policy questions should be sent via e-mail to the following mailbox: pffs@health.state.ny.us. Billing questions should be directed to the eMedNY Call Center at (800) 343-9000.

Medicaid Managed Care Mail Order Pharmacy Information for Retail Pharmacies

The enacted SFY 2013-14 Budget (Section 12 of Part A of Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2013) included a provision that enables members of Medicaid Managed Care/Family Health Plus/HIV SNP Plans, at their option, to obtain mail order specialty drugs at any retail network pharmacy. Medicaid Managed Care plans have procedures in place to allow their members to use any network pharmacy if that pharmacy agrees to accept a price comparable to the mail order specialty pharmacy price.

This means that if a member or provider acting on behalf of a member contacts the Managed Care Plan and requests to obtain mail order specialty medication(s) through a network retail pharmacy, and the network retail pharmacy agrees to a price that is comparable to the mail order specialty pharmacy price, the Managed Care Plan must allow the member to use the network retail pharmacy.

The following information chart outlines how each managed care plan is handling conformance with the changes related to mail order.

New York Medicaid Managed Care and Family Health Plus Plans
Processes for Handling Changes in the 2013-14 Executive Budget
Related to Mail Order Pharmacies - 8/27/2013

Managed
Care Plan		 Pharmacy
Benefit
Manager
(PBM)		 Provider
Communication (include links)
Strategy & Process to
Offer Comparable Price
to Network Pharmacies		 Electronic
Messaging
and/or
NCPDP
Reject
Codes (if
applicable)		 Member
Communication
Strategy
Affinity
Health
Plan		 CVS
Caremark 		Communications:
Website and provider portal updated 5/3/2013
Provider newsletter to all providers 7/1/2013
Fax blast to network retail pharmacies 7/24/2013
Process:
Pharmacies can request to be in the specialty network by
sending an email to
SpecialtyPharmacyApplications@cvscaremark.com
During the contracting period, network retail pharmacies
may continue to call for an override.
Once the pharmacy is in the Affinity specialty pharmacy
network, overrides will no longer be required		 R6 =
Product/Service
Not
Appropriate For
This Location.
RPh call 800-
364-6331 to
resolve reject.		 Website updated 5/3/2013
http://www.affinityplan.org/content.
aspx?id=39
http://www.affinityplan.org/Affinity/
Members/Drug_Information.aspx
Member newsletter 6/17/2013
http://www.affinityplan.org/
uploadedFiles/Affinity_Home/What_We_
Offer/2013_HEALTHY_STREETS_Spring
_FINAL_WEB.pdf
Amida
Care		 ESI No changes required. Current program enables members to
receive covered specialty drugs at any network pharmacy
(except where manufacturer-imposed limited distribution
may apply).		 N/A N/A
Blue Cross
Blue Shield of
Western
NY (Health Now)		 ESI Communications:
Pharmacy Fax blast 5/16/2013
Provider newsletter 9/1/2013 (faxed to all providers in
network)
Website updated 5/3/2013
Process:
Pharmacies should follow instructions in the fax blast that was
sent on 5/16/2013
During the contracting period, network retail pharmacies may
continue to call for an override
Once the pharmacy is in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Western NY specialty pharmacy network, overrides will no
longer be required.		 Reject 4W
(Must fill
through
Specialty
Pharmacy; not
covered at this
pharmacy)		 Website updated 5/3/2013
https://securews.bcbswny.com/web
/content/WNYmember/get-
coverage/Low-orNo-CostInsurancePlansRequestForInform
ation/CommunityCareMedicaidM
anagedCare.html
CDPHP CVS
Caremark 		Communications:
Website updated 6/3/2013
http://www.cdphp.com/Providers/RXCorner/Specialty-
PharmacyProvider newsletter published in early July.
Fax blast to network retail pharmacies
7/23/2013
Process:
Member or prescriber may request retail access at time of
PA. (All specialty drugs require PA.)
Contract amendment will be sent within 72 hours. Retail
network pharmacy may choose to dispense drug, pending
payment or wait until the contract is signed.
Claim submission will be on a CDPHP or a CMS 1500 form.
 Website updated 6/3/2013
http://www.cdphp.com/Members/Rx-Corner/Specialty-Rx )
Member newsletter published in
early August
Emblem
Health/
Health
Insurance
Plan of
Greater
New York		 ESI Communications:
Pharmacy Fax blast 6/6/2013
Provider newsletter 7/8/2013 to all providers
Website updated 7/15/2013
Policy Alert/Enews Blast 6/26/2013 to Providers
and Members
Process:
Pharmacies should follow instructions in the fax
blast that was sent on 6/6/2013
During the contracting period, EmblemHealth will
work with the member to provide access to the
medication via its specialty pharmacy vendor.
Once the pharmacy is in the Emblem Health
specialty pharmacy network, members will be able
to use that pharmacy to attain specialty
medications		 Call Emblem
Health 888-447-
7364 for info		 Website updated 7/15/2013
http://www.emblemhealth.com/
Our-Plans/State-Sponsored-
Programs/Pharmacy-for-
Medicaid-or-Family-Health-Plus-
Plans/Specialty-Drugs.aspx
Member newsletter 9/16/2013
Notifications Sent to Members
currently using Specialty Drugs
6/7/2013
Member handbook
Policy Alert/Enews Blast
6/26/2013 to Providers and
Members
Excellus Med
Impact		 Communications:
Website updated 5/24/2013
Process:
All retail pharmacies will be offered an addendum to
their current contract target 8/1/2013
During contracting period, network pharmacies may
continue to call for an override,		 "Refill must be
filled at Specialty
Pharmacy.
Please call FLRx
Help Desk at 1
-800-724-5033"		 Website updated 5/24/2013
Excellus BCBS

