Understanding Bcbs Arkansas Prior Authorization List and Cost Savings

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BCBS Arkansas has a comprehensive prior authorization list that includes over 400 medications and treatments. This list helps ensure that patients receive necessary care while minimizing unnecessary costs.

The list is regularly updated to reflect changes in medical guidelines and emerging treatments. BCBS Arkansas works closely with healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

For patients, this means reduced out-of-pocket costs and lower deductibles. By streamlining the prior authorization process, BCBS Arkansas aims to improve patient outcomes while controlling healthcare costs.

BCBS Arkansas has implemented various cost-saving measures to help patients manage their healthcare expenses.

Prior Authorization Process

If you're seeking an exception to step therapy protocol, you'll need to submit a prior authorization request. This process is for providers who want to prescribe a drug that's identified by BCBS Arkansas as subject to step therapy.

You'll need to submit your request within a specific timeframe. For healthcare services, this means submitting your request within thirty days of the initial diagnosis or exam.

To support your request, you'll typically need to provide x-rays, a complete treatment plan, and in some cases, additional substantiating material like a study model.

Services

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Services requiring prior authorization can be a bit overwhelming, but let's break it down. Prior authorization is a process where Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield determines the medical necessity of a covered healthcare service before the member receives the service.

Most policies no longer require prior authorization for medical services, but certain prescription drugs do. Group plans offered by your employer that are administered by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield may still require prior authorization for both medical services and certain prescription drugs.

If prior authorization is required, it must be requested and approved before the member receives services. If not requested, the claim will be denied.

Some specific services that require prior authorization include:

  • hospital services with anesthesia for complex dental conditions
  • advanced diagnostic imaging
  • in vitro fertilization and infertility
  • applied behavioral analysis
  • durable medical equipment for which costs exceed $5000
  • surgically implantable osseointegrated hearing aids
  • prosthetic devices for which costs exceed $20,000
  • corrective surgery for craniofacial anomalies
  • reduction mammoplasty
  • certain prescription medications
  • most organ transplants
  • admission to neurologic rehabilitation facilities
  • some pediatric vision services
  • enteral feedings
  • gastric pacemakers
  • gender reassignment
  • bariatric surgery
  • hospice
  • home health

Note that this list is not exhaustive, so it's always a good idea to check with your provider or Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield directly if you have any questions.

Timeframes and Docs

In the prior authorization process, it's essential to know the timeframes and required documentation. Requests for prior authorization must be submitted within thirty days of the date of the initial diagnosis or exam.

This timeframe is crucial to ensure a smooth review process. The deadline is thirty days.

To support your request, you'll need to submit x-rays, a complete treatment plan, and in some cases, more substantiating material such as a study model.

Cost Savings and Exceptions

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Prior authorization is an important tool for keeping healthcare costs down, both for you individually and for everyone. It helps ensure that you're getting the most appropriate care.

In some situations, prior authorization is needed to protect your health, such as when a test or treatment may cause harm.

Here are some exceptions where prior authorization is not needed:

  • Emergency room services
  • Ambulance services
  • Urgent care
  • Primary care
  • Preventive care like covered screenings and immunizations
  • Specialist and other practitioner office visits
  • Diagnostic tests

Lowering Costs

Lowering healthcare costs is a top priority for many of us. Prior authorization is one way to keep costs down.

Prior authorization is a process where your health plan reviews medical tests or treatments to ensure they're necessary and not overly expensive. This helps prevent unnecessary tests or treatments that can raise healthcare costs.

In some cases, prior authorization is needed to protect your health, such as when a test or treatment could cause harm. Doctors at Arkansas Blue Cross review the information submitted by your doctor or hospital and may ask if other evidence-based options have been considered.

Expand your knowledge: Healthnet Prior Authorization

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Most reviews are done quickly, so there's no delay in your healthcare. This is reassuring, as you can rest assured that your care team is evaluating whether you're getting the most appropriate care.

Here are some examples of services that don't require prior authorization:

  • Emergency room services
  • Ambulance services
  • Urgent care
  • Primary care
  • Preventive care like covered screenings and immunizations
  • Specialist and other practitioner office visits
  • Diagnostic tests

By using prior authorization, healthcare costs can be kept down for individuals and for everyone. It's one way Arkansas Blue Cross is working to make healthcare more affordable.

Step Therapy Exception Authorization

If your doctor thinks you need a medication that's subject to step therapy, they can request an exception for you.

Step therapy exception authorization is available for certain medications.

In some cases, a prior authorization is required for step therapy exception requests.

To request a step therapy exception, your provider will need to submit a request to the health plan.

The health plan will review the request to determine if the exception is approved.

Medicare Part B Step Therapy Program requires a prior authorization for medical benefit injectables, such as buy & bill.

Certain products require step therapy in addition to InterQual criteria, including those mentioned in the Medicare Part B Step Therapy Program.

Raquel Bogisich

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Raquel Bogisich is a seasoned writer with a deep understanding of financial services in the Philippines. Her work delves into the intricacies of digital banks and traditional banking systems, offering readers insightful analyses and expert opinions on the evolving landscape of financial services. Her articles on digital banks in the Philippines and banks of the country have been featured in several leading financial publications, highlighting her ability to simplify complex financial concepts for a broader audience.

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