Prescribing Process

Device Selection Guidelines

Selecting the appropriate phototherapy device is crucial for treatment success. Consider these key factors when making device recommendations.

Patient Assessment Criteria:

• Treatment Area: Determine whether the patient needs localized or full-body treatment
• Mobility and Convenience: Consider the patient's lifestyle and treatment location preferences
• Compliance History: Assess the patient's ability to follow treatment protocols
• Technology Comfort: Evaluate the patient's comfort level with different controller types

Current Featured Devices: most popular choices for insurance coverage

Phothera recommends utilizing our latest technology of ClearLink Controller with the Guided Mode, which is the safest and easiest mode for patients. Guided mode was utilized in a randomized clinical trial (LITE Study) published in JAMA, demonstrating enhanced patient adherence rates and safety outcomes. ClearLink Touchscreen Controller guides the patient through every treatment. 

For Localized Treatment:

• Phothera 100XL: Handheld device designed for spot treatment throughout the body e.g., the scalp.
  • Ideal for small areas like elbows, knees, or specific patches
  • Portable and convenient
  • Perfect for patients with limited treatment areas
  • Easy to use for targeted therapy
  • Currently not available with guided mode software

For Larger Treatment Areas:

• Phothera 200: Panel device (2 sq ft) ideal for hands or feet treatment. ClearLink touchscreen controller guides patients through every treatment 
  • Suitable for moderate-sized treatment areas
  • Good balance of coverage and convenience
  • Appropriate for torso or limb treatment

• Phothera 600-3D: 8-lamp, full body coverage. ClearLink touchscreen controller guides patients through every treatment. 
  • Full-body treatment capability
  • Stand-up panel design for comprehensive coverage
  • Ideal for patients with widespread conditions

For additional available devices, visit: https://www.phothera.com/products/

Controller Type Selection

ClearLink Controller Guided Mode: Recommended for Most Patients 

• Patient responses guide dose adjustments
• More flexibility for complex cases
• Requires more clinical input during prescription
  
  

DT Controller (Phothera 100XL):

• Time-only control system
• Simple, intuitive interface
• Cost-effective option
• Appropriate for straightforward timing needs

Prescription Workflow

Online Prescription Process via ClearLink Portal or e-Form:

Both of our ordering options recommend the simplest way to prescribe and provide pre-selected defaults that simplify your prescribing process and patient management

Step 1: Access the Portal or e-Form

• Log into ClearLink (https://clearlink.phothera.com/login) 
• Navigate to the prescription section
• Select "New Prescription"
• OR access the online order form here 

Step 2: Patient Information

• Enter patient demographics
• Verify insurance information
• Document condition being treated (diagnosis) and patient skin type

Step 3: Device Selection

• Choose an appropriate device based on your assessment
• Specify any special requirements

Step 4: Prescription and Medical Necessity

• The default is set for Unlimited Exposures, which requires no additional support from the provider 
• Select Device Mode of operation (recommend Guided Mode when available); Note: some devices only have a DT Controller and therefore require Time-based treatment mode
• Define treatment duration
• Fill in information from the patient's medical chart
• Set follow-up intervals

Step 5: ONLY e-FORM (not needed on ClearLink Portal): Provider Information

• Enter provider and clinic information

Step 5: Documentation Upload

• Upload necessary chart notes for insurance processing
• Include diagnosis, treatment history, and medical necessity
• Attach any relevant clinical photographs or documentation
• Attach patient insurance information and

Required Documentation for Insurance Coverage

Chart Notes Requirements:

• Diagnosis: Clear documentation of photoresponsive condition
• Treatment History: Previous therapies tried and outcomes
• Medical Necessity: Explanation of why phototherapy is indicated
• Treatment Plan: Specific protocol and monitoring plan
• Progress Notes: Any baseline measurements or photographs

Essential Elements for Insurance:

• ICD-10 diagnosis codes (L40.x for psoriasis, L20.x for atopic dermatitis)
• Documentation prior therapies (when applicable)
• Severity assessment (PASI, BSA, quality of life impact)
• Treatment goals and expected outcomes

Patient Instruction Creation

Automated Instruction Generation: The ClearLink portal automatically generates patient instructions based on your prescription, including:

• Device-specific setup instructions
• Safety guidelines and precautions
• Treatment schedule and protocol
• When to contact the provider
• Emergency procedures

Customizable Elements:

• Add provider-specific contact information
• Include practice-specific protocols
• Customize follow-up schedules
• Add additional safety reminders