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NuedextaBlue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois

pseudobulbar affect (PBA) associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), dementia, stroke, or traumatic brain injury

Initial criteria

  • The patient has a diagnosis of pseudobulbar affect (PBA)
  • The patient has ONE of the following: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) OR multiple sclerosis (MS) OR dementia OR stroke OR traumatic brain injury
  • The prescriber has assessed the patient's PBA episodes (laughing and/or crying episodes) prior to therapy with the requested agent
  • The prescriber is a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis (e.g., neurologist, neuropsychologist, psychiatrist) OR has consulted with such a specialist
  • The patient does NOT have any FDA labeled contraindications to the requested agent

Reauthorization criteria

  • The patient has been previously approved for the requested agent through the plan’s Prior Authorization process
  • The patient has had clinical benefit with the requested agent
  • The prescriber is a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis (e.g., neurologist, neuropsychologist, psychiatrist) OR has consulted with such a specialist
  • The patient does NOT have any FDA labeled contraindications to the requested agent

Approval duration

12 months (BCBSIL); 3 months (others initial); 12 months (others renewal)