Starting June 1, no authorization is required for BCN routine outpatient behavioral health therapy

For dates of service on or after June 1, 2018, authorization is not required for routine outpatient therapy for mental health and substance use disorders, for contracted behavioral health providers in Michigan. This applies to both BCN HMO^SM (commercial) and BCN Advantage^SM members.

Currently, these services require authorization for all providers and authorization requests are submitted through the e-referral system.

Authorization will continue to be required for:

• Providers who do not belong to the network assigned to a member's plan
• Noncontracted providers, including providers outside of Michigan

In addition, the outpatient services listed here will continue to require authorization through the e-referral system for all providers:

• Autism evaluation and treatment
• Electroconvulsive therapy
• Neurofeedback
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation

We'll be updating the Behavioral Health chapter of the BCN Provider Manual and other documents to reflect the change in authorization requirements.

Posted: April 2018
Line of business: Blue Care Network