National Imaging Associates, Inc. (NIA) Medical Specialty Solutions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) For Home State Health Providers Question Answer GENERAL Why did Home State Health We implemented a Medical Specialty Solutions implement a Medical Program to improve quality and manage the Specialty Solutions utilization of the following non-emergent Program? procedures. • CT/CTA • MRI/MRA • PET Scan • CCTA • Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI) • Echocardiography • Stress Echocardiography Why did Home State Health A subsidiary of Magellan Health, NIA was selected select NIA to manage its to partner with Home State Health because of Medical Specialty Solutions their clinically driven program designed to Program? effectively manage quality and patient safety, while ensuring appropriate utilization of resources for Home State Health membership. Which Home State Health NIA manages diagnostic imaging services members will be covered (MR/CT/PET) for all Home State Health members under this relationship and through its contractual relationships with free what networks will be used? standing facilities. Cardiology services are managed through Home State Health’s contractual relationships. PRIOR AUTHORIZATION What was the Implementation Implementation date was July 1, 2012. Date for the Medical Specialty Solutions Program? 1 – Home State Health – Frequently Asked Questions Solutions Program - Frequently Asked Questions What Medical Specialty The following non-emergent, outpatient, Medical Solutions Services require Specialty Solutions services require prior providers to obtain a prior authorization through NIA: authorization? • Diagnostic Imaging (MRI/MRA, CT/CTA, PET Scan, CCTA, Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI), Stress Echocardiography, and Echocardiography) Emergency room, observation and inpatient procedures do not require prior authorization from NIA. If an urgent/emergent clinical situation exists outside of a hospital emergency room, please contact NIA immediately with the appropriate clinical information for an expedited review. Is prior authorization No, prior authorization is not required for sedation necessary for sedation with when performed with an MRI. an MRI? Is an NIA authorization No, prior authorization is not required for this number needed for a CT- procedure. guided biopsy? Can a chiropractor order Yes. images? Are routine Imaging services No. a part of this program? Are inpatient Diagnostic No. Inpatient procedures are included in the Imaging (MR, CT/CTA, PET) authorization for the inpatient stay that is managed procedures included in this through the Home State Health Medical program? Management Department. Is prior authorization No. Medical Specialty Solutions services required for Medical performed in the emergency room are not Specialty Solutions services included in this program and do not require prior performed in the emergency authorization through NIA. room? How does the ordering Providers are able to request prior authorization provider obtain a prior via the internet (www.RadMD.com) or by calling authorization from NIA for a NIA at 1-800-308-2615. Medical Specialty Solutions outpatient service? What information is required To expedite the prior authorization process, in order to receive prior please refer to the specific required 2 – Home State Health – Frequently Asked Questions Program - Frequently Asked authorization for imaging documentation for each Medical Specialty procedures? Solution. Have the appropriate information ready before logging into NIA’s Web site or calling NIA’s Call Center (*Information is required.) ▪ Name and office phone number of ordering physician* ▪ Member name and ID number* ▪ Requested examination* ▪ Name of provider office or facility where the service will be performed* ▪ Anticipated date of service ▪ Details justifying examination* • Symptoms and their duration • Physical exam findings • Conservative treatment patient has already completed (e.g., physical therapy, chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, hot pads, massage, ice packs, medications) • Preliminary procedures already completed (e.g., x-rays, CTs, lab work, scoped procedures, referrals to specialist, specialist evaluation) • Reason the study is being requested (e.g., further evaluation, rule out a disorder) ▪ Please be prepared to provide the following information, if requested o Clinical notes o X-ray reports o Previous related test results o Specialist reports/evaluation *To assist in collecting information for the authorization process, you may access the specific medical specialty (prior authorization or treatment plan checklists) on www.RadMD.com. • Can a provider request more NIA can handle multiple authorization requests per than one service at a time for contact. Separate authorization numbers are a member? issued by NIA for each service that is authorized. 3 – Home State Health – Frequently Asked Questions Program - Frequently Asked What kind of response time Generally, within 2 business days after receipt of can ordering providers request with full clinical documentation, a expect for prior determination will be made. In certain cases, the authorization? review process can take longer if additional clinical information is required to make a determination. What does the NIA The NIA authorization number consists of 10 authorization number look alpha-numeric characters. In some cases, the like? ordering provider may receive an NIA tracking number (not the same as an authorization number) if the provider’s authorization request is not approved at the time of initial contact. Providers can use either number to track the status of their request online or through an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone system. If requesting authorization You will receive a tracking number and NIA will through RadMD and the contact you to complete the process. request pends, what happens next? Can RadMD be used to No, expedited requests will need to be called into request an expedited NIA’s Call Center for processing. authorization request? What happens if a patient is If the provider feels that, in addition to the service authorized for a service and already authorized, an additional service is the provider feels an needed, please contact NIA immediately with the additional study is needed? appropriate clinical information for an expedited review. The number to call to obtain prior authorization is 1-800-308-2615. Can the rendering facility Yes. If they initiate the process, NIA will follow-up obtain authorization in the with the ordering physician to complete the event of an urgent service? process. Is prior authorization No. necessary for a Medical Specialty Solutions outpatient service if Home State Health is NOT the member’s primary insurance? 4 – Home State Health – Frequently Asked Questions Program - Frequently Asked If a provider obtains a prior An authorization number is not a guarantee of authorization number does payment. Authorizations are based on medical that guarantee payment? necessity and are contingent upon eligibility and benefits. Benefits may be subject to limitations and/or qualifications and will be determined when the claim is received for processing. Does NIA allow retro- Yes. However, it is important that rendering authorizations? facility staff be educated on the prior authorization requirements. Claims will not be reimbursed if they have not been properly authorized. The rendering facility should not schedule services without prior authorization. Can a provider verify an Yes. Providers can check the status of member authorization number online? authorizations quickly and easily by going to the NIA web site at www.RadMD.com. Will the NIA authorization No. number be displayed on the Home State Health web site? SCHEDULING SERVICES How does NIA determine NIA manages the Diagnostic Imaging Services where to schedule Medical (MR/CT/PET) through its contractual relationships Specialty Solutions Services with free standing facilities. NIA’s Medical for Home State Health Specialty Solutions Cardiac Imaging are managed member? through Home State Health contractual relationships. Why does NIA ask for a date During the authorization process, NIA asks where of service when authorizing a the procedure is being performed and the procedure? Do physicians anticipated date of service. The exact date of have to obtain an service is not required. Physicians should obtain authorization before the authorization before scheduling the patient. services are rendered? WHICH MEDICAL PROVIDERS ARE AFFECTED? Which medical providers are Any provider who orders Medical Specialty impacted by the Medical Solution Services in an outpatient setting. Specialty Solutions Ordering providers will need to request a prior program? authorization and the delivering/servicing 5 – Home State Health – Frequently Asked Questions Program - Frequently Asked providers will need to ensure there is an authorization number in order to bill the service. • Ordering providers, including Primary Care Providers (PCPs) and Specialty Care providers. • Delivering/Servicing providers who perform Medical Specialty Solutions Services at: ▪ Freestanding diagnostic facilities ▪ Ambulatory Surgical Centers ▪ Hospital outpatient diagnostic facilities ▪ Provider offices CLAIMS RELATED Where do providers send Providers should continue to send claims to the their claims for Medical address indicated on the back of the Home State Specialty Solutions Health member ID card. Providers are also outpatient services? encouraged to follow their normal EDI