February 2009
Welcome to our online newsletter
We value your time and are dedicated to streamlining our printed and online communications. The printed edition of The ConnectionSM (PDF) includes important information for you and your office staff. The Connection Online offers additional news and articles not found in the printed issue. We hope you find The Connection Online to be a helpful, supplemental resource. Our newsletters are published quarterly in February, May, August and November.
Note: We try to publish a comprehensive list of the online articles in our paper edition. On occasion, articles are added to our online newsletter after our paper edition goes to print. Subscribe to receive an email notification each quarter when a new edition of The Connection Online is available. You can also add our newsletters to your list of favorites, so that you can easily locate the final online newsletter each quarter.
Have feedback? Contact Provider Communications.
Administrative and Billing Updates
Information on Form W-9 must match your Internal Revenue Service (IRS) records
To reduce the time you spend resolving claims or tax issues with Asuris, please accurately complete your Form W-9. Read the helpful tips for completing your Form W-9 »
National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits and use of Modifier -59
Asuris utilizes Medicare-published relative value units and incorporates Medicare's National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits to determine our fee allowables. Learn more about the correct use of Modifier -59 »
Fourth quarter 2008 claims processing results
We strive to meet the highest standards of claims payment timeliness. Our timeliness statistics are one way for us to ensure that we continue to meet our goal of excellent customer service. View the results »
Medical Policies
Please join our medical policy discussions
We welcome your input and feedback as we draft our medical policies. It's easy to join our email reviewer list. Read more about joining our medical policy discussions »
News
Customer Service lines now open at 9 a.m. on Thursdays
Our Customer Service lines will open at 9 a.m. on Thursdays. Learn more about contacting Customer Service »
Programs and services available through Asuris Behavioral Health and Wellness
Asuris Behavioral Health and Wellness offers care coordination services to support the treatment you provide to your patients. Read more about our care coordination services »
Wallet cards available for your patients with heart disease or diabetes
To assist you in supporting your patients with heart disease or diabetes, Asuris offers a printable wallet card. Learn more about the wallet card »
Tobacco cessation programs available to Asuris members
Asuris is pleased to offer several programs and resources to help our members become tobacco-free. Read more about our tobacco cessation programs »
Products and Networks
New Individual product offered
On January 1, we began offering our new Individual product, Asuris Core PlanSM, to individuals and families in Washington state. Learn more about Asuris Core Plan »
Asuris Health Savings Account (HSA) Healthplan 2.0SM now available
Our newest Health Savings Account (HSA) product, Asuris HSA Healthplan 2.0 became available to all employer groups on January 1. Learn more our new HSA product »
Medicare
Signature stamps no longer accepted
CMS no longer accepts physicians' or other health care professionals' signature stamps in field 31 of the CMS-1500 claim form. Read more about including signatures on the CMS-1500 claim form »
Annual update on Medicare accessibility results
We are committed to continuously improving access to care for our Asuris TruAdvantage members and appreciate your continued support in meeting the standards established by CMS for our Medicare members. View the survey results summary »
Advance directive documentation is important
Advance directives are an important part of a Medicare patient's end-of-life plan. Learn more about advance directives »
HEDIS® medical record review coming for Washington Medicaid members
The 2009 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) medical record reviews will begin in March and continue through May. Learn more about the 2009 record reviews »
Final 2009 physician payment rule implements new electronic prescribing incentive program
CMS recently announced a new initiative for physicians and other eligible health care professionals to improve efficiency and safety when ordering medications for patients with Medicare. Read more about this initiative »
Medicare crossover reminder
Asuris shares its eligibility files and receives secondary crossover claims directly from Medicare. Therefore, it is not necessary for you to include a Coordination of Benefits Agreement (COBA) number on these claims. Learn more about Medicare crossover »
Pharmacy
Updates to medication policies and list
Our medication policies and formulary are updated as needed. View our medication policies and formulary »
Epocrates® and downloadable formularies are time-saving and efficient
Epocrates, Inc. develops clinical information and decision support tools that enable providers to find answers quickly and confidently at the point of care. Read more about downloading formularies »
TriWest
Online behavioral health course
TriWest is offering a free, online course for primary care and behavioral health providers to assist TRICARE beneficiaries with post-deployment behavioral health issues. Learn more about the course »
Submitting COB claims electronically
Claims for TriWest beneficiaries with other health insurance (OHI) can be submitted online via TriWest's Web site or by using an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) clearinghouse or vendor. Read more about submitting COB claims electronically »
Patient eligibility available via phone
You now have the ability to check detailed medical eligibility for your TriWest patients over the phone. Learn more about the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system »
Cancer screening initiative underway
TriWest is working to increase the awareness of preventive cancer screenings among TRICARE beneficiaries in the West Region. Read more about the cancer screening initiative »
Online Resources
Asuris Online Services for Providers enhancements
We've added benefit information for your patients and updated
our hours of operation. View
the latest information on this time-saving tool »
| Note from the editor: The hours of operation in this article were corrected on 2/23/09. |
Electronic transactions resources and webinar are available
If you are a physician, other health care professional or facility, you may use electronic transactions. Learn more about the benefits of electronic transactions »