Physical therapists who work with Cigna in all or parts of 15 states can expect to see some changes in the coming months, as the insurer expands use of its benefit management contractor, American Specialty Health, or ASH, to multiple new markets. The expansions will be rolled out in two phases beginning in September, and providers in affected areas are already receiving notice of the change.

[Editor's note: Since publication of this article, Cigna has informed providers that it will not use American Specialty Health as a benefit management contractor in Wyoming.]

Beginning Sept. 1, ASH will be introduced across Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Wyoming. The program will also be introduced to certain counties in Kansas, Kentucky, and Wisconsin; and will be expanded in Illinois and West Virginia. On Nov. 1, North Carolina and South Carolina will be added to the ASH markets.

The changeover affects preferred provider organization, health maintenance organization, point of service, and individual and family benefit plans, as well as LocalPlus Cigna and Open Access Plus plans, and applies to freestanding physical therapy and occupational therapy facilities. It doesn't include speech therapy, multispecialty groups, or hospitals. Providers in applicable service areas must be contracted with ASH to provide in-network services for Cigna patients.

If you think you may be affected by the change: It's crucial to get information straight from the source. Visit Cigna's provider services website to stay on top of the changes as news is rolled out, including details on how the system works and whether it applies to you. ASH will also be alerting affected providers over the coming months.

Important Contact Information

• Information and application line for noncontracted providers:  888-511-2743.
• To obtain a statewide provider application: 888-599-1771.
• Information and ASHLink activation for ASH-contracted providers: 800-972-4226.

ASH is already active in Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and parts of Illinois and West Virginia.