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Recent updates to Direct Ship Drug Program

June 1, 2016

Throughout 2015 and 2016, Independence has been updating various aspects of our Direct Ship Drug Program. This program is a value-added service that allows our network providers to order select office-based drugs covered under the medical benefit without incurring cost. Independence works directly with our vendors to handle processing, payment, and delivery.

As previously communicated, Walgreens and PerformSpecialty, independent companies, are the preferred vendors for the Direct Ship Drug Program as of March 1, 2016. All requests for direct ship drugs are now fulfilled by these vendors, with the exception of Synagis®, which continues to be fulfilled by ACRO Pharmaceutical Services, an independent company.

Submitting a new request

Providers who have been receiving direct ship drugs from other vendors need to submit a new request to Independence. Once the new request is approved by Independence, the provider will be notified and Independence will forward the request to a preferred vendor for fulfillment. Providers should not contact the vendors to order a drug through the Direct Ship Drug Program. The only exception to this rule is for providers who request Synagis®; those requests should go directly to ACRO Pharmaceutical Services.

Request forms are available on our Direct Ship Drug Program webpage. These forms were recently updated with ICD-10 coding requirements, a new fax number, and, in some cases, new coverage questions. Providers should always download direct ship request forms from this page to ensure they are using the most up-to-date versions. This webpage also provides more information about the program and the list of medical benefit drugs available through direct ship.

Note: Precertification requirements may apply to drugs available through the Direct Ship Drug Program, in accordance with the terms of Independence medical policies. Member cost-sharing may also apply to select drugs available through this program, based on the terms of the member?s benefit contract.


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