How to submit inpatient authorization requests to Blue Cross during upcoming holiday closure

On Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network corporate offices will be closed for the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday.

During this office closure, follow the guidelines outlined below when submitting inpatient authorization requests for Blue Cross' PPO (commercial) and Medicare Plus BlueSM PPO members.

Type of service Blue Cross' PPO (commercial) requests Medicare Plus Blue requests
Acute initial inpatient admissions

Submit requests 24/7 through the e-referral system.

If the e-referral system isn't available:

  • For Blue Cross' PPO requests, fax to 1-800-482-1713 or call 1-877-399-1673.
  • For Medicare Plus Blue requests, fax to 1-866-464-8223 or call 1-866 807 4811.

Or, you can submit requests through the X12N 278 Health Care Services Review - Request for Review and Response electronic standard transaction.
Post-acute initial and concurrent admission reviews

Follow the current process:

  • For UAW retiree contracts, fax requests to 1-866-915-9811.
  • For other members, fax requests to 1-866-411-2573.
 Submit requests to naviHealth. Refer to the document Post-acute care services: Frequently asked questions for providers.
Other inpatient services

Fax the following types of requests to 1-800-482-1713:

  • Authorization requests for sick or ill newborns
  • Federal Employee Program members with contract eligibility issues
  • Ineligible members or members with no contract
Not applicable
On-call line and for urgent inpatient requests only Call 1-800-851-3904.

Find additional resources on this website.

Posted: January 2020
Line of business: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan