Payment Policies

Payment Policies

Healthcare claims payment policies are guidelines used to assist in administering payment rules based on generally accepted principles of correct coding. They are used to help identify whether healthcare services are correctly coded for reimbursement. Each payment rule is sourced by a generally accepted coding principle. They include, but are not limited to claims processing guidelines referenced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Publication 100-04, Claims Processing Manual for physicians/non-physician practitioners, the CMS National Correct Coding Initiative Policy Manual (procedure-to-procedure coding combination edits and medically unlikely edits), Current Procedural Technology Guidance published by the American Medical Association (AMA) for reporting medical procedures and services, health plan clinical policies based on the appropriateness of healthcare and medical necessity, and at times state-specific claims reimbursement guidance.

All policies found in the Absolute Total Care Payment Policy Manual apply with respect to Absolute Total Care members. Policies in the Absolute Total Care Payment Policy Manual may have either an Absolute Total Care or a “Centene” heading. In addition, Absolute Total Care may from time to time employ a vendor that applies payment policies to specific services; in such circumstances, the vendor’s guidelines may also be used to determine whether a service has been correctly coded. Other policies (e.g., clinical policies) or contract terms may further determine whether a technology, procedure or treatment that is not addressed in the Payment Policy Manual is payable by Absolute Total Care.     

If you have any questions regarding these policies, please contact Provider Services at 1-866-433-6041 and ask to be directed to the Medical Management Department.