https://www.excellusbcbs.com/w
ps/portal/xl/mbr/drg/specialty/
Notifications Sent to Members
currently using Specialty Drugs
6/5/2013
Fidelis
Care/
New York
State
Catholic
Health
Plan		 CVS
Caremark 		Communications:
Website updated 6/4/2013
Fax blast to network retail pharmacies 7/22/2013
Process:
Pharmacies can request to be in the specialty
network by sending an email to
SpecialtyPharmacyApplications@cvscaremark.com/
During the contracting period, network retail
pharmacies may continue to call for an override.
Once the pharmacy is in the Fidelis specialty
pharmacy network overrides will no longer be
required.		 RPH CALL
866-387-
2573 TO
RESOLVE
REJECT Product/
Service Not
Appropriate for
this location		 Website updated6/4/2013

http://www.fideliscare.org/en
-us/providers/pharmacyservices/
importantnoticeregardingspecia
ltycoveredprescriptions.aspx
Health
First		 CVS
Caremark 		Communications:
Website updated 7/9/2013
Fax blast to network retail pharmacies 7/22/2013
Process:
Pharmacies can request to be in the specialty
network by sending an email to
SpecialtyPharmacyApplications@cvscaremark.com/
During the contracting period, network retail
pharmacies may continue to call for an override.
Once the pharmacy is in the Fidelis specialty
pharmacy network overrides will no longer be
required.		 R6 = Product/
Service Not
Appropriate For
This Location.
RPh call 866-387
-2573 to
resolve
reject		 Website updated 7/9/2013

http://www.healthfirstny.org/specia
lty-mail-order-covered
-prescriptions.html
Health Plus/
Ameri-
group		 CVS
Caremark 		Communications:
Website updated 7/24/2013
https://providers.amerigroup.com/Public%20Documents/NY
NY_HP_SpecialtyRx.pdf
Fax blast to network retail pharmacies 7/22/2013
Process:
Pharmacies can request to be in the specialty
network by sending an email to
SpecialtyPharmacyApplications@cvscaremark.com/
During the contracting period, network retail
pharmacies may continue to call for an override.
Once the pharmacy is in the Fidelis specialty
pharmacy network overrides will no longer be
required.		 R6 =
Product/Service
Not Appropriate
For This Location.
RPh call 866-387-
2573 to resolve
reject		 Website updated 7/24/2013

https://www.myamerigroup.com/En
glish/Documents/NYNY_HealthPlus_
Specialty_Pharmacy.pdf
Health Plus/
Plan		 Maxor
Plus 		Communications:
Fax blast to network retail pharmacies 7/22/2013
Process:
Pharmacies can also request to be in the specialty network
by responding to the instructions in the claim denial
message.
During the contracting period, network retail pharmacies
may request a one-time override. Once an executed
specialty contract/amendment has been received by Maxor
Plus, overrides will no longer be required.		 Call for Specialty
Contract: 1-800-
687-0707		 Website updated 5/23/2013

