​​​​​09/12/25 Genitourinary and gastrointestinal RNA/DNA panels

Genitourinary and gastrointestinal RNA/DNA panels, which use multiplex molecular testing to detect multiple pathogens simultaneously, are rapidly gaining popularity and use in the healthcare system. PEIA utilizes UnitedHealthcare's coverage criteria, and coverage of these tests is not guaranteed. Although they do not require prior authorization, clinical documentation is reviewed to determine medical necessity after submitting a claim. Please be advised that some tests are considered experimental and investigational. For this reason, the policies are attached below. In addition, when in doubt, you can obtain a predetermination of coverage through UMR via phone at 888-440-7342 or fax 844-289-0155. 
https://www.uhcprovider.com/content/dam/provider/docs/public/policies/umr/genitourinary-pathogen-detection-panel-testing-umr.pdf
https://www.uhcprovider.com/content/dam/provider/docs/public/policies/comm-medical-drug/gastrointestinal-pathogen-testing-infectious-diarrhea.pdf​

09/12/25 A Message from Mountains of Hope about HPV​

​West Virginia (WV) has the highest rate of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers in the nation. In WV, the rates of both cervical cancer in female​s and oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers in males exceed U.S. rates. WV’s current up-to-date HPV vaccination rate is 49.8% among adolescents aged 13-17 which is significantly lower than the vaccination rates for MenACWY (91.8%) and Tdap (90.7%). HPV vaccination is a valuable tool for protecting West Virginians against cancer. The HPV vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing these cancers. It offers crucial protection, especially if the series is completed by age 13 before a child’s first HPV exposure. The HPV vaccine is shown to have almost 100% efficacy in HPV cancer prevention.​ What can you do to help? ​​​Please read this ​letter from Mountains of Hope West Virginia Cancer Coalition​. ​ ​​

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