Michigan

M-CARE

M-CARE, a third party insurance carrier with more than 5,000 network providers serving approximately 200,000 members in southeastern Michigan, has implemented a policy requiring ICAEL accreditation. The new policy requires all outpatient echocardiography services provided after November 1, 2004, to be performed in an ICAEL accredited laboratory. To encourage its providers to allow ample time to complete the process, M-CARE is requiring that all providers of outpatient echocardiography services begin the accreditation process by placing an order for ICAEL Accreditation Materials no later than November 1, 2003. Echocardiography services provided in an outpatient location that has not requested an application from the ICAEL will not be reimbursed after November 1, 2003.

Questions specifically about the M-CARE policy can be directed to Theresa Kurtinaitis, MSN, RN, Clinical Performance Administrator, M-CARE at (800) 527-5549.