Provider Manual
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Medicaid Managed Care
- Product Overview
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Benefit Information
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Clinical Trials and Related Routine ServicesDental and Oral SurgeryHome Health Care ServicesNever EventNon-covered ServicesNurse On-Call and Telemonitoring ProgramsPersonal Care ServicesSkilled Nursing FacilitySterilization - Hysterectomy CoverageSterilization - Tubal Ligation or Vasectomy CoverageTransportation ServicesUrgent Care & Emergency RoomVision care
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Care Management
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Additional ProgramsChronic Care ManagementHealth AssessmentNational Committee for Quality AssurancePotentially Preventable Readmission programPrenatal Care Coordination ServicesPreventive Service GuidelinesPrograms for membersQuality Improvement - Utilization Management Program Overview Security Health Plan ProtocolsWellness and Health Promotion
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Claims Processing Policies and Procedures
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Anatomical Modifier Requirement PolicyBilling claims for dates that span a change of enrollmentClaims Coding ResourcesClaims Payment CalendarClean Claim and InterestCMS 1500 InstructionsCoordination of BenefitsCorrection Adjustment RequestData Security and ConfidentialityDrug Wastage PoliciesElectronic ClaimsElectronic File Submission ProcessGenetic and Molecular Lab TestingLimitation of LiabilityModifier InformationNational Drug Code RequirementsOutput ReportsProvider Appeal and Grievance PolicyProvider Validation for Claims ProcessingProvider Remittance Advice StatementReimbursement for Inappropriate Discharge and ReadmissionReimbursement Recovery ProcessReference outside Laboratory Billing ProtocolSubrogationSurgery InformationTesting ProceduresTimely Filing for Claim SubmissionTrading Partner for Electronic DataTransaction TermsTransmissionUB 04 Instructions and Sample Claim FormUnlisted CodesWorkers' Compensation
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Contact Information
- Documentation Requirements
- ForwardHealth
- Fraud, Waste and Abuse
- HealthCheck
- Health Equity and Cultural Sensitivity Awareness
- Important Disclosures
- Member Information
- Provider Directory
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Rights and Responsibilities
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Access StandardsDHS Subcontract requirementsImproper billing of Medicaid Managed Care membersMedical PoliciesPrimary Care - Specialty Care Provider RoleProvider Credentialing ProcessProvider Reporting of Member ComplaintsProvider Response Requirements for Member ComplaintsProvider System Outages and or Material BreachProviders' Expectations of Security Health PlanSecurity Health Plans Expectations of Providers
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Utilization Management
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Continuity and Care CoordinationeviCoreHigh End Imaging - Cardiac studies and elective heart catheterizationHigh end imaging - radiation servicesHome HealthHospital admissions - Pre-certificationHospital Urgent/Observation AdmissionInappropriate Discharge and ReadmissionInpatient Acute Rehabilitation/Long Term Acute CareMedical NecessityMusculoskeletal proceduresNavihealth-Skilled Nursing Facility CareNorthwood DMENursing Facility Care/Skilled Nursing Facility CarePhysical, Speech and Occupational Therapy - OutpatientPre-certification Notification and Concurrent Review GuidePrior authorizationPrior Authorization for Non-affiliated ProvidersProvider Appeal and Grievance PolicySecond OpinionServices related to oral appliances - for treatment of obstructive sleep apneaSleep managementSterilization: Hysterectomy CoverageTechnology AssessmentUtilization management general informationUtilization management for behavior healthUtilization management for timeliness standards
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Family Health Center
- Program Overview
- Benefit Information
- Care Management
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Claims Processing and Policies and Procedures
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Anatomical Modifier Requirement PolicyClaims Coding ResourceClaims Payment CalendarClean Claim and InterestCMS 1500 InstructionsCoordination of BenefitsCorrection Adjustment RequestData Security and ConfidentialityDrug Wastage PoliciesElectronic ClaimsElectronic File Submission ProcessLimitation of LiabilityModifier InformationNational Drug Code RequirementsOutput ReportsProvider Appeal and Grievance PolicyProvider Remittance Advice StatementReference Outside Laboratory Billing ProtocolReimbursement Recovery ProcessSubrogationTesting ProceduresTimely Filing for Claim SubmissionTrading Partner for Electronic DataTransaction TermsTransmissionUB 04 Instructions and Sample Claim FormUnlisted CodesWorkers Compensation
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Contact Information
- Documentation Requirements
- Fraud, Waste and Abuse
- Health Equity and Cultural Sensitivity Awareness
- Important Disclosures
- Member Information
- Pharmacy
- Rights and Responsibilities
- Utilization Management
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Group & Direct Pay
