To access the BCBS FEP pharmacy prior authorization form, you'll need to submit a request through the BCBS FEP website or contact their customer service department.
The form is available online and can be printed or completed electronically.
BCBS FEP requires precertification for certain medications, which involves a review process to determine medical necessity.
Precertification typically takes 24-48 hours, but this timeframe may vary depending on the medication and the complexity of the case.
What Is Precertification?
Precertification is a process that helps ensure the proper use of insurance benefits. It's a checks and balances system that helps health insurance companies control the risk of fraud and inappropriate use. Precertification helps keep the cost of health care premiums affordable for everyone. Precertification helps ensure that medical services are necessary and will be effective.
Precertification Process
To begin the precertification process, you'll need to submit a prior authorization form to BCBS FEP. This process typically takes 24-48 hours for completion.
The form requires detailed information about the medication or service being requested, including the patient's medical history and current treatment plan.
BCBS FEP has a list of excluded medications that do not require prior authorization, which can be found in the pharmacy prior authorization form guidelines.
The precertification process may involve additional documentation or information from the patient's healthcare provider, such as medical records or test results.
BCBS FEP's precertification process is designed to ensure that patients receive medically necessary and effective treatments.
Authorization
Authorization is a crucial step in the pharmacy prior authorization process. You'll need to get approval from your insurance company before they'll cover certain prescription medications or medical procedures.
Prior authorization is required for specific medications, including those related to germline genetic testing for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer syndrome and other high-risk cancers, and very high cost drugs and therapies. Additionally, medications like human growth hormone and immunoglobulin therapy require prior authorization.
To get prior authorization, your healthcare provider will submit a request to your insurance company. They will review the request and decide whether to approve or deny it. If approved, you'll receive notification from your provider or insurance company.
If your request is denied, you'll receive a reason for the denial and information on how to submit an appeal to the insurance company. It's essential to get prior authorization approved before receiving services or treatments.
Here are some specific medications that require prior authorization:
- Germline genetic testing for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer syndrome and other high-risk cancers (BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2)
- Very high cost drugs and therapies
- Human growth hormone
- Immunoglobulin therapy
You can find more information on prior authorization and pharmacy medical policies on the BCBSKS website.
Appealing Denied Reviews
If your prior review is denied, don't worry, you have the right to appeal. Your insurance provider may deny the authorization if it believes the service, treatment, or prescription isn't medically necessary.
Your health care provider can submit an appeal to the insurance company on your behalf. They'll receive a reason for the denial and information about how to submit an appeal.
You must get a prior review approved before the services, treatments, or prescription are provided. If your appeal is denied, you can always try again.
Here are the steps to follow if your prior review is denied:
- Get a reason for the denial from your insurance company.
- Discuss your options with your health care provider.
- Submit an appeal to the insurance company if you disagree with the denial.
Your provider will let you know if your appeal is approved or denied. If it's approved, you can proceed with the services, treatments, or prescription.
Pharmacy and Prescription Drugs
If you're trying to navigate the pharmacy and prescription drug landscape with BCBS FEP, it's essential to understand the prior authorization process. Prescription drugs can include commercial prescription drugs, Medicare prescription drugs, and even restricted-access medicines.
Medicare Part B has its own Step Therapy and Prior Authorization drug list, which can impact what treatments are covered. This list includes drugs with severe side effects, potentially addictive drugs, and those used for cosmetic purposes.
Physicians can access and submit Prior Authorization and Step Therapy request forms electronically through the CoverMyMeds website. Submitting an electronic prior authorization request can streamline the process.
Here are some types of prescription drugs that may require prior authorization:
- Commercial prescription drugs, including treatments for ADHD, Hepatitis C, and biologics for arthritis and psoriasis
- Expensive drugs with a lower-cost alternative
- Drugs that potentially cause addiction
- Drugs used for cosmetic purposes
It's worth noting that all health plans are not the same, so it's crucial to read the details of your own health plan or any plan you're considering.
Sources
- https://www.bcbsks.com/providers/precertification-prior-authorization
- https://www.bluecrossnc.com/members/knowledge-center/request-prior-review
- https://www.bcbsmt.com/provider/education-and-reference/education/forms
- https://www.bcbsnm.com/provider/education-reference/education/forms
- https://www.bluecrossvt.org/prior-approval-database
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