FLASH: Atenolol Backorder and Shortage

We received notice that atenolol, a common blood pressure medication, is on a national backorder, and all manufacturers are having supply issues. As a result, pharmacies in our service areas have been running out of the medication and calling providers for substitutions.

Formulary alternatives include these cardioselective beta-blockers:

• Acebutolol
• Bisoprolol
• Metoprolol

We are unsure how long this shortage is going to last, so we wanted to make providers aware so that patients aren’t left without medication. If you have any questions, contact our pharmacy department at 1-800-851-3379, option 4.

Eliminating Chiropractic Referrals with eviCore

Now that we have partnered with eviCore, members will no longer need a referral from their primary care provider (PCP) for chiropractic visits.

Members can go directly to their chiropractor to start their care. Their chiropractor will use the Request Preauthorization tab on Your Health Alliance for providers to submit the request online and provide medical documentation to eviCore. If the request meets medical necessity criteria, eviCore will review and approve the initial visit and future visits. This must be completed within 7 days after the initial visit.

The request can also be submitted up to 14 days before the first treatment visit, but eviCore requires medical documentation from the chiropractor or PCP that’s no more than 10 days old. Most chiropractors find it easiest to request preauthorization after the evaluation visit, since they can include their notes with the request.

If you have any questions, contact your provider relations specialist.