Northwood Inc. to manage DME/P&O and medical supply needs for Medicare Plus Blue^SM members

As reported in a web-DENIS message on Dec. 1, 2017, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will use Northwood Inc.’s network of providers to meet the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and medical supply needs of Medicare Plus Blue PPO members, starting Jan. 1, 2018. Northwood is an independent company working for Blue Cross.

Blue Cross is leasing the Northwood provider network and contracted fees for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and medical supplies. Blue Cross will process claims for these supplies and equipment for Medicare Plus Blue members.

Blue Cross will reimburse in-network providers for serving these members according to the vendor fee schedules. If there’s no fee schedule for a specific service, we’ll base our reimbursement on Medicare’s allowed amount for that service. Out-of-network claims for Medicare Plus Blue PPO members will be reimbursed using the Medicare fee schedule, with the potential of higher level of cost sharing being applied.

Northwood is contacting providers who serve Medicare Plus Blue members about becoming a Northwood-participating provider. If you’d like to join the Northwood network, you can get a provider enrollment application by contacting Debbie Skattebo, Northwood’s provider relations manager, at 586-755-3830 or 1-800-447-9559, extension 3703. You can also email provideraffairs@northwoodinc.com.

All Medicare Plus Blue plans include DME/P&O, medical supplies and Part B drugs that are covered under original Medicare.