Clinical Policies

Clinical policies are one set of guidelines used to assist in administering health plan benefits, either by prior authorization or payment rules.  They include but are not limited to policies relating to evolving medical technologies and procedures, as well as pharmacy policies.  Clinical policies help identify whether services are medically necessary based on information found in generally accepted standards of medical practice; peer-reviewed medical literature; government agency/program approval status; evidence-based guidelines and positions of leading national health professional organizations; views of physicians practicing in relevant clinical areas affected by the policy; and other available clinical information. 

All policies found in the WellCare of North Carolina Clinical Policy Manual apply to WellCare of North Carolina members. Policies in the WellCare of North Carolina Clinical Policy Manual may have either a WellCare of North Carolina or a “Centene” heading. WellCare of North Carolina utilizes InterQual® criteria for those medical technologies, procedures or pharmaceutical treatments for which a WellCare of North Carolina clinical policy does not exist.  InterQual is a nationally recognized evidence-based decision support tool.  You may access the InterQual® SmartSheet(s)™ for Adult and Pediatric procedures, durable medical equipment and imaging procedures by logging into the secure provider portal or by calling WellCare of North Carolina. In addition, WellCare of North Carolina may from time to time delegate utilization management of specific services; in such circumstances, the delegated vendor’s guidelines may also be used to support medical necessity and other coverage determinations. Other non-clinical policies (e.g., payment policies) or contract terms may further determine whether a technology, procedure or treatment that is not addressed in the Clinical Policy Manuals or  InterQual®criteria is payable by WellCare of North Carolina.   

If you have any questions regarding these policies, please contact Member Services and ask to be directed to the Medical Management department.