Effective January 1, 2015, Independence small group and individual commercial members can utilize their new Preventive Plus benefit for colon cancer preventive screening colonoscopies.

When performed at a freestanding ambulatory surgery center (Freestanding ASC), the Preventive Plus benefit fully covers a colon cancer preventive screening colonoscopy with no member cost-sharing ($0 cost-sharing; i.e., no copayment, deductible, or coinsurance).

When the services are performed at a hospital outpatient facility or hospital-based ASC, the member will incur cost-sharing of up to $750.

Referring patients

In early 2015, updates will be made to the Referrals transaction in the NaviNet^® web portal to assist physicians when referring patients for colon cancer preventive screening colonoscopies.

Use the Find a Doctor tool to locate Freestanding ASCs and associated gastroenterologists and colon and rectal surgeons (GI professionals) who have a Preventive Plus indicator. In order for members to take advantage of the $0 cost-sharing, services must be rendered at one of the sites identified as Preventive Plus.

How to locate a Preventive Plus Freestanding ASC

1. Select Hospitals & Facilities from the first drop-down menu.
2. Enter the appropriate location and mileage parameters.
3. Search for the network using either the alpha prefix of the member?s ID number or the member?s plan name.
4. Select Ambulatory Surgical Center as the provider type.
5. Click the Submit button once complete.

The Search Results page will display the Preventive Plus symbol under the facility name, when applicable. You also have the ability to customize your results by checking the Preventive Plus box in the Customize Results section.

How to locate a Preventive Plus GI professional

1. Select Doctors & Medical Professionals from the first drop-down menu.
2. Enter the appropriate location and mileage parameters.
3. Search for the network using either the alpha prefix of the member?s ID number or the member?s plan name.
4. Chose the default Select Specialty option, at the top of the Select Specialty menu.
5. Click the Submit button once complete.

The Search Results page will display the Preventive Plus symbol under the facility name, when applicable. You also have the ability to customize your results by checking the Preventive Plus box in the Customize Results section.