Do's and don'ts when submitting commercial SNF requests using the e-referral system

Starting Dec. 1, 2020, skilled nursing facilities were required to submit authorization requests for Blue Cross commercial and BCN commercial members through the e-referral system and not by fax.

You should fax the form only when the e-referral system is not available.

Here are important do's and don'ts when submitting your requests through the e-referral system:

• On requests for initial admissions:
  • Do submit only one request for each member admitted. Don't submit a duplicate request while waiting to get the response.
  • Do include the admitting/attending physician in addition to the name of the facility.
• On requests for additional days:
  • Do add an extension line so we know you're requesting the days. Follow the instructions in the e-referral User Guide (PDF) for "Extending an Inpatient Authorization."
  • Don't add more than one extension line.
• On all requests:
  • Do complete the Skilled Nursing Facility Assessment Form (PDF) and attach it to the request in the e-referral system instead of faxing it.

    Note: Do include on the form the name and phone number of the person submitting the authorization request.

  • Do complete each field. Don't indicate "see attached" in lieu of completing the fields.
  • Don't request more than seven days.

Training resources for SNFs

It's important to use the available training resources to familiarize yourself with the e referral system, especially:

• Checking member eligibility and benefits
• Submitting an inpatient authorization request (requests for admissions and requests for additional SNF days)
• Attaching a document to the authorization request

You can access a recorded webinar for SNFs and the webinar slides at ereferrals.bcbsm.com. Click Training Tools and scroll down to find the "e-referral Overview for Skilled Nursing Facilities presentation" - specifically:

• Recorded webinar
• Presentation slides (PDF)

Important next steps

If you haven't done so already, there are two important things you should do right away.

1. Register now for access to the e-referral system

   We encourage you to register now for access to the e-referral system. It takes some time to process registration requests.

   To register, follow the instructions on the Sign Up or Change a User webpage on our ereferrals.bcbsm.com website.

2. Use the online tools to learn the e-referral system

   Visit the Training Tools page of our ereferrals.bcbsm.com website for:

   • e-referral User Guide (PDF)
   • Online self-paced learning modules

   Posted: April 2021
   Lines of business: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network