To better meet the needs of our provider network, we have extended the deadline for the accreditation requirement for office-based varicose vein procedures. The new deadline for all network offices that perform varicose vein procedures to obtain office-level accreditation from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) Vein Center is now June 1, 2019. This new accreditation requirement will help ensure that offices in the Independence network meet current standards of care for these procedures.

The deadline previously communicated in Partners in Health Update^SM, was April 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 by June 1, 2019, indicating that they have met the IAC standards. Those offices that fail to meet the requirements by this date 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.

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

Independence commercial and Medicare Advantage policies will be updated to reflect this new accreditation requirement.

We will publish more information about this requirement in future Partners in Health Update articles. 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.