News Archive
This archive contains messages that were previously posted in the e-referral News section. The content of these articles includes technical system issues that have been resolved or information that is now part of the regular Blue Care Network referral process.
Provider Web-based training now available on e-referral
Blue Care Network's Web-based tutorial, e-referral Made Easy, is now available to our e-referral users. E-referral Made Easy is conveniently divided into learning segments, making it easy to pace yourself through the referral topics as time allows or focus only on the specific information you need. You must have the ability to view Flash files in order to use the tutorial.
Posted December 2008
Removed July 2009
This information applies to all BCN products except BlueCaid and BCN 65
Expanded radiology authorizations apply to these procedure codes
New authorization requirements began Oct. 1, 2008
In the July-Aug. 2008 Network News, we told you that Blue Care Network was expanding the radiology authorization program started in 2007 (Radiology authorization program expands, Page 37). View the expanded list and descriptions of radiology codes requiring authorization (PDF).
New authorization requirements for myocardial perfusion imaging procedure codes* became effective Oct. 1, 2008. Authorization requirements for MRI of the brain, CT of the brain, CT of the pelvis, and CT of the abdomen will go into effect Jan. 1, 2009. The Jan. 1 effective date also includes a new authorization requirement for MRI and CT of the lumbar spine procedures for BCN Advantage members.
Authorization requirements for the remaining codes on the list will go into effect in the second quarter 2009.
Primary care physicians and specialists must submit clinical information via e-referral by responding to questions about the medical need for the procedure.
These authorization requirements do not apply to procedures conducted in urgent care centers, emergency rooms and during inpatient hospital stays.
*CPT codes, descriptions and two-digit numeric modifiers only are copyright 2008 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Revised November 2008
Removed July 2009
Landmark outpatient therapy management program update
Blue Care Network's new outpatient and in-office therapy management program is now fully operational. Therapy providers can view their Practitioner Performance Summaries through Landmark Connect, Landmark's secure provider portal at landmarkhealthcare.com*
Landmark has now expanded the information available through Landmark Connect to include access to approval and denial letters and requests for information — generated by Landmark's system beginning Oct. 1, 2008, and after — for all therapy providers managed by Landmark.
Information on how to complete the treatment plan form is included in the packet of information sent to therapy providers by Landmark and is also available on Landmark Connect. Further, treatment plans can be submitted online through Landmark Connect or by fax at 888-565-4225.
In addition to using Landmark's Web site, providers will continue to see authorizations on e-referral. Landmark enters all determinations into BCN's system.
For more information about the Landmark program, go to the Landmark page on e-referral. For questions regarding authorization requests, contact Landmark at 877-531-9139.
Important hints for providers to avoid delay when submitting therapy referrals:
- Make sure to include all requested information.
- Specify the location where the therapy will be provided.
- Submit your referral as far in advance as possible.
This program does not apply to BCN 65 or BlueCaid.
*Blue Care Network does not control this Web site or endorse its general content.
Posted October 2008
Removed July 2009
New e-referral User Guide now available on e-referral
The e-referral User Guide has been revised, and a full-color electronic version is now available on e-referral. Click on Training Tools under e-referral Resources in the left navigation panel, then click on the link to the user guide. Although the link indicates that the manual is for primary care physicians, all referral coordinators may use this version. To download the PDF file to your computer, right click on the link, select "Save target as" and choose a location in which to save your file. A new version of the user guide for specialists and facilities will be available during the first quarter 2009.
Posted October 2008
Removed July 2009
BCN now needs your NPI when processing referrals
BCN has completed the transition to National Provider Identifiers for processing referrals. Please note the following:
- When contacting the Web Help Desk, have the provider's NPI available.
- On the Referral Request Entry page, the ID number for "Submitting Provider" or "Servicing Provider" will be the provider's NPI.
You can perform a provider search on e-referral using the NPI, the BCBSM PIN or the practitioner's name.
Revised September 2008
Removed July 2009
Blue Care Network announces change in dialysis authorization requirement
Effective May 1, 2008, Blue Care Network no longer requires authorization for dialysis services rendered by a contracted provider. As a reminder, contracted providers are required to use specific dialysis codes to avoid delay in reimbursement. Use of NOC codes will result in denied claims without prior authorization.
Posted May 2008
Removed July 2009
Behavioral health resources now available on e-referral
Educational resources, forms and contact information for Blue Care Network behavioral health providers are now available on e-referral. In the left navigation panel, click on Behavioral Health under BCN Care Management Resources.
Posted March 2009
Removed April 2009
Expanded radiology authorizations apply to these procedure codes Authorizations required beginning Oct. 1, 2008
In the July/August 2008 Network News, we told you that Blue Care Network was expanding the radiology authorization program started in 2007. (Radiology authorization program expands, Page 37).
New authorization requirements for the following procedure codes marked with a diamond symbol become effective Oct. 1, 2008. Authorization requirements for the remainder of the listed procedure codes go into effect Jan. 1, 2009. View the expanded list and descriptions of radiology codes requiring authorization (PDF).
Primary care physicians and specialists must submit clinical information via e-referral by responding to questions about the medical need for the procedure.
These authorization requirements do not apply to procedures conducted in urgent care centers, emergency rooms and during inpatient hospital stays. This information applies to all BCN products except BlueCaid and BCN 65.
Posted August 2008
Removed November 2008
Landmark outpatient therapy management program now operational
Blue Care Network's new outpatient and in-office therapy management program began August 15, 2008. Landmark Healthcare Inc. will oversee outpatient physical, occupational and speech services for BCN members delivered by independent physical therapists, outpatient physical therapy providers and physician practices. Implementation was effective September 1, 2008, for hospital-based outpatient therapy services.
This program applies to BCN commercial HMO, BCN AdvantageSM and U-M Premier Care products. It does not apply to BCN 65 or BlueCaid.
For more information about Landmark, including clinical tools, forms, training and reference materials, please visit landmarkhealthcare.com*. Therapy providers can view their Practitioner Performance Summary by selecting Landmark Connect under the Practitioners tab and completing new user registration. View the training presentation (PDF) or, for general therapy questions, contact Landmark by e-mail at info@LMhealthcare.com or by phone at 877-531-9139.
*Blue Care Network does not control this Web site or endorse its general content.
Posted August 2008
Removed October 2008
Password reset requirements
To successfully change your e-referral password, follow these guidelines:
- Do not use the same beginning and ending characters from your previous two passwords.
- Passwords should contain at least five characters.
- Passwords may be a combination of letters, numbers and other conventional symbols.
- Passwords are case sensitive.
Posted May 2008
Removed Sept. 2008
Identifying M-CARE authorizations on e-referral
Authorizations dating back to 2004 for former M-CARE members who are now effective with BCN were recently loaded to BCN's e-referral system. Their authorization numbers can be identified by a "C" prefix.
Example: CXXXXXXX = M-CARE authorization transferred to BCN
Posted August 2007
Removed September 2008