- Product Overview
- Benefit Information
- Care Management
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Claims Processing Policies and Procedures
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Anatomical Modifier Requirement PolicyClaims Coding ResourcesClaims Payment CalendarClean Claim and InterestCMS 1500 InstructionsCoding Quick ReferenceCoordination of BenefitsCorrection Adjustment RequestData Security and ConfidentialityDrug Wastage PoliciesElectronic ClaimsElectronic File Submission ProcessGenetic and Molecular Lab TestingLimitation of LiabilityModifier InformationNational Drug Code RequirementsNew Code PricingNon-covered Services and Experimental/InvestigativeOffice Infusion ProtocolOutput ReportsPrior Authorization Required for Office Based Procedures in ASC or Hospital Outpatient SettingProvider Appeal and Grievance PolicyProvider Reimbursement NotesProvider Remittance Advice StatementReference (Outside) Laboratory Billing ProtocolReimbursement for Inappropriate Discharge and ReadmissionReimbursement Recovery ProcessSubrogationSurgery InformationTesting ProceduresTimely Filing for Claim SubmissionTrading Partner for Electronic DataTransaction TermsTransmissionUB-04 InstructionsUnlisted CodesWorkers' Compensation
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Contact Information
- Documentation Requirements
- Fraud, Waste and Abuse
- HCC - Risk Adjustment/Government Programs
- Health Equity and Cultural Sensitivity Awareness
- Important Disclosures
- Member Information
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Pharmacy
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Claims ProcessingDrug FormularyFormulary Exception RequestsGeneral ExclusionsGeneric SubstitutionOffice/Medical Setting Administered Medications that require prior authorization Over-the-Counter Medication CoveragePharmacy Utilization ManagementPrior AuthorizationSpecialty pharmacyStep TherapyTobacco Cessation Coverage
- Provider Directory
- Rights and Responsibilities
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Utilization Management
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Continuity and Care CoordinationDurable Medical Equipment and Home Respiratory EquipmenteviCoreHigh End Imaging - Cardiac studies and elective heart catheterizationHigh End Imaging - Radiation ServicesHome HealthHome IV Drug TherapiesHospice ProtocolsHospital Urgent/Observation AdmissionInappropriate Discharge and ReadmissionInpatient Acute Rehabilitation/Long Term Acute CareMedical NecessityMusculoskeletal proceduresNorthwood DMEOutpatient Therapy Treatment ConcurrentPharmaceuticals - Specialty Medications (Magellan)Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapy - OutpatientPre-Certification Notification and Concurrent Review GuidePrior authorizationsProvider appeal and grievance policyRadiation Oncology ServicesSecond OpinionServices related to oral appliances - for treatment of obstructive sleep apneaSkilled Nursing Facility AdmissionSleep managementTechnology AssessmentUtilization management general informationUtilization management for Behavior HealthUtilization management for Timeliness Standards
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Medicare Advantage
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Product Overview D-SNP
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Ally Rx D-SNP BasicsAlly Rx D-SNP Model of CareBilling Ally Rx D-SNP MembersDiscussion of Disenrollment from Medicare AdvantageEncounter Data PolicyMedicare Advantage Part D Data SubmissionsMedicare Advantage Part D Reporting RequirementsMedicare Advantage Reporting RequirementsRecipient of Federal Funds PolicyWhat are Medicare Advantage Plans
- Product Overview HMO and D-SNP
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Benefit Information
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Acupuncture for chronic low back painContinuity and Coordination of CareDental BenefitsEmergency and Non-emergency TransportationEmergency and Urgently Needed Care CoverageHearing Services and Hearing AidsHome Health Care ServicesHome INR MonitoringMacular Degeneration Eye InjectionsPlan OverviewsPreventive Care CoverageRenal DialysisSkilled Nursing FacilityVision and Hardware Coverage
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Care Management
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Additional ProgramsAdvance Directive PolicyChronic Care ManagementCoverage DeterminationEnd Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Care CoordinationHealth Risk AssessmentHospice Care CoordinationNational Committee for Quality AssuranceNotice of Medicare NoncoverageOutpatient Observation Frequently Asked QuestionsPreventive Service GuidelinesPrograms for MembersQuality Improvement/Utilization Management Program OverviewSecurity Health Plan ProtocolsTwo Midnight RuleWellness and Health Promotion
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Claims Processing Policies and Procedures
