VA CCN January 2026 Provider Pulse

FreeStyle Libre 3 and Libre 3 Plus Sensor Medical Device Correction

Abbot Diabetes Care has initiated a medical device correction for certain FreeStyle Libre 3 and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus continuous glucose monitoring sensors. This follows internal testing that identified a manufacturing issue that caused some sensors to report inaccurate glucose readings.

As part of this corrective action, Abbott estimates approximately 3 million sensors in the United States were affected from one product line. About half of these have likely been used or expired.

Veterans can enter their sensor serial number to determine if their unit has been impacted, and request a replacement by visiting FreeStyleCheck.com.

New VA Precertification ID Requirement for Certain Services Under CCN

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has implemented a new requirement where select procedure codes require providers to obtain a precertification ID from VA.

See VA’s Precertification Billing Code List

What’s changing

For certain services, providers must request a precertification ID through the VA Precertification Portal (VAPP). This ID is required to be obtained prior to rendering services.

• Log into the VA Precertification Portal to request the precertification ID for applicable procedure codes. Please note that the process to request a precertification code is completed entirely within the VAPP portal.
• Precertification ID requests should be submitted 14 calendar days prior to the planned date of service.
• Once the precertification ID is approved by VA, providers will immediately receive the precertification ID and the ID will be transmitted to TriWest via HealthShare Referral Manager (HSRM).
• The precertification ID will then be ingested by our claims processor, PGBA, where it will be referenced during claims adjudication and payment.
• Precertification ID requirements are to be met for all authorizations regardless of when the VA issued the authorization.
• Services for which a precertification ID was not obtained, providers should utilize the retrospective precertification process and obtain a precertification ID.
• Note: A referral issued by the VA does not automatically authorize the services which require a precertification ID.

Beginning September 25, 2026, claims submitted for services that do not include the required precertification ID will be denied.

For additional information and resources to include the list of codes which require a precertification ID, See VA’s Precertification Billing Code List.

Apotex-Manufactured Mometasone, Fluticasone, and Moxifloxacin Recall Update

Please be aware of a recent recall affecting certain Apotex-manufactured products, including some lots of mometasone and fluticasone nasal sprays, as well as moxifloxacin ophthalmic solutions. The recall was issued due to a quality and potential contamination concern.

At this time, there have been no widespread reports of adverse events related to these products, but caution is still recommended. Providers should report any suspected adverse reactions to the FDA’s MedWatch program and follow local protocols for handling recalls to ensure patient safety.

Safety Update: Potential Elevated Impedance in Boston Scientific Endotak RELIANCE ICD Leads

Please be advised that certain Boston Scientific Endotak RELIANCE implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads have been identified with a potential for elevated impedance, which may interfere with proper sensing and therapy delivery. Elevated impedance in affected leads can compromise device performance and, in rare cases, may contribute to serious patient harm.

Providers are encourage to report any adverse events or device performance concerns using the FDA’s MedWatch Reporting Program and follow local and manufacturer-provided guidelines for handing this advisory.

VA CCN Provider Handbook Updates

A new section, Use of Artificial Intelligence, will be added to the VA CCN Provider Handbook:

Use of Artificial Intelligence

TriWest does not prohibit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology by providers to deliver care, however the Provider must ensure that its use of AI complies with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Artificial Intelligence or AI refers to a machine-based system that can, with respect to a given set of human-defined objectives, input or prompt, as applicable, make predictions, recommendations, data sets, work product (whether or not eligible for copyright protection), or decisions influencing physical or virtual environments. The Provider is prohibited from using AI for any functions impact covered services delivered to Veterans without review of a qualified clinician. Providers using AI must be careful to ensure that the implementation of such technologies are in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, as amended and its implementing regulations and guidance, and applicable federal, state, or local privacy regulations.

Clinical Records submitted to TriWest for any purpose will be accepted as long as:

1. The provider discloses any use of generative AI.
2. The records demonstrate oversight by a clinician of the documentation submitted.
3. The provider maintains audit trails of the AI involvement and clinician validation.
4. Systems used maintain compliance with HIPAA and other applicable privacy regulations.
5. Clinical Records must always comply with requirements of this Handbook and the VA CCN requirements.

Providers agree to provide TriWest with all necessary information requested to describe their use of the AI tool(s) and how the Provider oversees, monitors, and evaluates the performance and legal compliance of such AI tool(s). Providers must also allow TriWest to audit its use of AI, as requested from time to time, and cooperate with TriWest with regard to any regulatory inquiries related to such AI use in connection with VA CCN.