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To get answers to your questions, call YouthCare at 844-289-2264 or email ILYouthCare@centene.com
To get answers to your questions, call YouthCare at 844-289-2264 or email ILYouthCare@centene.com

EXPANDED NATIONAL IMAGING ASSOCIATES, INC. SERVICES AGREEMENT

Date: 05/30/23

Meridian is pleased to announce that beginning August 1, 2023, our partnership with National Imaging Associates, Inc. (NIA) will expand. NIA will provide utilization management for outpatient rehabilitative and habilitative physical medicine services for Meridian Medicare-Medicaid (MMP), Meridian Medicaid (Meridian), and YouthCare HealthChoice Illinois (YouthCare) members.

This collaboration reflects industry-wide efforts to ensure physical medicine services provided to our members are congruent with nationally recognized clinical guidelines.

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

As stated, the NIA outpatient rehabilitative and habilitative physical medicine services prior authorization program for dates of service beginning August 1, 2023, and beyond will be available. All services rendered on and after August 1, 2023, require authorization.

Please obtain authorizations through the NIA website. Or call the plan-specific number below.

Services that require prior authorization include

  1. Physical therapy services
  2. Occupational therapy services
  3. Speech therapy services

Please check the availability of a member’s therapy benefits before providing services, even if an “approved authorization” was obtained.

For YouthCare Provdier Services, call 844-289-2264, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

NIA will provide more information and training in the coming weeks. We appreciate your support and look forward to your assistance to ensure Meridian members receive quality physical, occupational, and speech therapy services, delivered in a clinically appropriate manner.