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Anatomical Modifier Requirement PolicyBilling and ReportingClaims Coding ResourcesClaims Payment CalendarClean Claim and InterestCMS 1500 InstructionsCoding Quick ReferenceCoordination of BenefitsCorrection Adjustment RequestData Security and ConfidentialityDrug Wastage PoliciesElectronic ClaimsElectronic File Submission ProcessGenetic and Molecular Lab TestingLimitation of LiabilityNational Drug Code RequirementsModifier InformationOffice Infusion ProtocolOutput ReportsPayment IssuesProvider Appeal and Grievance PolicyProvider Remittance Advice StatementRate Letters from CMS for CAH, RHC & Swing BedsReference (Outside) Laboratory Billing ProtocolReimbursement for Inappropriate Discharge and ReadmissionReimbursement Recovery ProcessSkilled Nursing Facility (SNF) and Consolidated Billing SubrogationTesting ProceduresTimely Filing for Claim SubmissionTrading Partner for Electronic DataTransaction TermsTransmissionUB-04 Instructions and Sample Claim FormUnlisted CodesWorkers' Compensation
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Contact Information
- Documentation Requirements
- Fraud, Waste and Abuse
- HCC - Risk Adjustment
- Health Equity and Cultural Sensitivity Awareness
- Important Disclosures
- Member Information
- Pharmacy
- Primary Care Provider
- Provider Directory
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Rights and Responsibilities
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Access StandardsMedical policiesProhibition of Interference with Health Care Professionals Advice to Medicare Advantage MembersProvider ContractingProvider Credentialing ProcessProvider Reporting of Member ComplaintsProvider Response Requirements for Member ComplaintsProvider System Outages and or Material BreachProviders' Expectations of Security Health PlanSecurity Health Plan's Expectations of ProvidersSkilled Nursing Facility Denial of Medicare/Medicaid Payment
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Utilization Management
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Authorization of Inpatient CareContinuity and Care CoordinationeviCoreHigh End Imaging - Cardiac imaging and elective heart catheterizationHigh End Imaging - Radiation ServicesHome HealthHome IV Drug TherapiesHospice ProtocolsHospital Inpatient Utilization ReviewHospital Urgent/Observation AdmissionInappropriate Discharge and ReadmissionInpatient Acute Rehabilitation/Long Term Acute CareMedical NecessityMusculoskeletal proceduresNavihealth-Skilled Nursing Facility CareNorthwood DMEPharmaceuticals - Specialty Medications (Magellan)Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapy - OutpatientPre-Certification Notification and Concurrent Review GuidePrior authorizationsProvider appeal and grievance policyRadiation Oncology ServicesSecond OpinionServices related to oral appliances - for treatment of obstructive sleep apneaSkilled Nursing Facility AdmissionSleep managementTechnology AssessmentUtilization management general informationUtilization Management for behavior healthUtilization Management for timeliness standards
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Product Overview D-SNP
Step Therapy
Last Updated on October 06, 2026
Step therapy is a pharmaceutical utilization management tool that requires using one or more drugs in a step-wise approach. Step therapy programs typically promote the use of generics or other cost-effective alternatives as the first choice drug before progressing to more costly alternatives. Step therapy is in place of a traditional prior authorization process when a trial with a preferred first-line drug is the only prerequisite for coverage.
In cases when the member requires the step therapy drug as a first-line option, supporting documentation is requested from the provider. Exceptions will be considered if first-line drugs are inappropriate, for example, due to a valid medical contraindication. To request an exception, see below.
How does a provider request an exception for a Step Therapy Medication?
The process for requesting an exception of a Step Therapy Medication may commence by communication between the prescriber and SHP pharmacy staff.
- The prescriber's request must provide the following:
- member name;
- prescriber name, address, and telephone number;
- drug, strength, dosage form, and directions;
- Completed Step Therapy Override Determination Form
The Step Therapy Override Determination form can be found by logging into your Security Health Plan provider portal.
- Information provided must be sufficient to assess whether the request meets criteria for approval.
- If the prescriber provides an oral supporting statement, the Health Plan may require the prescriber to subsequently provide a written supporting statement.
- The prescriber may also be required to provide additional supporting medical documentation as part of the written follow-up.
- The request and supporting documentation may be delivered in written form or electronically via one of the following methods:
- Written requests should be sent to:
- Security Health Plan
- ATTN: Pharmacy Services
- PO Box 8000
- Marshfield, WI 54449-8000
- Email: shppharmacyum-mfld@Sanfordhealth.org
- Call: Security Health Plan Pharmacy Services: 1-877-873-5611, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
- if you are hearing- or speech-impaired call TYY 711
- Fax: 715-221-9989
- Written requests should be sent to:
- For a “Standard” request, decision shall be granted or denied within 3 business days of receipt of the completed Step Therapy Override Determination form.
- For an Urgent or “fast” request, an approval or denial will be granted by the end of the next business day after receipt of the complete Step Therapy Override Determination form