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*WELLCARE / NIA PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS - EFFECTIVE 7/1/2023*

Date: 04/21/23

National Imaging Associates, Inc. (NIA) provides utilization management services for non-emergent, outpatient Medical Specialty Solutions services for Wellcare Medicare membership in the State of Mississippi.  In the interest of streamlining authorization processes and improving member outcomes, Wellcare Medicare has expanded its partnership with NIA. In addition to the procedures that currently require prior authorization through NIA, certain cardiac-related procedures will also require prior authorization beginning July 1, 2023. Providers may begin contacting NIA on July 1, 2023, to seek prior authorization for procedures scheduled on or after July 1, 2023. 

Prior authorization through NIA is currently required for these outpatient Medical Specialty Solutions  procedures:

  • CT/CTA
  • CCTA
  • MRI/MRA
  • PET Scan
  • Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI)
  • MUGA Scan
  • Stress Echocardiography
  • Echocardiography

Effective July 1, 2023, these cardiac-related procedures will also require prior authorization:

  • Left Heart Catheterization
  • Cardiac Implantable Devices (defibrillator, pacemaker)

 Program Components

  • Evidence-based clinical guidelines and proprietary algorithms to support clinically appropriate options for each member.
  • Clinical reviews will be conducted by NIA board-certified internists with specialized cardiac training and board-certified cardiologists related to elective cardiac diagnostic imaging when peer-to-peer review is required.

We are confident this program will have a positive impact on the quality of care rendered to your members, and we look forward to working with you to deliver positive outcomes to our community. We would be happy to discuss the program further.  Should you have questions, please contact Wellcare Medicare Provider Services at 1-833-444-9088.