In accordance with the State of California State of Emergency for Monkeypox signed 8/1/2022:
Serendib Healthways does not require prior authorization, precertification, or referrals for the diagnosis or treatment of monkeypox.
The IPA is waiving prior authorization requirements for related services to the testing, prevention, and treatment of Monkeypox.
The IPA is waiving timely filing requirements for Monkeypox-related services and will replace medical equipment or supplies; and other services related to the prevention, detection, and treatment of Monkeypox.
Members may access an appropriate out-of-network provider if an in-network provider is unavailable due to the state of emergency or if the enrollee is out of the area due to displacement, as a result of Monkeypox.
Serendib’s 1st priority is safety for our communities – our members, our providers, and our employees. Serendib wants to ensure that members needing care or medication in impacted areas are able to get help.
The disease has flu-like symptoms (fever, chills) that last a few days, followed by a distinctive rash, and/or new lymphadenopathy.
Note that perianal or genital lesions may occur without flu-like symptoms and may affect the face and extremities (including palms and soles), mucous membranes and genitalia.
More about the rash:
The appearance and progression of the rash evolves from lesions with a flat base to slightly raised firm lesions, lesions filled with clear fluid, lesions filled with yellowish fluid, and crusts which dry up and fall off.
The rash can be confused with other diseases, especially in the genital or perianal areas (e.g., secondary syphilis, herpes, chancroid, molluscum contagiosum, and varicella zoster).
Before testing for monkeypox, please rule out and test for the other more common causes of a rash.
Managing Monkeypox:
The current strain of monkeypox (West African clade) appears to be milder so most patients recover without medical intervention or can be managed in an outpatient setting.
To find out more about antiviral therapy, available vaccines and to stay current as the situation evolves, visit the CDPH website.
Serendib Healthways puts your care first, providing HMO/IPA making pediatric care accessible. With over 15 medical office locations across California and 11 locations in Los Angeles county.