Update: You must use network laboratories for your Blue Cross and BCN patients

Since communicating about this topic in the June 2019 Record, Labcorp joined our network and can be used for our Blue Cross Medicare Plus Blue℠ members. We’ve adjusted this article accordingly.

During our regular reviews of claims data, we’ve seen that some providers continue to send lab work for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network patients to noncontracted laboratories. Also, we’ve found some patients are taking their scripts for lab work to noncontracted labs, not realizing this may result in higher costs.

When patients go out of network for lab services, it may cause unnecessary cost-sharing expenses and balance billing by the labs — and we’re committed to helping control costs for our members. We encourage you let your patients know that going to a contracted lab helps ensure they avoid higher copayments and possible other out-of-pocket costs.

Network labs offer a full complement of routine tests, BRCA testing and other specialty tests. In addition, we use contracted labs to obtain lab data needed for regulatory reporting and clinical quality review.

According to your participation agreement with us, you must use network providers (including labs) when referring patients for non-emergency services. Make sure to verify a laboratory’s participation in the appropriate network before referring patients for lab samples.

Below is a list of labs used for our members:

Failure to meet program requirements for using participating laboratory services may lead to corrective action, including potential termination from the Blue Cross network.