As a reminder, during the third quarter of 2017, Independence will transition to a new medical management system for processing requests for authorization. Please read this communication in its entirety. This transition will require changes to several administrative procedures, as noted below.

NaviNet^®

The Authorizations transaction on the NaviNet web portal will be upgraded. Enhancements will include the following:

• Streamlined workflow. The new transaction will streamline the various authorization submission types into one workflow.
• Authorization status. The new transaction will allow providers to search for a list of their submitted authorization requests based on a user-defined date range. Providers will no longer be required to limit their search to a specific member. This new feature will be especially helpful for providers submitting a significant number of authorization requests. If you do not have a NaviNet username and password and you anticipate a need to utilize this function, please see your designated NaviNet Security Officer to obtain a logon to the web portal. Note: Denial notices will continue to be sent via mail.
• SNF and non-emergency ambulance transportation. Requests for coverage for placement in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) and for non-emergency ambulance transportation will be accepted through the new Authorizations transaction.

Look for more detailed information in the coming months. New user guides will be made available prior to the release of the new transaction to help your office understand these enhancements.

Once the new system is implemented, providers must use Internet Explorer 11 to submit authorization requests through NaviNet. Providers who use a browser other than Internet Explorer 11 will encounter an error message and will be prevented from completing the request.

If your office currently submits authorization requests using another web browser (e.g., Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, or an earlier version of Internet Explorer) and you are unable to switch to Internet Explorer 11, please have a representative from your organization contact the eBusiness Hotline at 215-640-7410.

Emergency (unscheduled) admissions

Cases that initially present to the emergency department but are subsequently determined by the treating physician to require hospital confinement will require further review when payment is being requested for inpatient admission. Once notification of the admission is submitted via NaviNet, clinical information allowing for utilization review must be provided within 72 hours. In the event such information is not submitted within 72 hours, the case will be reviewed and a utilization review determination will be based on whatever information was included in the initial notification, which will most likely be insufficient to satisfy the applicable clinical criteria.

Note: There are no changes to denial procedures; hospitals will continue to be notified verbally and via mail.

New administrative procedures for hospitals

Independence will no longer identify a specific utilization review nurse to service a given network hospital. Instead, cases will be handled by a team of nurses on a rotating basis.

Utilization review and the issuance of determinations will be conducted primarily via fax. Therefore, it is imperative that we have your most current fax number on file. You can update your fax number as outlined in the Administrative section of the Hospital Manual for Participating Hospitals, Ancillary Facilities, and Ancillary Providers. New fax cover sheets will be provided as we get closer to the transition.

Note: Hospitals will continue to use the existing fax numbers for utilization review requests. New fax numbers will not be issued as previously communicated.

The review of requests for placement in SNFs, inpatient rehabilitation, and long-term acute care facilities will also be handled by a team of nurses on a rotating basis. Hospitals and/or the receiving facilities will request placement by contacting Independence at 1-800-TO-ADMIT and selecting the Authorizations option, or by fax.

SNF placements may also be initiated through NaviNet. It will be very important to provide updated clinical information at the time of the request to allow for a prompt coverage decision.

Stay informed

It will be important for providers who submit authorization requests to stay current with ongoing announcements related to this system transition to ensure your organization is prepared when the changes are implemented.

Additional information regarding this transition will be communicated through Partners in Health Update^SM and on Independence NaviNet Plan Central. If you have any questions, please call our eBusiness Hotline at 215-640-7410.

NaviNet is a registered trademark of NaviNet, Inc., an independent company.