​Independence Blue Cross wants to help you make the best, most thoughtful decisions when you prescribe drugs for Medicare members. To this end, we have created this flyer available for download and printing to keep on hand as a reminder of these best practices.​

CMS will not cover drugs* unless they are prescribed for a medically accepted indication (i.e., listed in the drug package insert, DRUGDEX® Information System, and/or American Hospital Formulary Service Drug Information).

This is true even if the drug may be commonly prescribed in practice for other conditions/durations. ​

Two key examples to keep in mind

• Cyclobenzaprine is indicated for short-term use (up to 2 or 3 weeks) for relief of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions, as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy. Cyclobenzaprine should be used only for short periods (up to 2 or 3 weeks). Aside from cyclobenzaprine, other skeletal muscle relaxants available on our formularies are baclofen, metaxalone, and methocarbamol.
• Lidocaine 5% patch is indicated for relief of pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia. Lidocaine 5% patch may also be used for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

*Drugs used for the treatment of cancer are subject to different guidelines. Please reference Chapter 15 – Covered Medical and Other Health Services of the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual for more information.