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Keystone Direct POS: Offering members more direct access to participating specialists

January 9, 2014

The Keystone Direct Point-of-Service (POS) benefits plan allows members to see most providers without a referral. Direct POS requires primary care physician (PCP) referrals only for routine radiology, physical/ occupational therapy, and spinal manipulations. Obtaining a referral for these services ensures that the member receives the highest level of benefits. For laboratory services, Direct POS members must obtain a laboratory requisition form from their PCP or specialist. These members will be directed to their designated (capitated) laboratory site for laboratory services. For all other services, members may visit any Keystone Health Plan East (Keystone HMO) network provider without a referral. Using providers in the Keystone HMO network gives Direct POS members the highest level of benefits and the lowest out-of-pocket costs. Keystone?s capitation program remains in effect for Direct POS. As they would for our Keystone HMO and POS benefits, PCPs must refer Direct POS members to capitated providers for capitated services (i.e., radiology, physical/occupational therapy, laboratory) for members to receive the highest level of benefits. Note: For podiatry services, a referral has not been required since January 1, 2013, when the capitation program for podiatry ended.

How the plan works

Direct POS members select a participating PCP from the Keystone HMO network. No referrals are required for Direct POS members to see participating specialists. Referrals are required for routine radiology, physical/occupational therapy services, and spinal manipulation. A requisition form is required for laboratory services. Direct POS members are responsible for applicable cost-sharing. Direct POS members do not need to file claim forms when services are provided by participating specialists. Note: For services requiring precertification through AIM Specialty Health®, an independent company, (CT/CT scans, MRI/MRA, nuclear cardiology services, and PET scans), a separate PCP referral is not required. Additionally, referrals are never required for mammography.

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