New program for UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust members provides options for some diagnostic services

Beginning Jan. 1, 2019, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will offer a program for UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust members that allows them to choose from a list of health care providers for high-tech diagnostic imaging services.

The program, called Specialty Care Shopper, is offered in partnership with AIM Specialty Health^®. With this program, members of the Trust who require diagnostic imaging services (e.g., MRI and CT scans) have an opportunity to choose from different health care providers. It allows the members to look for high-quality services while helping them keep their out-of-pocket costs as low as possible.

How will it work?
When a member needs an MRI or CT scan, his or her health care provider will prescribe one and obtain authorization for the service from AIM. AIM then reaches out to the member and offers him or her the choice of cost-effective options in the area (based on AIM’s online imaging provider registration tool, called OptiNet^®).

If a member agrees to change his or her rendering provider, AIM will help do that.

How do I go register with AIM?
Go online to aimspecialtyhealth.com/goweb**. Then select BCBS Michigan from the dropdown menu. Fill out OptiNet tool information to be included as one of the rendering providers who will be suggested for Trust members.

The information requested includes:

• A facility’s specifications
• Technologist and physician qualifications
• Accreditation
• Equipment
• Technical registration

AIM uses this information to determine how closely providers adhere to industry-recognized standards (such as those established by the American College of Radiology and the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission).

If you don’t register with AIM on the OptiNet registration tool, then your facility name won’t be included in the online directory and Trust members won’t be able to select you as part of the Shopper program.

It’s important to note, however, that Trust members can still receive services from providers who aren’t registered with AIM’s OptiNet program. The program is designed to help members make educated decisions about their care.

What happens to my information once I enter it?
Once you complete your registration, your responses are evaluated and given a score for each modality you perform. Your facility’s score and allowed payment amount will be shared with ordering physicians during the provider selection component of the prior authorization review.

What if I don’t register?
Then your facility name won’t be included in the online directory and Trust members won’t be able to select you as part of the Shopper program.

Note: Members can still receive services from providers who aren’t registered with AIM’s OptiNet program. This program is only designed to help members make educated decisions about their care.

I’ve already registered with AIM’s OptiNet tool. Do I have to re-register?
No. You don’t need to re-enter your information. But be sure to look at your information online to make sure it’s accurate.

**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan doesn't own or control this website.