Coverage Policies

Important! Please note:

Current policies effective through April 30, 2024.

Take me to policies effective May 1, 2024.

Use the index below to search for coverage information on specific medical conditions.

High-Tech Imaging: High-Tech Imaging services are administered by National Imaging Associates, Inc. (NIA). For coverage information and authorizations, click here.

Medical Providers: Payment for care or services is based on eligibility, medical necessity and available benefits at time of service and is subject to all contractual exclusions and limitations, including pre-existing conditions if applicable.

Future eligibility cannot be guaranteed and should be rechecked at time of service. Verify benefits by signing into My Account or calling Customer Service at 800.235.7111 or 501.228.7111.

QualChoice follows care guidelines published by MCG Health.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Providers (PDF)

QualChoice reserves the right to alter, amend, change or supplement medical policies as needed. QualChoice reviews and authorizes services and substances. CPT and HCPCS codes are listed as a convenience and any absent, new or changed codes do not alter the intent of the policy.

INDEX:



Effective Date: 07/01/2016	Title: Alecensa (Alectinib)
Revision Date: 11/01/2019	Document: BI501:00
CPT Code(s):
Public Statement
*Effective Date:* a) This policy will apply to all services performed on or after the above revision date which will become the new effective date. b) For all services referred to in this policy that were performed before the revision date, contact customer service for the rules that would apply. 1) Alecensa (Alectinib) requires prior authorization. 2) Alecensa is used to treat a specific type of lung cancer. 3) Alecensa is considered a specialty drug, covered under the pharmacy benefit, and must be obtained through a contracted specialty pharmacy.
Medical Statement
Alecensa (Alectinib) is considered medically necessary for members meeting the following conditions: 1) Diagnosis of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is ALK-positive (as detected by an FDA approved test) a. as first-line therapy OR b. after progression on or patient intolerant to Xalkori (crizotinib) AND 2) Contraceptive counseling has been provided
Limits
As a specialty drug, Alecensa is limited to no more than a 30 day supply per fill.
Background
1) Aetna Specialty Pharmacy Clinical Policy Bulletin Antineoplastics @ http://www.aetna.com/products/rxnonmedicare/data/2016/ANEOPL/Antineoplastics.html 2) Alecensa Prescribing Information. Genentech USA, Inc. South San Francisco, CA. December 2015. 3) Clinical Pharmacology. Accessed online 2/29/2016.
Application to Products
This policy applies to all health plans and products administered by QualChoice, both those insured by QualChoice and those that are self-funded by the sponsoring employer, unless there is indication in this policy otherwise or a stated exclusion in your medical plan booklet. Consult the individual plan sponsor Summary Plan Description (SPD) for self-insured plans or the specific Evidence of Coverage (EOC) or Certificate of Coverage (COC) for those plans or products insured by QualChoice. In the event of a discrepancy between this policy and a self-insured customer’s SPD or the specific QualChoice EOC or COC, the SPD, EOC, or COC, as applicable, will prevail. State and federal mandates will be followed as they apply.
Changes: QualChoice reserves the right to alter, amend, change or supplement benefit interpretations as needed.

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