Beginning July 1, 2021, Meridian is pleased to announce their expanding partnership with National Imaging Associates, Inc. (NIA) to provide utilization management for Interventional Pain Management (IPM), outpatient rehabilitative and habilitative physical medicine services for Meridian’s membership. This program is consistent with industry-wide efforts ensuring that IPM and physical medicine services provided to members with consistent nationally recognized clinical guidelines.

This expansion will apply to Meridian’s product lines listed below:

• MeridianHealth – Medicaid
• WellCare – Medicare
• MeridianComplete – Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP)

Under terms of the agreement between Meridian and NIA, Meridian will oversee the IPM and physical medicine program, and continue to be responsible for claims adjudication and medical policies. NIA will manage non-emergent outpatient IPM procedures, outpatient rehabilitative and habilitative services through the existing contractual relationships with Meridian Health Plan.

Prior authorizations will be required for the following services:
Interventional Pain Management (IPM)

• Spinal Epidural Injections
• Paravertebral Facet Joint Injections or Blocks
• Paravertebral Facet Joint Denervation (Radiofrequency [RF] Neurolysis)
• Sacroiliac Joint Injections
• Click here to see the list of provider education webinars for these services

Physical Medicine Service 

• Physical therapy services
• Occupational therapy services
• Speech therapy services (MeridianComplete – Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) and WellCare – Medicare only)
• Click here to see the list of provider education webinars for these services

Any services rendered on or after July 1, 2021 will require authorization. Prior authorization will be available beginning June 21, 2021 for dates of service July 1, 2021 and beyond. Authorizations can be obtained through the website, www.RadMD.com or by calling NIA’s Call Center 866-842-1767.

Click here to read the full announcement.