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.
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.
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.
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.
Health Alliance announced today that it will waive cost sharing for COVID-19 testing for members of all group and individual fully-insured plans in all states, as well as members in all Medicare Advantage Plans and the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Plan. Health Alliance will cover, with no member cost share, the appropriate medically necessary diagnostic testing for COVID-19, where it is not covered as part of the Public Health Service response. At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to pay for the laboratory tests.