Advocacy Update: AIM/Anthem BCBS
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In May, practitioners received correspondence from Anthem Blue Cross that AIM, a Utilization Review and Management company, will be taking over the authorization process for physical therapy services in Virginia effective August 1, 2022. Due to several issues with the rollout of this process, the effective date was postponed until September, and there is now a further postponement as a result of ongoing issues.
Please see the below announcement from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and affiliate HealthKeepers, Inc. directed at all providers who offer Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy.
…“The AIM Rehabilitation Program effective date is still delayed. A prior authorization will not be required for therapy services at this time. Previously, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and our affiliate HealthKeepers, inc. shared with you our plans to transition medical necessity review of physical, occupational and speech therapy services to AIM Specialty Health® (AIM), a separate company, effective September 1, 2022. We recently informed you that we were experiencing a technical issue related to Anthem’s Commercial members in Virginia. The program will continue to be postponed while we will focus on resolving our technical issues. We will share the new effective date in advance in a future communication.”...
APTA Virginia has been aware of the issue and continues to monitor as it is ongoing. This impacts patient access and clinic flow and incurs administrative burdens. On behalf of our members, we are in the process of advocacy efforts directed at legislators, Anthem executives, and other key personnel.
Our Payment & Policy committee are available to members for questions and to provide any resources we can within legal or ethical limitations. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have or if you are interested in joining the advocacy efforts.
