We are advocating that members who receive infusion therapy drugs like alglucerase (Ceredase?), imiglucerase (Cerezyme?), velaglucerase alfa (VPRIV?), eculizumab (Soliris?), and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) obtain these drugs in the setting that is most appropriate, based on factors such as, but not limited to:

• the setting that has been determined to be both costeffective and safe for the member;
• the level of care required by the patient based on his or her medical history and current health status;
• recommendations from the drug manufacturer;
• current standards in medical practice.

Typically, only those patients who are starting a new treatment regimen for the drugs listed, or those who have a history of treatment-related adverse effects that require monitoring, require a higher level of care at an outpatient facility or hospital. Aside from these exceptions, most patients can safely receive these drugs in either a provider's office or in their home through a home infusion provider.

Administering drugs in the office or at home
The following options are available for administering these drugs in a provider's office or in the member's home:

• Buy and bill. Providers can buy the drug and bill the health plan for reimbursement once the drug has been given to the member.
• Home infusion therapy. Many patients prefer the convenience of receiving these infusion therapy drugs in their home through an AmeriHealth-participating home infusion provider. Providers should discuss this option with their patients, when appropriate.

Requesting administration in an outpatient facility or hospital
Providers who request coverage for administration of these drugs in an outpatient facility or hospital may be asked during precertification to provide details about the patient's medical history to support the request. A team of AmeriHealth medical directors and nurses will review the submitted documentation and determine whether coverage in one of these settings is approved.

Impacts to coverage
AmeriHealth will continue to cover these infusion therapy drugs and all services associated with the administration of these drugs when both of the following requirements are met:

• The member meets the medical necessity criteria outlined in the applicable medical policy.
• The drug is given in the setting that has been determined by AmeriHealth as most appropriate for the member.

Please call Customer Service at 1-800-275-2583 if you have any questions about setting options for these infusion therapy drugs. Customer Service can also assist you with home infusion options.