March 27, 2020
This notice is intended to supplement the “Important COVID-19 Updates” email sent this past Tuesday, March 24, in which Health Alliance and Health Alliance Northwest announced the temporary broadening of telehealth codes to cover additional services, including behavioral health therapy, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the prior email indicated, telehealth services should be properly coded with the appropriate procedure code (CPT or HCPCS) and with a Place of Service Code of 02 (Telehealth). However, although Tuesday’s email requested that providers include a modifier of -95, -GQ or -GT, we will temporarily accept these newly-covered telehealth services without the applicable modifier during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note that for telehealth services already previously covered by our plans, existing requirements remain in place.
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March 24, 2020
As the public health response to COVID-19 continues to progress, Health Alliance and Health Alliance Northwest will keep our providers informed of any related temporary changes in our policies, procedures and practices. Below are the most recent developments. Please note that these developments are in many cases temporary and subject to change in light of additional federal, state and industry directives and guidance.
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March 20, 2020
For the next 30 days, Health Alliance and Health Alliance Northwest medical management will discontinue clinical concurrent review for all inpatients, in consideration of the national medical emergency and the redeployment of health care workers. We understand the stress that this potential crisis places on the system and the need to change some traditional monitoring processes.
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March 18, 2020
Preauthorization Extended Due to COVID-19
Due to the likelihood of elective procedures, testing and provider office visits being postponed due to COVID-19, Health Alliance will extend all preauthorizations from 90 days to 180 days. This includes preauthorizations made through eviCore and preauthorizations for DME. If you have questions, contact your provider relations specialist.
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March 17, 2020
The last week has moved fast with information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the spread of the infection to states in our service area, including Washington, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois. Every effort is being made by medical and political leaders to contain and flatten the curve of infection. This has included limiting access to ambulatory and elective procedures, self-isolating persons with symptoms or exposure, general social distancing (>6 feet for < 10 minutes) and reducing the frequency that people need to be exposing themselves to the potential viral spread.
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