Throughout 2015 and 2016, Independence has been updating various aspects of
our Direct Ship Drug Program. This program is a value-added service that allows
our network providers to order select office-based drugs covered under the
medical benefit without incurring cost. Independence works directly with our
vendors to handle processing, payment, and delivery.
As previously communicated, Walgreens and PerformSpecialty, independent
companies, are the preferred vendors for the Direct Ship Drug Program as of
March 1, 2016. All requests for direct ship drugs are now fulfilled by these
vendors, with the exception of Synagis®, which continues to be
fulfilled by ACRO Pharmaceutical Services, an independent company.
Submitting a new request
Providers who have been receiving direct ship drugs from other vendors need
to submit a new request to Independence. Once the new request is approved by
Independence, the provider will be notified and Independence will forward the
request to a preferred vendor for fulfillment. Providers should not contact the
vendors to order a drug through the Direct Ship Drug Program. The only
exception to this rule is for providers who request Synagis®;
those requests should go directly to ACRO Pharmaceutical Services.
Request forms are available on our
Direct Ship Drug Program webpage. These forms were recently
updated with ICD-10 coding requirements, a new fax number, and, in some cases,
new coverage questions. Providers should always download direct ship request
forms from this page to ensure they are using the most up-to-date versions.
This webpage also provides more information about the program and the list of
medical benefit drugs available through direct ship.
Note: Precertification requirements may apply to drugs available
through the Direct Ship Drug Program, in accordance with the terms of
Independence medical policies. Member cost-sharing may also apply to select
drugs available through this program, based on the terms of the member?s
benefit contract.