October 2026

In case you missed them, here is a recap of and links to all of the U.S. commercial articles that were published in the Provider Newsroom in October

Early cancer detection in men: how providers can turn awareness into action

(October 29, 2026) Cancer is one of the leading causes of death for men in the United States,yet 65 percent of men are behind on at least one routine cancer screening,creating opportunities for providers to start conversations about cancer risk, appropriate screenings, and symptoms patients should not ignore.

More than fatigue: The widespread health effects of sleep deprivation

(October 28, 2026) Growing research suggests the effects of poor sleep may extend far beyond next-day fatigue.

Evidence from the frontlines: key flu vaccine facts for primary care

(October 26, 2026) Fewer than half of adults and children received a seasonal flu vaccine last year, despite significant illness and health care visits resulting from the flu.

Lung cancer conversations: five critical insights every clinician needs to know

(October 26, 2026) Lung cancer develops silently, without symptoms — and when symptoms appear, they are often attributed to other conditions. Lung cancer screening is the most reliable way to find lung cancer early in at-risk patients, yet only one in five eligible adults receive recommended screenings.

Cigna Specialty Care Options programs drug list changes

(October 16, 2026) Updates were made to the Cigna Specialty Care Options programs drug list.

Cigna Pathwell Specialty: Updates to the drug list

(October 16, 2026) Updates were made to the Cigna Pathwell Specialty drug list.

Working together for better health: Enhancing continuity and coordination of care

(October 15, 2026) When medical and behavioral healthproviders work together, patients benefit. That is why we are committed to supporting continuity and coordination of care across our network. 

Boost your HEDIS results with antibiotic stewardship during cold and flu season

(October 9, 2026) With the arrival of cold and flu season, your office will likely see a rise in patients with respiratory infections. Typically, viral illnesses cannot be effectively treated with antibiotics. Therefore, it’s crucial to prescribe antibiotics judiciously and to educate patients on how to care for symptoms and prevent the spread of illness.

Specialty Medical Injectibles with Reimbursement Restriction

(October 8, 2026) Our Specialty Medical Injectables with Reimbursement Restriction guidelines state that certain injectables must be dispensed and their claims must be submitted by a Cigna Healthcare^®–contracted specialty pharmacy, unless otherwise authorized by Cigna Healthcare.

CDC report highlights rising rates of gestational hypertension

(October 7, 2026) New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show gestational hypertension continues to rise across the United States.

Study finds modified overnight schedule associated with improved sleep in emergency physicians

(October 6, 2026) In a small study of emergency medicine physicians, an alternative overnight schedule was associated with more deep sleep, less post-shift sleepiness, and lower levels of certain inflammatory biomarkers.

CignaHealthcare introduces Health Sense® to connect health guidance, benefits and support

(October 6, 2026) CignaHealthcare introduces Health Sense^®, a connected patient experience and clinical support model that helps individuals access support earlier, collaborate with their treating clinicians on informed care decisions, and move more seamlessly through their care journey.

270/271 eligibility and benefits transactions: Phase 3 enhancement now available

(October 5, 2026) The third and final phase of the CAQH® CORE1 recertification enhancements to the 270/271 eligibility and benefits inquiry and response transaction set has been completed.

Prior authorization portal change coming October 31, 2026

(October 2, 2026) Effective October 31, 2026, EviCore by Evernorth^® will transition prior authorization requests for certain Cigna Healthcare services from the MedSolutions portal to the CareCore portal on EviCore.com.