Medicare Advantage News:

Peer-To-Peer Review Process Discontinued

Highmark’s peer-to-peer review process for prior authorization requests for Medicare Advantage members is no longer available as of Sept. 12, 2017.

The peer-to-peer conversation offered providers the opportunity to discuss a pending adverse determination of an authorization request for medications or medical services with another peer designee from Highmark before Highmark made a final decision. Elimination of the Medicare Advantage peer-to-peer review process benefits the member and the provider by resulting in a more timely and efficient processing of authorization requests.

With notification of a denial decision, providers and members continue to be informed of their appeal rights and procedures. The denial letter includes instructions on how a provider or member can request a Medicare Advantage appeal. The appeal will provide an opportunity for review of the initial determination and any additional documentation provided to support the request.

To ensure a thorough initial review of your authorization requests for medications or medical services for your Medicare Advantage patients, please be sure to:

  • Submit all relevant medical records and pertinent information to support the request with the initial authorization request to Highmark.
  • Respond promptly to any requests for additional information so a comprehensive review and decision can be made efficiently.
Note: Highmark’s NCQA-accredited vendors (Tivity Health [formerly Healthways], National Imaging Associates, Inc., eviCore healthcare, and naviHealth) will continue to offer the peer-to-peer review process for prior authorization requests for Medicare Advantage members. These vendors must offer the peer-to-peer review process to meet NCQA accreditation requirements. Additionally, the peer-to-peer review process for prior authorization requests continues to be available for Highmark’s commercial product members.

 

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