http://www.hudsonhealthplan.org/m
embers/drug-information/specialty-
medications/
Notifications Sent to Members
currently using Specialty Drugs
6/19/2013
Independ-
ent Health		 Pharmacy Manage
-ment
Dimension		 No changes required. Current program enables members to
receive covered specialty drugs at any network pharmacy
(except where manufacturer-imposed limited distribution
may apply).		 N/A N/A
Metro
Plus
Health
Plan		 CVS
Caremark 		Communications:
Website updated 5/31/2013
Fax blast to network retail pharmacies 7/22/2013
Process:
Pharmacies can request to be in the specialty
network by sending an email to
SpecialtyPharmacyApplications@cvscaremark.com/
During the contracting period, network retail
pharmacies may continue to call for an override.
Once the pharmacy is in the Fidelis specialty
pharmacy network overrides will no longer be
required.		 R6= Product/
Service AIert Not
Appropriate
For This
Location.
Pharmacist
will be
instructed of
number to call to
resolve
reject		 Website updated 05/31/2013

http://www.metroplus.org/providers
_formulary_listings.php
MVP
Health
Care		 ESI Communications:
Pharmacy Fax blast 5/16/2013
Provider newsletter 7/1/2013
Website updated 5/1/2013
http://www.mvphealthcare.com/provider/documents/MV
P_Health_Care_Option_plans_specialty_drugs_pharmacy_c
hoice.pdf
Process:
Pharmacies should follow instructions in the fax blast that
was sent on 5/16/2013
During the contracting period, network retail pharmacies
may continue to call for an override.
Once the pharmacy is in the MVP specialty pharmacy
network, overrides will no longer be required.		 Reject 70 (NDC
Not Covered)
Additional
message: MUST
BE OBTAINED THROUGH
CURASCRIPT		 Website updated 4/25/2013

https://swp.mvphealthcare.com/wps
/wcm/connect/7438de0d-3009-
4d8e-b0a3
-cdabfe148ff3/MVP_Health_Care_Opt
ion_Medicaid_Specialty_Drugs_Phar
macy_Choice.pdf?MOD=AJPERES Member newsletter 6/20/2013
Page 3 of:https://swp.mvphealthcare.com/wps
/wcm/connect/0066763e-4706-4d61-
a66d-
f8aa2ff1cda1/MVP_Health_Care_Livi
ngWellForMVPOption_Summer2013
.pdf?MOD=AJPERES
Notifications Sent to Members
currently using Specialty Drugs
6/15/2013
Total
Care		 ESI Communications:
Pharmacy Fax blast 5/16/2013
Provider newsletter 7/1/2013
Website updated 6/3/2013
Process:
Pharmacies should follow instructions in the fax blast that
was sent on 5/16/2013
During the contracting period, network retail pharmacies
may continue to call for an override.
Once the pharmacy is in the Total Care specialty pharmacy
network, overrides will no longer be required.		 Reject 73 (Refills
not covered)
Additional message: RRA
REFILLS NOT
COVERED PLAN
COVERS ONLY 001
FILLS		 Website updated 7/11/2013
http://www.totalcareny.com/default.
aspx?PageID=845>
Notifications Sent to Members
currently using Specialty Drugs
http://www.totalcareny.com/default.
aspx?PageID=871
United
Health-
Care		 Optum Rx Communications:
Website updated 4/1/2013
Process:
Contract amendments to all network pharmacies were
mailed by 6/1/2013 for an effective date of 7/1/2013 and
will include specialty rates. The contracting process
has been completed.
Members can obtain their specialty drugs at any retail
network pharmacy that has agreed to the rate (per the
contract amendment).		 N/A Member Website updated 4/1/2013
http://www.uhccommunityplan.
com/assets/NY-Specialty-Drug-
Network.pdf
Univera
Community
Health		 Plus Med Communications:
Website updated 5/24/2013
Process:
All retail pharmacies will be offered an addendum to their
current contract target 8/1/2013
During contracting period, network pharmacies may
continue to call for an override,		 "Refill must be
filled at Specialty
Pharmacy. Please
call FLRx Help
Desk at 1-800-724-
5033"		 Website updated 5/24/2013
http://www.univeracommunityhealt
h.com/pm.asp
Notifications Sent to Members
currently using Specialty Drugs
6/5/2013
VNSNY
Choice
Health
Plans		 CVS
Caremark 		Communications:
Website updated 6/28/2013
Fax blast to network retail pharmacies 7/22/2013
Process:
Pharmacies can request to be in the specialty
network by contacting CVS Caremark’s Network Department at
SpecialtyPharmacyApplications@cvscaremark.com/
During the contracting period, network retail pharmacies
may continue to call for an override.
Once the pharmacy is in the VNSNY specialty pharmacy
network overrides will no longer be
required.		 R6 = Product
/Service Not
Appropriate
For This
Location.
RPh call
866-387-
2573 (or
Help Desk phone
number
provided on the
rejection screen)
to resolve reject		 Website updated 6/28/2013

