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OpsumitCareFirst (Caremark)

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, WHO Group 1) in adults

Initial criteria

  • Prescribed by or in consultation with a pulmonologist or cardiologist
  • Member has pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) defined as WHO Group 1 class of pulmonary hypertension
  • PAH confirmed by pretreatment right heart catheterization with ALL of the following results: mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) > 20 mmHg, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) ≤ 15 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) > 2 Wood units; for pediatric members, pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) > 3 Wood units × m² is acceptable
  • For infants less than one year of age, PAH confirmed by Doppler echocardiogram if right heart catheterization cannot be performed

Reauthorization criteria

  • Member is currently receiving the requested medication through a paid pharmacy or medical benefit
  • Member is experiencing benefit from therapy as evidenced by disease stability or disease improvement

Approval duration

12 months