Provider Newsletter Archive

Click below to review past issues of the BCBSAZ provider e-newsletter. The most recent issue is listed first.

Single access point for BCBSAZ proprietary medical policies
Medical policy changes for skin substitutes and amniotic membranes
Controlling high blood pressure: Get to know the latest guidance for 2022
May is Mental Health Awareness Month: The need for support is real every day
How to help patients with postpartum depression
Reminder: Quarterly fee updates and code edit changes

Announcing the BCBSAZ Foundation for Community & Health Advancement
Help BlueHPN members avoid out-of-network costs
How to check network status
Help us keep your Medicare Advantage patients healthy with ReferWell
Update: NYC retirees to remain in current Medicare plans for now

CMO Dr. Cara Christ introduces Colby Bower, VP of Provider Partnerships
BCBSAZ is partnering with Availity for provider portal services
Help us complete the HEDIS 2021 data collection
New recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
BCBSAZ Medicare Advantage members can earn rewards for preventive care

February 2022

A note of appreciation and a warm welcome to Dr. Cara Christ
Preservice review waiver to expire on February 28
Introducing a new process for EFT enrollment and changes starting March 9
Making it easy: Send us quick data updates online
ID card makeover for 2022: What happened to copay information?
Annual update of BCBSAZ fee schedules

January 2022

Federal Employee Program changes for 2022
Many Canada Blue Cross members now have access to U.S. coverage via BlueCard
Continuity of care update for 2022
Delayed start date: NYC retiree plan switch to Medicare Advantage
Documenting diabetes care: Follow the latest guidelines

December 2021

Note important COVID-19 billing updates for 2022
Preview the 2022 Provider Operating Guide
Just hit SEND to initiate an overpayment correction—no more checks!
Telehealth is here to stay: What you need to know
Search tool now available for BCBSAZ proprietary medical policies
For your reference: 2022 BCBSAZ member ID prefix lists

November 2021

IMPORTANT UPDATE! BCBSAZ will continue the post-acute preservice review waiver until further notice
BCBSAZ covers expanded range of COVID-19 vaccine boosters
BCBSAZ to implement 90-day provider data verification cycle
BCBSAZ is piloting a monoclonal antibody referral program for high-risk members
Helping Medicare Advantage members reduce prescription high costs
Reminder: Quarterly fee updates and code edits changes

October 2021

Member cost-share waivers for most telehealth services to be discontinued
BCBSAZ adds Blue PPO plan to Exchange offerings for 2022
ABA services to require prior authorization
Effective January 1: NYC retiree plan switches to Medicare Advantage Plus
Protect patients from post-discharge medication errors

September 2021

Pfizer booster authorized for individuals in high-risk categories
BCBSAZ Rx prior authorization now available through Surescripts
Patients count on you to refer in network!
Don’t miss this Quartet webinar: Maximizing Mental Health Resources in Primary Care
Prevent unnecessary ER visits with these proactive strategies
Help your aging patients reduce the risk of falls

August 2021

Effective immediately: Preservice review waiver is reinstated for post-acute care admissions
Help us close gaps in care for Medicare Advantage members
New dental claim requirements: Take action now to prevent rejections!
Grant opportunity: Submit diabetes prevention and treatment proposals by September 2
The COVID-19 vaccine could affect your patient’s mammogram
Reminder: Quarterly fee updates and code edit changes

Code edit updates for professional claims begin August 1
BCBSAZ launches partnership with Quartet behavioral health care navigator
BCBSAZ no longer automatically generates secondary claims
Check tier levels when referring State of Arizona employer group plan members
How to set up for success with our network-rental line of business
Latest provider guidance on documenting hypertension

Inpatient admissions once again require prompt notification or prior authorization
Your guide to the BCBS BlueCard program for out-of-area members
Check out the new “Chat about MAT” resource for your practice
BCBSAZ and HCA are joining forces in Flagstaff and Chandler-Phoenix

Reminder! As of June 1, post-acute care admissions require prior authorization
How to access BCBSAZ clinical criteria
Revised guidelines allow BRCA testing through multi-gene panels
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month
Emphasize the importance of prenatal and postpartum care
Reminder: Quarterly fee updates and code edit changes

BCBSAZ will discontinue certain COVID-19 emergency measures May 31
Fraud watch: New BCBSAZ policy requires providers to monitor receipt of payments
Arizona legislators get busy voting on a backlog of bills
Improved remit tool and claims e-learning available now
BCBSAZ adjusts tier status for albuterol sulfate HFA inhalers
The news is good: Regular screenings help find and prevent cervical cancer

Messages from our BCBSAZ CMO and CEO: We’re thankful for providers, hopeful for Arizona
It’s all about our members: 2021 HEDIS data studies are underway
Effective May 1, 2021: Annual fee schedule updates
Access helpful provider resources for claim preparation
Action steps to help patients with diabetes overcome therapeutic inertia

February 2021

Building your patients’ confidence in COVID-19 vaccines
New data elements required for professional claims
April fee updates will not reflect the annual CMS fee changes
BCBSAZ adopts 2021 E/M code revisions
Get quick access to helpful 2021 provider resources
Always send CHS group claims to BCBSAZ—not the TPA

January 2021

As COVID-19 cases surge, BCBSAZ emergency measures continue
Important precertification updates for 2021
How to check your tier level for the new State of Arizona employer group plan
PCP Coordinated Care HMO plan updates for 2021
Funding the fight: Now accepting proposals for a substance use disorder grant
Be aware of COVID-19 lab testing scams for Medicare-age patients

Click here to view the 2020 archive >>

Click here to view the 2019 archive >>

Click here to view the 2018 archive >>

Click here to view the 2017 archive >>

Click here to view the 2016 archive >>

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