CLARIFIED: Effective May 1, BCN behavioral health providers must use e-referral to submit initial outpatient requests for authorization
Starting May 1, 2016, BCN's behavioral health providers will be required to submit initial outpatientrequests for authorization using the e-referral system. This applies only to non-urgent outpatient (clinic or office) services.
What's changing. Many behavioral health providers are submitting the initial outpatient authorization requests for their BCN patients using the Behavioral Health Initial Outpatient Authorization Request Form, which is currently available on the Behavioral Health Web page on this website.
Starting May 1, this form will no longer be available online and requests for initial outpatient authorization requests will be accepted only through the e-referral system.
Sign up to use the e-referral system. BCN-contracted providers who have not already signed up to for access to the e-referral system should apply immediately. To do that requires signing up for the Blue Cross / BCN Provider Secured Services portal, as follows:
- Click Sign Up or Change a User on this website.
- Click to open the appropriate forms for your provider type.
- Complete the forms. Make sure to check that you want access to the e-referral system.
- Submit the forms. Follow the instructions given on each form.
Learn how to use the e-referral system. Instructions for using the e-referral system are available on this website. Click Training Tools. Select the best training option for you.
In the next few weeks, an e-referral user guide geared specifically toward behavioral health providers will be available. Watch for the announcement!
Posted: March 2016
Line of business: Blue Care Network