In brief: Coding for long-term COVID-19, transitioning to Optum Rx for MA plans

Treating patients for long-term effects of COVID-19
When treating patients for the residual or long-term effects of COVID-19, use diagnosis codes for the specific symptoms. In addition, be sure to include U09.9 as a secondary diagnosis code. Including U09.9 is important for tracking the number of patients with long-term COVID-19. More information about diagnosis codes for COVID-19 treatment is available in the COVID-19 Billing Tips at a Glance document on our COVID-19 webpage for health care providers. For more information, see the November Record article.

Medicare Advantage plans transitioning to Optum Rx pharmacy benefit manager
Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, the pharmacy benefit manager for our Medicare Advantage individual and group members will transition from Express Scripts, Inc. to Optum Rx^®. This applies to all our Medicare members with pharmacy coverage, including Medicare Plus Blue℠ and BCN Advantage℠ members. A major change is that Optum Home Delivery will provide mail-order drugs for preferred cost sharing. To find out more, read the October Record article.

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