As previously communicated through a series of Partners in Health Update^SM articles, all network offices that perform varicose vein procedures must obtain office-level accreditation from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) Vein Center as of June 1, 2019.This new accreditation requirement helps ensure that offices in the Independence network meet current standards of care for these procedures.

As of June 1, 2019, all network offices that plan to perform or would like to continue performing varicose vein procedures must appear on the IAC-approved list for Vein Center Accreditation indicating that they have met the IAC standards. Those offices that failed to meet the requirements will no longer be reimbursed for varicose vein procedures.

If a provider plans to perform varicose vein procedures in multiple office locations, then each location must be separately accredited.

Claims for dates of service on or after June 1, 2019, from offices that do not meet the above requirements will be denied with a R9015 rejection code:

According to the contracting provider agreement, this service is not an approved contracting service. Therefore, no payment is being made. The charge should be resubmitted with a valid contracting service reported. Electronically enabled providers should resubmit electronically.

Accreditation process

Offices seeking accreditation through the IAC should prepare and submit their applications using the IAC online accreditation portal. The application process for accreditation takes time and requires proper planning, organization, attention to detail, and resources.  

Offices that wish to participate in the IAC Standards for Vein Center accreditation process are encouraged to first view the current IAC Standards for Vein Center Accreditation: Superficial Venous Evaluation and Management document.

To learn more about the IAC Vein Center accreditation program, please visit the IAC websiteor call 1-800-838-2110.

More information

If you have additional questions, please email us at qualitymanagement@ibx.com. Be sure to include your name, contact number, and provider ID number in your email.