Discharge information may update automatically in e-referral for inpatient care

Recent updates to the e-referral system have improved the efficiency of inpatient authorizations for Michigan facilities. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network obtain discharge information through Michigan Health Information Network Shared Services. Through upgrades to the process, e-referral may automatically populate changes to discharge dates.

• If the discharge date results in a shorter length of stay than initially approved, e-referral will reduce the days on the approved case to match the facility’s date.
• If the discharge date results in a longer length of stay than initially approved, e-referral will add the requested days and approve or pend the case.

This change applies to all Blue Cross and BCN fully approved cases in the e-referral system, including commercial and Medicare Advantage.

After adding an extension or reducing the number of days, the provider should confirm that the information in e-referral has been updated.

• If the information is correct, no further action is needed.
• If the information is incorrect, providers should contact the appropriate Blue Cross or BCN areas to relay the changes needed.

The updates are expected to reduce the need for providers to manually enter discharge information on a case.