BlueCard^® connection: answer to a recent question

As part of our ongoing series on the BlueCard program, here’s the answer to a question we recently received.

I need to request required authorizations for services rendered to BlueCard members. Can I submit those requests electronically?
Yes, a Michigan provider can request a required authorization electronically as long as member’s home plan has electronic capability for its local providers. The Electronic Provider Authorization tool allows a Michigan provider to access an out-of-state plan’s website through Provider Secured Services at bcbsm.com.

The member’s three-letter alpha prefix will route you to his or her home plan’s Web page. Each home plan’s Web page will look different, and every plan will not offer the same electronic capabilities. If an electronic option is not available for the authorization you require, the plan’s website should direct you to contact the plan using the BlueCard toll free number: 1-800-676-2583.

For more information on the EPA and BlueCard programs, including links to articles about the EPA program, please reference the BlueCard chapter of the online provider manuals.

If you’re experiencing issues with the information provided in the BlueCard chapter or any of the online tools — or if you’d like more information on a particular topic — contact your provider consultant. If you’d like to suggest a topic to be covered in a future issue of The Record, send an email to ProvComm@bcbsm.com and put “BlueCard series” in the subject line.