Ordering transfers from noncontracted ambulance services costs members money

Health care providers must order transfers from contracted (participating) ambulance services when arranging for non-emergency ground transfers. This applies to transfers for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan commercial, Medicare Plus Blue℠, Blue Care Network commercial and BCN Advantage℠ members.

Noncontracted (nonparticipating) ambulance services may balance bill members, which may result in members being charged large amounts for these services.

You can avoid this situation by using only contracted ground ambulance services for non-emergency transfers. To determine which ground ambulance services are contracted with or participate with a member’s health plan:

1. Go to bcbsm.com.
2. Click on Find a Doctor.
3. Click on the Search without logging in link.
4. If prompted, choose a location.
5. In the upper-right corner of the screen, do one of the following:
6. Click on the I don’t know my network button.
7. Click on the Change your location or plan link and then click on I don’t know my network.
8. Click on the Find a different plan button.
9. Select the appropriate plan.
10. Click on the Confirm selection button.
11. Click on Places by type.
12. Enter Land ambulance or the name of a specific ambulance provider and then press Enter.

The search results include the ground ambulance services that are contracted with or participate with the plan you selected.

See our Ground Ambulance Services medical policy for additional information. To view the policy:

1. Go to bcbsm.com/providers.
2. Click on Resources.
3. Scroll down the page and click on the Search Medical Policies button.
4. In the Medical Policy Router Search page, enter “ground ambulance services” in the Policy/Topic Keyword field and then press Enter.
5. Click on the Medical Policy – Ground Ambulance Services link.

We also published this information as a provider alert.