http://2013.vnsny
choice.org/vnsny-choice-selecthealth/vnsny-choice-
selecthealth-overview/specialty-
pharmacy-notice/
Wellcare Catamaran No changes required. Current program enables
members to receive covered specialty drugs at any
network pharmacy (except where manufacturer
imposed limited distribution may apply).		 N/A N/A

ALL PROVIDERS

Mandatory Compliance Program Requirement under the NYS Social Services Law OMIG's Observed Best Practices; Opportunities for Enhancement; and Insufficiencies Updated - As of March 31, 2013

Publication Notice:

The New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) recently published an update to its listing of the following compliance program reviews initiated through March 31, 2013:

  • Observed Best Practices in Compliance
  • Observed Opportunities for Enhancement
  • Observed Insufficiencies

The lists are available on OMIG's website, www.omig.ny.gov. They can be accessed through the Compliance Tab and are located under the Compliance Library.

The lists are composed of observations cited in OMIG's compliance program assessments for the period December 2010 up to and including March 31, 2013.

The lists do not identify specific providers or provider types, but the observations listed offer guidance to Medicaid providers on what OMIG has found to exist in compliance programs that exceed the mandatory requirements (Best Practices), that meet the mandatory requirements, but could be improved (Opportunities for Enhancement), or that do not meet the mandatory requirements (Insufficiencies).

OMIG suggests that Medicaid providers who must comply with the mandatory compliance program obligation periodically review their compliance programs, how they operate, and make improvements based upon their self-assessment. The lists referred to in this Medicaid Update provide insight into how OMIG may assess Medicaid providers' compliance programs.

OMIG recommends that New York's Medicaid providers sign up for e-mail notices from OMIG by subscribing to OMIG's email list. Anyone can become a subscriber at no cost by signing up on OMIG’s home page at www.omig.ny.gov. An e-mail subscription is a great way to stay informed of new compliance tools and information on compliance. As additional compliance resources are published by OMIG on its website, email subscribers will receive notices of publication.

If you have any questions, please visit OMIG's website at www.omig.ny.gov.and refer to the Compliance landing page for the Bureau of Compliance's direct contact information.

PROVIDER DIRECTORY

Office of the Medicaid Inspector General:
For suspected fraud complaints/allegations, call 1-877-87FRAUD, (877) 873-7283, or visit www.omig.ny.gov.

Provider Manuals/Companion Guides, Enrollment Information/Forms/Training Schedules:
Please visit the eMedNY website at: www.emedny.org.

Providers wishing to listen to the current week's check/EFT amounts:
Please call (866) 307-5549 (available Thursday PM for one week for the current week's amount).

Do you have questions about billing and performing MEVS transactions?
Please call the eMedNY Call Center at (800) 343-9000.

Provider Training:
To sign up for a provider seminar in your area, please enroll online at: http://www.emedny.org/training/index.aspx. For individual training requests,
call (800) 343-9000 or e-mail: emednyproviderrelations@csc.com.

Enrollee Eligibility:
Call the Touchtone Telephone Verification System at (800) 997-1111.

Need to change your address? Does your enrollment file need to be updated because you've experienced a change in ownership? Do you want to enroll another NPI? Did you receive a letter advising you to revalidate your enrollment?
Visit www.emedny.org/info/ProviderEnrollment/index.aspx and choose the link appropriate for you (e.g., physician, nursing home, dental group, etc.)

Medicaid Electronic Health Record Incentive Program questions?
Contact the New York Medicaid EHR Call Center at (877) 646-5410 for assistance.

Do you have comments and/or suggestions regarding this publication?
Please contact Kelli Kudlack via e-mail at: medicaidupdate@health.state.ny.us.